A letter of a friend

"The pride week which was organised by Lambda Istanbul came to the end with a magnificant final. Istiklal street was painted colours of rainbow flag. it was the biggest march in Turkey with the most participation we have ever seen. Some people watched as with bewildered eyes, some didn't want to be contended with watching but also applauded and some joined our slogans as well. t was a honour to be in Istiklal street, holding the big rainbow flag and to be able to scream that we shouldn't be silent. t was a day which already took the part in the LGBT history in Turkey. I've been in Gay Pride Marches in european countries several times, it made me feel free to be there but something was missing for me. But Istanbul... Istiklal Street... it had something more sense to be there and also was emotional as much as meaningful. In our country, with our language, we were telling our people that we are here and we won't be silent anymore. At the beginning, while we were preparing for the march there were some people from us watching us from far but then I realized that they joined the march in few minutes. Was it possible not to impress the scene? was it possible be indifferent to this athmosphere? and not to wish to be a part of this magnificent event! Our feelings met in a common point and we became a unique heart in Istiklal Street. I really felt what the Pride's meaning! We were just 1.000 people there, I know it's nothing comparing with the march in European countries, but I felt that we, all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in Turkey were there. We all felt so strong ourselves while we were screaming as "don't be silent, scream, we are here"

Ismail