gay/lesbian holidaymakers in icmeler

[dappydebbie]

Hi all, am going to Icmeler shortly with my civil partner for the first time, will we encounter any problems from the locals? are we able to walk round holding hands? how open can we be? we have never holidayed in a muslim country before and would not wish to offend anyones beliefs but are also not comfortable in pretending to be something we are not

Thanks

Deb

[JT]

Ive seen women walking round holding hands all my life and I bet 98% were not lesbians.

No one cares what you do sexually anymore as long as you go out and enjoy yourselves and spend money in the resorts who cares

[blondie]

Debbie, friends of mine holidayed in Icmeler last year and had a fab time - they were treated just like any other holidaymakers (as so they should be), so I don't think you'll have any problems. There was a thread similar to this on the forum a while back and everyone said the same thing - the hospitality you will get will be great and is the same for everyone.

[Jemini]

Hi Icmelites xxxx Deb. I have asked this question for you before, and you have heard most of what the forum have said.See the topic,
Embarassed to ask.
If you read what Blondie and the rest have wrote, yes, they are right but.... if you ask a turkish muslim they will tell you exactly how they feel.
This is an E mail that a very very good Turkish friend of ours sent to me.

As there are no articles on homosexuality in the law vague laws on public morals and public order are used instead. For example the police have the right to take anyone who they deem suspicious to the police station for interrogation. In addition homosexuality is considered to be an indecent act that violates public decency and therefore can be penalised under public decency laws. Freedom of association and expression by gays is also attacked utilising highly flexible police regulations to ban meetings and demonstrations on so-called public morality grounds. In 1995 and 1996 Lambda, Istanbul planned activity weeks which would have included gay and lesbian themed films, panels discussions, and exhibitions. On both ocassions, they were banned on the grounds that society was not yet ready for the visibility of homosexuality.

I asked the question for you because i wanted you to have a good holiday and not for you to both feel awkward.I dont understand WHY you havent believed what i told you. Now you can see it for yourselves.
Well, 6 weeks to go and back around that pool in the sun
I have been on this forum now for 4yrs and still come on everyday to look at the pics I dont want to be here, i want to be there.. . Happy hols.Take care be happy. Jem xxxxxxxxx

[tamii]

As mentioned, Jemini did raised the subject a while ago on the forum, on your behalf. Maybe you would like the see the posts yourself

http://www.icmeleronline.com/forum/view ... highlight=

[tom]

hi we should not forget this is a muslim country and we should respect there laws regarding this subject. as long as its not full in your face you should not have any problems. enjoy your hols

[redrhino12]

I dont think the holding of hands by the same sex in public is wrong but I think kissing in public or showing too many visual signs of affection would to me be offensive by members of the same sex.

This is my opinion and does not reflect in any way how our hosts in Turkey would accept the situation.

Gene

[Silverfox BC]

Too many shows of affection in public even amongst "normal" couples is not on. Other people do not want to watch embarrassing behaviour between anyone, you can do that back in your hotel room. Lets all have fun and enjoy, all things in moderation

[LynnJenny]

their is no harm in walking along holding hands a lot of women do that just go and enjoy yourselves

[Fanny]

hey Dappiedebbie, get out there and enjoy your holiday!!!!!!!!!!!!!
if you check out the replies we all posted to Jemini's thread "embarrassed to ask" as others have mentioned, you'll see that you'll be fine!

[Jemini]

Hi Icmelites Like i explained.....those are English thoughts hun, not Turkish. We have many, many Turkish friends who we love so much and do not want to hurt any party!!! Happy hols Jem xxxx