Turkish LGBT Activist Killed In Car Crash

Boysan Yakar had enthusiasm, energy and ability. All important traits for an activist, particularly one advocating for human rights in a country hostile to the reality that LGBT people even exist.

Yakar, a gay Turkish national, died in a car crash on Sept. 5 in the western part of Turkey, reports several international rights organizations. He was 31.

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Public Affairs issued the following statement, "We have seen reports of Mr. Yakar's passing and offer our condolences to his family and loved ones. Mr. Yakar was an important LGBT advocate in Turkey and a friend of our Consulate General in Istanbul."

Yakar was a mayoral advisor on LGBTI issues in the Sisli District of Istanbul, Turkey's largest city. Earlier this year, Yakar attended the Victory Fund Institute's candidate and campaign training in Jacksonville with several American politicians. The group included Lea Krauss, a defense attorney campaigning for Broward Circuit Judge.

Krauss said she was saddened to hear the news of Yakar's passing.

"I knew him," Krauss said in a telephone call to SFGN Monday evening. "He was a breath of fresh air and all around remarkable man."

Yakar attended the training session as a guest of the U.S. State Department. In his talks with SFGN, Yakar advocated for the CHP, the founding political party of modern Turkey. "We defend secularism and equality and fight discrimination," he said.

Turkey, a majority Muslim country, is ruled by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the AKP. However, in June's elections, the CHP gained ground and ranks second of Turkey's four major political parties with 132 seats in parliament.

Hurriyet Daily News reported Yakar's death, citing confirmation from officials at Gelibolu State Hospital. Five people were killed in a three-car collision in Turkey's Canakkale province, the newspaper reports.

"He was so happy to be in America," recalls Aaron Darr, a candidate for Largo City Commission in Pinellas County. Like Krauss, Darr attended the Victory Fund's training with Yakar.

"It's so sad," Darr said. "He was passionate about fighting for those who could not fight for themselves. He was outspoken and it is so sad that he has been taken before his time."