Turkey’s state broadcaster is under fire over a new documentary that critics say targets lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people and portrays them as a threat to families. The six-part documentary, titled “Rainbow Fascism,” is set to stream Sunday, January 18, on Tabii, the online platform of state broadcaster TRT. TRT Director General Mehmet Zahid Sobacı announced the program on Twitter, calling it an effort to expose what he described as an ideological siege that targets the family and children.
The series focuses on what it calls the goals and influence of LGBTQ+ lobbies, using interviews, research, and personal stories. Critics say the project crosses a line for a taxpayer-funded broadcaster. In its trailer, LGBTQ people are depicted as a rainbow-colored elephant smashing objects inside a glass children’s room, imagery activists say, which encourages hostility. Journalist İrfan Değirmenci (deh-geer-MEN-jee) accused TRT of using public funds to put citizens at risk, saying public broadcasting should not target people.
LGBTQ advocates, academics, and public figures echoed those concerns. The controversy comes as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government promotes family-centered policies. Human rights groups say LGBTQ people in Turkey already face bans on Pride events, police detentions and growing political pressure.
