Homotopia has just returned from Istanbul, Turkey where they produced a series of interventions, debates and research culminating with the internationally renowned and award winning Pansy Project.

Events took place at the British Consulate-General, where artist Paul Harfleet and representatives from Homotopia, members of the diplomatic community, local activists and local artists participated by planting hundreds of pansies to symbolize the ongoing international struggle for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender rights and equality.

The symbolic planting acted as a powerful and creative intervention against trans and homophobic violence in Turkey, which is currently the European Capital Of Culture, and around the world.

The Pansy Project was a key highlight of the Homotopia Festival, Liverpool in 2007 which was supported by Merseyside Police, where there have been several brutal homophobic attacks including the murder of gay teenager Michael Causer.

The week-long trip aimed to foster inter-cultural dialogue, human rights awareness and understanding. LGB&T artists & curators from Istanbul & Liverpool aim to create new platforms for making art, interventions, programming and cooperation between the two cities.

Jessica Hand HM Consul-General to Istanbul said at the planting: "At a first glance, all are pansies, but each pansy is different from the other. This is how it is in the society we live in; though we all look alike, we are different from each other.

“I fully support this project. Protecting the rights of minority groups, wherever they may be, is a shared responsibility for all. Prejudice and discrimination are destructive to societies and individuals - tolerance may be more challenging, but it is ultimately more rewarding.”

Gary Everett, Artistic Director, Homotopia added: “LGBT visibility and our right to live without attack or abuse are an integral part of the seamless garment of human rights and is one that all of our partners are committed to achieving, especially in times of uncertainty and insecurity.

“In a country like Turkey, where prominent politicians find it acceptable to call homosexuality an offence and immoral on the TV and radio, and where many LGBT people still don’t feel able to come out or be accepted this project is an important and a timely reminder of why such work is vital.”

Paul Harfleet, artist and creator of The Pansy Project said: “The project aims to highlight the violence and discrimination that many LGBT communities experience. By planting pansies the project aims to create greater awareness of the abuse of our shared values and basic human rights.

“The Pansy installation commemorates all victims of transphobic and homophobic violence both in Turkey and around the world and symbolises our resistance and solidarity in protecting these values.”

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