The online panel titled "Gendered approach to immigration", which took place within the scope of the project “Towards a new discourse and dialogue”, was moderated by Aslı İkizoğlu Erensü at 18:00 on Thursday, 17 December 2020. The panel, which was held with the participation of Zeynep Kıvılcım and Mert Koçak, discussed the layers of discriminatory discourses and attitudes towards women and LGBTI refugees.

Zeynep Kıvılcım started her speech by stating that Syrian refugees are a heterogeneous group with multiple identities. She pointed out that one of the important mechanisms of multiple discrimination against women and LGBTI refugees is the temporary legal protection regime. She indicated that refugee women’s self-organization differs from Turkish women’s movement and this restrains the solidarity between the two groups. At this point, she stated that it is important for feminists to think about the construction of their language to maintain solidarity.

Mert Koçak stated that the fear of deportation prevents refugees from accessing their rights. He stated that the LGBTI movement has been in solidarity with refugees since the early 2000s and that Trans Guesthouse has an important place in this network. Koçak concluded his speech by drawing attention to the importance of going to a third country in the LGBTI refugee experience.

Video in English