|
Yesterday, Club Pera, organized the first (!!) Turkish gay and lesbian party in Amsterdam nightclub Paradiso. It's not that long ago that in Turkey, homosexuals were doomed to lead their life in secrecy. But nowadays, Istanbul is a hip and ultramodern city, without having lost its traditions. Istanbul is a great city to party for gays, lesbians and straight people. And that is exactly the thought behind the Pink Istanbul-party.
I thought it is a huge breakthrough in the Turkish gay scene. The party stressed the connection between Amsterdam and Istanbul, and besides partying, there has been place for serious matters as well:
Before the nightprogramme, there has been a debate with Turkish-Dutch politicians and homo-activists from both Istanbul and Amsterdam. Subjects as 'Is İstanbul the youngest gay-city of Europe?' and 'How is homosexual-tolerance in İstanbul, in comparison with Amsterdam?' have been discussed.
In the nightprogramme, there have been performances of Arkin Allen (Mercan Dede), Onur Özer, When Harry met Sally, DJ Sertan, DJ Ipek a.o. DJs were accompanied by dance-groups from Amsterdam and Istanbul, and there was a lounge with the theme 'From nargile to oil-wrestling in the hamam'.
The event was supported by COC Amsterdam en Nederland, UNK and GAY.EU
- I wish I had been able to go there, as the doors were open for everybody.
Source: (what I typed is merely translation of the Dutch webpage below)
http://www.clubpera.nl/pinkistanbul
|
I got a long way to go before I speak like a native.. ! 
