15/09/2026
Turkey’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ people is escalating.
Turkish police have carried out raids targeting LGBTQ+ organisations, activists and businesses, including gay venues in Istanbul. At least 60 people were initially reported arrested, while authorities say the wider investigation involves 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses across 15 provinces.
The operation, called “My Family Is Safe”, has been presented by authorities as an effort to protect children, family values and public order. Human rights groups say it marks a major escalation in the targeting of LGBTQ+ people and civil society. Sixteen people detained in Izmir have since been jailed pending trial, while websites and social media accounts linked to LGBTQ+ organisations have also been blocked.
On 15 September, at least 150 more people were detained during a protest outside Istanbul’s Çağlayan courthouse against the crackdown. The EU and Council of Europe have both raised concerns, stressing that “family values” cannot be used to justify discrimination or violations of fundamental rights.
The raids come two months after Turkey refused entry to Scarlet Lady, a Virgin Voyages ship chartered by LGBTQ+ travel company Atlantis Events. Carrying around 2,000 passengers, the ship was due to visit Kuşadası and Istanbul but was blocked from docking over concerns linked to “moral values”. It was the first time in Atlantis’ 36-year history that one of its cruises had been barred because of its LGBTQ+ identity. The ship was later refused entry to Egypt too.
Same-sex relationships are legal in Turkey, but Pride events have faced repeated bans and LGBTQ+ organisations and activists have come under increasing pressure.
For LGBTQ+ travellers, these developments raise serious questions about how welcome and safe the community is being made to feel in Turkey.
