Annual Trans Pride march held in Istanbul

ISTANBUL – Doğan News Agency

DHA Photo

Hundreds of protesters and gay rights activists took to Istanbul’s iconic İstiklal Avenue for the 5th annual Trans Pride march on June 22, one week ahead of the annual LGBTI Pride march.

The march started in front of the French Embassy, as police did not permit demonstrators to gather at Taksim Square.

The group marched to Tünel Square and made a press statement.

“We will keep on fighting until finally throwing a monkey wrench into your corrupt regime. We will resist and protect gay pride on the streets, in the parks and prisons,” they said in the statement.

The group also asked for improvements on regulations regarding the employment of gay people, a change in the rules of prostitution and preparation against hate crimes in legislation.

The statement also demanded that sex workers be accepted as a recognized branch of business with guaranteed labor union rights.