JINHA

ANKARA – Thousands took to the streets of Ankara with rainbow flags yesterday for International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.

The LGBTI group Kaos GL called the 10th such march in Ankara, starting at the campus of Ankara University. LGBTI activists and organizations from 15 different cities were present at the march, withLGBTI student groups from countless high schools and universities. The Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) sent a sound system-equipped vehicle to the march. Barış Sulu, the first out LGBTI man to run for Parliament in Turkey's history, was among the HDP candidates at the march.Organizers said this was the largest May 17 march in Ankara's history.

"We are in rebellion against heterosexism," said Hayriye Kara from Kaos GL, speaking at the end of the march in Sakarya Square. "Heterosexism is everyone's problem. We will keep on holding hands and walking with love to liberate ourselves together."

The march ended with a concert in the square.

(ekip/fk/cm)