Film Screening
The Freedom to Be Who I Am: Film Screening and Discussion of Blue ID
Film about a young trans* man and his fight for self-determination and acceptance in the more traditional Turkish society. Followed by a discussion with the directors.
With:
Burcu Melekoğlu, director and author, Istanbul
Vuslat Karan, director and author, Istanbul
in conversation with Markus Dreßler, professor of modern Turkish studies, Institute of Religious Studies, Leipzig University
"Fuck the blue ID!" Rüzgar Erkoçlar is a Turkish actor best known for his TV productions. When he began transitioning in 2012, he hoped to keep it a secret from the public. Ultimately, his wish was to exchange his pink identity card for a blue one, which would officially identify him as “male” in Turkey (The identification cards had been colored as blue or pink to denote gender in Turkey between 1976 and 2017). However, when the press finds out about his transition, a trans-hostile hate campaign ensues, resulting in Rüzgar not even being able to leave his own apartment. Over the course of several years, the filmmakers document his struggle for freedom and self-determination.
Content note: The film contains trans-hostile language. Film in Turkish with English subtitles; discussion in English.