Pride Day is a significant celebration across Europe, especially in the Netherlands. It symbolizes the hard-fought freedoms and rights of the LGBTQ+ community, and it’s a vibrant expression of gender equality and personal choice. However, in my home country of Turkmenistan, such freedoms are non-existent. People here lack the liberty to choose freely, and peaceful protests are prohibited. The concept of gender equality is largely unknown.

Turkmenistan is one of the most repressive countries in the world. The government tightly controls all aspects of life, including freedom of expression, assembly, and religion. Independent media is nonexistent, and internet access is heavily restricted and monitored. Human rights organizations report that dissent is met with harsh reprisals, including imprisonment, torture, and forced disappearances. The LGBTQ+ community faces severe discrimination, and homosexuality is criminalized, punishable by imprisonment.

Similarly, in Belarus, freedom is severely restricted. Peaceful demonstrators face imprisonment, beatings, and even torture. The situation in Turkey is comparable, where the fear of persecution makes daily life distressing.

It’s heartbreaking to see the stark contrast between countries where people can celebrate their identities openly and countries where such freedoms are suppressed. The struggle for basic human rights continues in many parts of the world, and it’s vital to shed light on these issues to advocate for change.

It’s a sobering reminder of the privileges we often take for granted. The courage of those fighting for their rights under such oppressive regimes is truly inspiring.

From my point of view, highlighting these issues is crucial. The international community must not turn a blind eye to the plight of those living under repressive regimes.

Ayna Matiyeva

23/07/2023