Beyond the Binary: How Turkish LGBTQ+ Activism Online Shapes Identity and Community

Serkan Görkemli's study primarily focused on the role of the internet and digital literacy in reshaping identities and communities within the Turkish LGBTQ+ context. Görkemli investigated how the internet-based activist group, Legato, utilized digital platforms to challenge societal norms and foster community. The study highlights the significance of digital literacy in reshaping sexual and gender identities in Turkey, offering insights into the intersection of online activism and identity formation.

Legato, an online-born activist group, used digital tools like Yahoo! groups and a dedicated website to create a virtual meeting place for members. This allowed them to connect, share experiences, and coordinate activist efforts, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. Legato also worked to disseminate ‘sexual literacy,’ particularly in its Euro-American forms while simultaneously working to critique heterosexism. This approach redefined sexual literacy in Turkey by providing information about LGBTQ+ issues, rights, and resources, empowering members with knowledge and tools for self-advocacy.

The internet provided several key advantages for Legato. Firstly, it broke geographical barriers, connecting LGBTQ+ individuals from different cities and universities across Turkey. Secondly, the online environment offered a degree of anonymity, allowing individuals to participate in activism without fear of reprisal or discrimination. Thirdly, Legato's online platforms facilitated the dissemination of information about LGBTQ+ issues, rights, and resources, empowering members with knowledge and tools for self-advocacy. These factors were crucial to Legato's success and influence.

While the text does not explicitly list specific challenges, it does mention that Legato navigated complex social and political landscapes. The ability to act outside of the traditional activism sphere allowed the group to flourish, this implies that the group worked to challenge the boundaries of traditional activism methods. The need to balance online engagement with offline action and the need to address digital divides is extremely important, highlighting that the group had to navigate challenges that still remain today. Although specific challenges are not listed, the fact that it was a group of students from the mid-90s, implies that the challenges included the lack of digital access and literacy within the general population, the need for privacy and security within a conservative society, and the need to gain acceptance and visibility within the wider culture.

According to Görkemli's analysis, contemporary digital activists can learn valuable lessons from Legato's experience. The importance of balancing online engagement with offline action is emphasized, suggesting that effective activism requires a blend of virtual and real-world strategies. Additionally, the need to address digital divides is highlighted, indicating that activists must consider accessibility and inclusivity in their online efforts. The group's actions depended on digital literacy and community literacy—or, rather, a search for alternative discourses through action, reflection, and collective action, serving as an example for future activists.