Aylin on RØST Underwear & Lgbtq+ Rights in Turkey
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Aylin is a single mom from Turkey who runs an independent underwear brand called RØST. It’s actually more a personal project and less of a business. Aylin started this business to empower themselves and the people around her. Aylin uses her brand to stand up against the recent decision to withdraw Turkey from the Istanbul Convention.
6284 is a LAW included in the Istanbul Convention to protect Womxn and LGBT+ communities from male violence. You can see four creative minds in the streets of Istanbul wearing the LAW. We spoke to Aylin about her brand, LGBTQ+ community and how we can support queer people in Turkey during this difficult time.
When did you start RØST and why?
On May 12, 2020 it will be 2 years... But somehow the whole process feels much longer because every step is full of emotions and was quite intense. The answer for why I have chosen this path is a very simple one: by chance… Underwear, a simple piece of cloth, is too much associated with shame. And, I think, It is bullshit. For years, I’ve been going to the beach or doing the garden work in my underwear... In my eyes this is somehow a rebellious act :) But unfortunately, I could never find an underwear that reflects my character, so I thought why don’t I create some for myself? And so, it started. When I made the first batch of undies, people around me liked them a lot. Then their friends showed interest... And then friends of those friends wanted me to make some for them. So, I suddenly found myself doing these and I LOVE IT
___STEADY_PAYWALL___
You collaborate with local artists on RØST underwear, can you share with us some of your favourite collaborations and why?
Before the pandemic I was working here in Istanbul in an underground art store (Big Baboli Sarküteri) but unfortunately the physical gallery had to be closed and the work continued online. During the time I worked there I was fortunate enough to meet many talented artists. I became friends with some of them and that led to create something together. I don’t have a favorite collab, each one teaches me something new and I love exchanging creativity with people who share the same dreams. I hope the future brings more of those strong creative gatherings.
Who inspires you creatively?
it may sound like a cliché but everything within me and around me, inside and out, inspires me...There are days when I process my deepest wounds into my creative existence and there are days just seeing a beautiful flower is just enough to be creatively spurred on.
What does community mean to you?
What community means to me is growing together, collaborating hand in hand through good times and bad times; especially in a society where everybody is pressured to perform and pushed to be self-centered. I think it’s even more important to be in a community like this, where you can grow roots together for a better future.
You mention that in Turkey it’s really hard to be yourself -can you expand on that for our audience?
The political situation in Turkey is not rosy. The misogynistic way of thinking is widely spread and quite strong. Because of that, for womxn & LGBTQ+ it is a constant struggle. We don’t feel safe anywhere. There are no laws protecting us. The only hope is the community. When I feel like shit, there is a beautiful quote that embraces me: “gece karanlıktan korkarsan bu kenti atese veririz,” (If you fear the dark in the night, we will set the city on fire). I appreciate every single person who does not give up on being themselves even though it means exposing them to potential attacks... through Røst i got to know a lot of people like those who experienced such issues. That’s why røst is more a community for me rather than a business. Together, we will fight for our existence until the end.
What is your main goal with RØST?
My main goal for Røst is to awaken the inner power of people. To love being yourself and celebrating that is just, revolutionary! I will always continue to create so that our community grows bigger by reaching out likeminded people and getting stronger by collaborating each other to outgrow those who have hostile misconceptions.
Can you tell us more about Turkey withdrawing for the Istanbul Convention? And how we can support our LGBTQ+ people and women during this time?
Withdrawing from the Istanbul convention means more femicides, no laws to protect us and more freedom for perpetrators…I think it’s important to speak out about this situation more often and educate womxn & LGBTQ+ communities on their rights. At the end its not a topic only about Turkey, it is about the fucked up patriarchal system. As I said before, I believe in the power of community so the worldwide connection with likeminded people is priceless! So, thank you Polyester zine, for making this possible. I think providing a space for topics like this is an important step for us all!
