17 Mayıs Derneği (May 17 Association)

Who We Are?

Founded on September 2, 2019 in Ankara, May 17 aims to strengthen the LGBTI+ community and its activism.
Be it on a societal or an individual level, we fight against all sorts of discriminatory practices based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. In addition to carrying out scientific, cultural, social, pedagogical, and arts activities, we also conduct social work, advocacy, awareness-raising, human rights monitoring and reporting activities to contribute to the formation of a fairer and a freer society.

What We Do?

Against the growing oppression of LGBTI+ persons, we primarily aim to strengthen the LGBTI+ community and its activism. The founders of the association mostly include LGBTI+ activists and professionals working in this context. Based on the emerging needs during the capacity building activities of LGBTI+ associations and activists, we also prioritize crisis intervention and offering relevant support.
As the bonds among the LGBTI+ community have been weakened due to the imposed bans on LGBTI+ events and the growing oppression in Ankara, we aim to reinforce those weakened bonds of the community in the city.

Why May 17?

The association derives its name from May 17, 1990, the date when WHO declassified homosexuality as a disorder. From that day onwards, May 17 has been celebrated as The International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

Our Statute and Policy Documents

https://www.17mayis.org/en/about-us/our-statute-and-policy-documents

Mahmut Şefik Nil Hall

Our host venue for events has been named after Mahmut Şefik Nil, one of the founders of Kaos GL.

The venue was opened in February 2020 by May 17, Rainbow Families Association, and Aramızda, the association for Gender Research- the three associations that are to use the venue collaboratively. The venue was previously used by Women’s Solidarity Foundation to host events for gender equality in Ankara for years.

We are proud to have named our venue after Mahmut Şefik Nil, one of the pioneers of LGBTI+ movement and LGBTI+ mental health.