Social Policy, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Studies Association

SPoD is an Istanbul-based national LGBTI+ organisation founded in 2011 by a group of academics, lawyers and activists, carrying out rights-based, advocacy-focused and service-oriented work. Setting off with the dream of a fair, equal and free world under the rainbow, SPoD aims to contribute to the making of social policies necessary for a life in which LGBTI+ people in Turkey will not feel oppressed about their gender identity and sexual orientation. In addition to its advocacy work, SPoD sets examples for public institutions by developing service models for LGBTI+ communities, to eradicate all forms of discrimination, and provides services for LGBTI+ people through public and private partnerships.

Offering legal, social, psychological and peer support to LGBTI+ individuals, SPoD arranges training workshops for key workers from private sector, civil society, local governments, and public institutions. It pursues strategic litigation, undertakes research, monitoring and reporting, and organises academic seminars, advocacy meetings, and election campaigns. Promoting everyone who identifies as LGBTI+ being able to access relevant services and receive reliable support without any discrimination, SPoD trains and networks professionals from key sectors who wish to work with LGBTI+ individuals.

As a grassroots organisation, SPoD carries out all these activities with the participation of its 5 board members, 11 staff members, 120 volunteers and 350 experts. SPoD is an active member of international and regional platforms such as ILGA-Europe, IGLYO, ERA, TGEU, and national and local platforms such as Gender Equality Solidarity Network, Balance and Inspection Network, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Platform, Solidarity Network for Human Rights Defenders, and Istanbul City Council.