Rage and despair in Turkey's LGBTQIA+ community after mass arrests

Turkish authorities launched a sweeping crackdown on the LGBTQIA+ community last week, raiding queer bars, shutting down social media channels, and arresting dozens of activists at their homes. The operation has sparked widespread anger and despair among Turkey's queer community and international observers. Bars were stormed without apparent warning, leaving patrons and staff exposed to public identification and detention. Social media blackouts prevented activists from coordinating responses or documenting the raids in real time. The arrests targeted individuals at home, suggesting authorities had gathered intelligence on known activists ahead of the operation. Human rights organizations have condemned the crackdown as a serious escalation against an already heavily marginalized community in Turkey. The incident draws attention to the deteriorating climate for LGBTQIA+ rights in Turkey, where Pride marches have been banned in Istanbul since 2015.