19/09/2026 | Writer: Kaos GL
Kaos GL Executive Board member and trans activist Janset Kalan, who was imprisoned as part of the “My Family is Safe” operations, sent a message to the international trans community from Sincan Prison.
Kaos GL Executive Board member and trans activist Janset Kalan, who was imprisoned as part of the “My Family is Safe” operations, sent a message to the international trans community from Sincan Prison. She said:
“I would like to direct my letter to the trans community around the world. This is not only because I'm firstly a member of such distinct and marvellous community but also because I hope to bring further attention to the T in LGBTI+.”
Thanking those who have shown solidarity with her, Kalan said, “Thank you for all your support, solidarity and thank you just because who you are.”
Here is the full text of Kalan’s message:
“To the international trans community,
I would like to direct my letter to the trans community around the world. This is not only because I'm firstly a member of such distinct and marvellous community but also because I hope to bring further attention to the T in LGBTI+. It is a personal choice of mine since my visibility as a trans woman / transvestite has always been my pride, my joy, my strength as well as my struggle, my stigmatization and exclusion.
I'm writing these lines from a cell that is locked from behind at all times with no access to another person. Another sister of mine is locked next door and we try to communicate at barred windows without seeing each other except our shadows at night, struggling to hear each other clearly. Obviously, we both have a difficulty in hearing not only because of this separation but also because of our loss of hearing due to past violence. I would never wish prison for any of my sisters and brothers, especially in countries with authoritarian regimes, but I thank her for being next door so I don't feel completely alone. We have 1 hour time to spend at the open air each day. We are taken there one by one and that 1 hour is obviously depended on the guard's mood and schedule. At least, it is the only time we are able to see each other's faces when talking.
I'm yet in same clothes, no showering, no toothbrushing, no changing my underwear since the first night I was detained from my house. Everything is a long procedure when under detention and at prison. I'm waiting patiently for some essential products to arrive so I can properly clean myself, as well as the cell I'm in. I will not get into further details.
This is a personal letter from my heart and I really want you to know that I don't feel alright. I'm upset, angry, lonely, anxious, fearful, disappointed, emotional. Believe me, I am the most privileged transvestite here in the prison. I am privileged to be a part of Kaos GL family, and international trans community. I have access to all of you thanks to lawyer friends, activists, journalists and politicians. I am constantly visited. However, most of my sisters here have no such access. They are left behind when we always chanted for noone will be left behind. Of course, we don't have unlimited resources and we can't be enough for everything and everyone's needs. I know and understand our limitations. I'm not complaining but trying to draw a mild picture of transvestites in prison in Türkiye, from inside.
Thank you for all your support, solidarity and thank you just because who you are.
With Love and Compassion”
Tags: human rights, women, media, life, family, lgbti
