Proclaiming that “we live in a world that is not only sexist, but also heterosexist”, Kaos GL, short for Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association, was established on September 20, 1994.
Kaos GL continues its work under 4 main programs: i) Human Rights, ii) Refugee Rights, iii) Academic and Cultural Studies, iv) Media and Communication. Kaos GL has been publishing human rights research and reports since 2007 in order to prevent human rights violations and to ensure that our lives are shaped by peace instead of discrimination and hate.
In order to ensure the sustainability of its activities, as well as labor peace and wellbeing of its employees, Kaos GL carries out a set of regulations within the organization. Since 2018, Kaos GL started the drafting of a number of policy documents which were later finalized and implemented, which include Gender Working Group, Mainstreaming Gender Equality Within Main Policies, Plans and Programs; Monitoring and Preventing Violence Policy Paper; Mobbing Policy Paper; Well-Being Policy Paper.
During the preparation of these reports, inclusive discussions were held in consideration of all sexual identities, sexual orientations, sexual characteristics, sexual expressions, class, ethnic identities, age groups, health status, HIV status, disability, legal status and physical conditions.
Kaos GL is one of the first organizations in Turkey to recognize menstrual leave, which is mentioned in its Document on Human Resources Management Standards and Administrative Procedures. This document also includes practices that recognize the wellbeing of the employees, like;
- Internal procedures to allow trans and non-binary people to express themselves and their identity based on their demands and needs,
- Working conditions of people in their menopause to be planned based on their individual circumstances,
- Measures that recognize the wellbeing of trans people in their transition/orientation phases and restructure their working conditions in a way to support this process.
Kaos GL follows a vegan/vegetarian procurement policy during all its organizations involving food. It carries out activities inside and outside it’s office in line with the Principles of Non-Experimental Procurement, Environment Policy Paper and Zero Waste Policy Paper. Kaos GL also disseminates to and shares with other organizations and initiatives around Turkey and the world about the policies and practices it has adopted.
Website: https://kaosgl.org/en/
