AR for LGBTQ+ Human Rights
Virtual Pride: Turkey’s AR Sculpture Inspires LGBTQ+ Global Solidarity
The struggle for LGBTQ+ rights is a continuing tribute to the endurance of a community determined to secure its proper role in cultures all around the world. Consider a busy street in Izmir, Turkey, where the sounds of a silent Pride March echo against the formidable walls of government bans. A singular light of hope has emerged here — a 3D augmented reality (AR) sculpture that transcends physical limitations, challenges societal preconceptions, and represents an unbreakable spirit.
This narrative goes beyond the tale of a mere sculpture; it unfolds as a chronicle of defiance, unity, and the worldwide battle for LGBTQ+ rights. Before delving into the intricacies of this exploration, let’s first direct our attention to the expansive tapestry of LGBTQ+ rights on a global scale.
To understand the current struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, one must go through the pages of history, a journey characterised by major milestones and hurdles that have shaped the direction of the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
The origins of LGBTQ+ activism can be traced back to a time when simply acknowledging non-heteronormative identities was considered revolutionary. From the early twentieth-century clandestine gatherings to the pivotal Stonewall riots of 1969, the LGBTQ+ movement began to proclaim its demand for visibility and equality.
However, episodes of discrimination and persecution tarnish the historical narrative. The historic witch hunts, the banning of same-sex relationships, and the pathologization of homosexuality are all striking chapters that highlight the dangers of homophobia.
The struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in Turkey is multifaceted and involves challenges across legal, social, and cultural dimensions. While there has been progress in certain areas, persistent issues continue to shape the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community in the country:
- The Turkish LGBTQ+ community is struggling to increase its visibility and break stereotypes and prejudices within society.
• This struggle reflects resilience and diversity, challenging and disrupting the prevailing hatred.
• It encompasses not only their orientation or identity but also their personalities, talents, passions, and dreams.
• The LGBTQ+ community is not alone; they have a supportive and vibrant community that celebrates both differences and similarities.
The AR monument is intended to inspire LGBTQ+ individuals to be proud of who they are and also to educate and encourage society to be more accepting and inclusive.
Crafted from fragile glass and geolocated precisely at the point where Pride March is meant to conclude, the AR sculpture is the brainchild of a passionate student seeking to amplify the voice of the Turkish LGBTQ+ community. In a world where discrimination and repression persist, the sculpture strives to be a symbol of unity, resilience, and the vibrant diversity within the LGBTQ+ community.
The sculpture’s narrative unfolds as a journey, mirroring the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Turkey. The beginning of the sculpture represents the determination to start the walk, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the police repression and violence that often accompanies such endeavors.
Crafted by student, who preferred to remain nameless, the AR sculpture proudly stands on Izmir’s most popular street — a testament to resilience and defiance. The sculpture, made from glass, showcases hands grasping vibrant, rainbow-hued objects, serving as a symbol of hope exclusively for the LGBTQ+ community. This symbolism is revealed only to those who scan the QR code he strategically placed.
In a world where government bans prevent their Pride March, his sculpture becomes a representation of unwavering hope for a future free from prejudice. Geolocated precisely where the march is intended to conclude, it signifies the day when hundreds of police won’t obstruct, and their vibrant community will be embraced by Turkish society, disrupting the injected hatred.
The hands within the sculpture cradle an entire rainbow, forming a 360-degree circle that epitomizes unity, while scattered lines symbolize the diverse, colorful lives and beliefs within the LGBTQ+ community. This fragile glass sculpture mirrors their journey, representing an unyielding belief in brighter days, hand in hand with supportive allies.
The AR sculpture represents a unique intersection of technology and art, as it exists in the realm of invisible creativity, unveiling its profound message only when accessed through the scanning of a QR code. This innovative approach not only enhances the intrigue surrounding the artwork but also underscores its global accessibility, reaching people across the world through platforms like Instagram.
By harnessing the power of augmented reality, the sculpture transcends traditional artistic boundaries. Its invisible nature challenges observers to actively engage with the piece, prompting them to scan the QR code and reveal a vibrant manifestation of hope, unity, and LGBTQ+ resilience. In doing so, the artwork not only captivates onlookers but also harnesses the connectivity of social media to extend its influence globally.
Embedded within the vibrant narrative of the Student’s AR sculpture, an unnamed artist shares a poignant experience from this year’s Pride March:
“The police, clad in black riot gear, followed us as we moved forward. Their transparent shields formed a continuous line, resembling the scales of a snake. Amidst the tumultuous crowd, I navigated the street at a pace that fell somewhere between a walk and a run. Surrounding voices were raised in shouts and whistles, expressing defiance. Maneuvering through the throng, I successfully distanced myself and sought refuge in a cafe just as panic-induced running began.
This marked my inaugural participation in a Pride March. Despite the constitutional permission for such events in Turkey, the reality is a perilous invitation to potential beatings and arrests. My motivation for attending was rooted in the desire to connect with others who share my identity. The LGBTQ+ community in Turkey typically experiences isolation, misery, and threats. This event provided an opportunity to demonstrate support and solidarity.
The impact of that event left a profound impression on me. Those who participated in the march were fully aware that they might face beatings and arrests, yet their courage astounded me. I share their unwavering belief that the LGBTQ+ community deserves freedom.
Feeling a deep desire to contribute, but with no tangible way to assist them, I turned to the realm of Virtual Reality. Presently, my augmented reality sculpture adorns a park in the heart of my city. A circular rainbow, upheld by glass hands, hovers above the heads of passersby.
However, they remain oblivious to its presence.
Its intention extends to challenging a State that has yet to grasp control over virtual spaces. Navigating the experience of being gay in a Muslim country has cultivated profound empathy within me for those who are different, marginalized, or facing threats based on their identity. This journey has also transformed me into an activist. Its aim is to disrupt a State that is still grappling with how to exert influence in virtual realms. The experience of being gay in a Muslim country has fostered deep empathy for individuals who are different, marginalized, or facing threats due to their identity. This journey has also spurred me into activism.”
AR Sculpture created by a student participant of the AR Journey Futuring program, crafted by Vira DG.
