JINHA

ISTANBUL – Gülşen, a trans woman attacked three days ago, is struggling for life in a hospital in Istanbul. Gülşen was one of at least six trans women attacked in one night across Turkey.

Gülşen's two attackers, who attacked her in the late hours Saturday night, are unknown. Dr. Pınar Akova says she arrived at the hospital with bruises and knife wounds. Doctors are trying to control the bleeding, as she was apparently stabbed in 29 places.

"Her condition is getting worse, but she's very strong. She's trying to live," said Michelle, a friend of Gülşen's. "Don't skimp on the support and prayers."

Gülşen was one of at least six trans women attacked in four separate incidents across the provinces of Izmir, Istanbul and Kocaeli. Zana Yaman, of the LGBTI committee of the Peoples' Democratic Congress (HDK) in Izmir, called attention to the fact that hate crimes against LGBTI people tend to receive large sentence reductions in court, encouraging further attacks.

"We will continue to struggle for LGBTI people's ability to live an equal and dignified life," said Zana, condemning the attacks.

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