The good people at the Book Depository will now deliver Perking the Pansies free of charge to about 120 countries and territories across the world from Australia and Andorra to Vanuatu and Vietnam. Isn’t that nice of them? Ironically, the free deal doesn’t cover Turkey.
Perking the Pansies 
strange!
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I’ve used The Book Depository for a lot of years now; despite what it says on their website they have consistently delivered to me here in Turkey free of charge. Although their cover price may be a little higher than some others, the saving on postage etc usually wins out.
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Thanks Alan. That’s really helpful to know.
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Hello, I just saw your article on The Telegraph’s website and felt to need to comment
I’m from Turkey and I am against all kinds of social discrimination including homophobia. You are obviously welcome and I hope your experience helps others, too. It’s true that Turkey needs less homophobia, though attitudes are definitely changing.
However I must say there are some things I disagree with. Turkey is actually more gay friendly than lots of other Eastern and southern European countries. Istanbul celebrated its 9th consecutive gay parade last year, something that still can’t be done in countries like Serbia and Russia.
Turkish gay pride march draws thousands – CNN
http://articles.cnn.com/2011-06-26/world/turkey.gay.pride_1_head-scarf-rainbow-flags-homosexuality?_s=PM:WORLD
Photos of the Istanbul parade: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1437756
BBC News – Serbia bans gay pride parade citing violence fears
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15134182
BBC News – European court fines Russia for banning gay parades
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11598590
Over 30 gay parade supporters, opponents arrested in central Moscow
http://en.ria.ru/russia/20110528/164290793.html
So naturally I disagree that this is about “European sensibilities” because Europe ≠ Amsterdam and Turkey isn’t some place unrelated to Europe.
It’s also unfortunate to see the same false myth that the western coasts of Turkey including Istanbul is radically different from the rest of the country. The rest of the country is not an alien, hostile place. My hometown in the southern part of the country is actually more liberal than Istanbul (and on average sees way less racism against the minorities compared to the Aegean western coast) and way less religious. Though level of religiosity in Turkey does not necessarily determine the level of social tolerance. So keep in mind that religious person in Turkey ≠ homophobic individual, as demonstrated by the headscarf wearing women seen in the parade.
Please make sure to check out those photos I’ve linked to, they are seriously awesome.
– a straight man
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Hello there
Thank you for adding your comment. I totally agree that life for LGBT people in Eastern Europe is dreadful. I know about the way the authorities in Russia, Serbia and elsewhere are discriminating, sometimes violently, against their LGBT communities (and others). I wouldn’t ever consider living there. I live in Turkey because things are changing and have changed dramatically in the 18 or so years I’ve been visiting. Gay Pride in Istanbul last year was amazing and provides me with a huge amount of hope for the future. Nevertheless, I have to disagree with you about the acceptance angle beyond the coast and the big three cities. I can only speak from personal experience but often when travelling we’ve had to exercise discretion. I’ve even felt compelled to say that we are cousins because it’s easier. It’s not that we want to wander down the road holding hands and kissing. It’s just I’d like to be honest when asked. I’d also like to feel comfortable asking for the double bed. However, I do accept that when I wrote about ‘European sensibilities’ I really should have written ‘Western European sensibilities’ to make the point clearer – apologies. This isn’t to claim that Britain is a paradise of equality either. It isn’t. You don’t say where you are from in Turkey. I’d love to know and, perhaps Liam will take a look round!
I hope you take a look at my blog and read some of posts I’ve written over the last year or so. I’ve always tried to introduce balance in my depictions of our expat life here. We very fond of our foster home and our general experience of the people around us is one of hospitality and warmth.
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