Turkish Transsexuals Take To The Stage To Defend Their Rights

[Natasha]

Turkish Transsexuals Take To The Stage To Defend Their Rights

http://transgriot.blogspot.com/2009/02/turkish-transsexuals-take-to-stage-to.html
Monica Roberts
2/5/09

TransGriot Note: I'll say it again, transgender peeps fighting for their rights, dignity and respect is a worldwide struggle.

Turkey: transsexuals take to the stage to defend their rights.

ANKARA (AFP) — A unique play in an Ankara theatre ended with a standing ovation this week as the little-known actors -- transsexuals and gays raising their voice against discrimination -- fought back their tears on stage.

Their play, "Pink And Grey," put the spotlight on the plight of transsexuals in mainly Muslim Turkey, in the latest initiative of a fledgling but increasingly vocal movement for rights by a community long ostracized and often harassed.

Beaming with pride and excitement, the amateur stars, male-to-female transsexuals Derya Tunc and Sera Can, received congratulations in the boisterous backstage, taking a welcome respite from their actual jobs as sex workers.

"Despite all the discrimination we face, I have no regrets for what I am," Can cheerfully told AFP. "My only regret is having ended up in the prostitution sector."