Lawyer and LGBTI+ rights advocate Alexey Rûyan Aydın dies at 56

Lawyer and LGBTI+ rights advocate Alexey Rûyan Aydın has died at the age of 56. Aydın, a trans man, was known for his contributions to academic and legal fields, particularly in advancing the rights of the LGBTI+ community. His death marks the loss of a prominent figure who dedicated his life to promoting equality and justice through both scholarship and activism. Born and raised in Turkey, Aydın graduated from Ankara University’s Faculty of Law in 1990. He continued his education with a master’s degree from Ankara University and the University of Milan in Italy, followed by a doctorate in penal law from the University of Freiburg in Germany. Throughout his academic journey, he engaged in research and teaching, contributing to the intellectual landscape of legal studies in Europe and beyond. Upon returning to Turkey, Aydın joined Hacettepe University’s Faculty of Law, where he became a key figure in shaping the institution's approach to legal education. He played a pivotal role in establishing the university’s Health Law Center and contributed to the creation of the “Hacettepe Constitution Draft,” which was submitted to parliament’s Constitutional Commission during discussions on drafting a new constitution. His work reflected a commitment to integrating human rights principles into legal frameworks. As an associate professor and practicing lawyer, Aydın specialized in penal law and human rights. He was actively involved in numerous national and international projects aimed at reforming penal laws, protecting freedom of expression, and advocating for the rights of women, sexual minorities, and children. He also served on the prestigious Venice Commission, demonstrating his influence on legal policy at the European level. Aydın was a co-founder and former chair of the Ankara Bar Association’s LGBTI+ Rights Center, where he championed the inclusion of LGBTQI+ issues in legal education and professional practice. He was also a member of Transgender Europe and the European Democratic Lawyers association, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in the field of human rights advocacy. His involvement extended beyond legal circles. He was a founding member of the Association for the Protection of Animals in Need and the Translators Association (ÇEVBİR). These affiliations underscored his belief in the interconnectedness of social justice causes, including animal welfare and linguistic diversity. Despite his accomplishments, Aydın faced challenges in his professional life. In 2021, he was forced to resign from his position at Hacettepe University due to workplace harassment related to his gender identity and political views. In an interview with Bianet at the time, he described the emotional toll of the experience: "I was forced to experience feelings of worthlessness. None of my achievements are mentioned. My meetings and publications are deliberately ignored. Even my resume was removed from the faculty’s website. I believe the reason for this is the LGBTIQ+ studies in my resume. The video recordings of the online courses I taught during the pandemic were deleted from the system." Aydın consistently called for stronger protections against discrimination within the legal profession. In an interview with KaosGL, he emphasized the need for legal regulations to explicitly address discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. He argued that legal and administrative measures must be implemented to safeguard LGBTQI+ colleagues and that LGBTQI+ topics should be integrated into legal clerkship training. He also highlighted the importance of language in legal contexts, urging the profession to move away from heteronormative and cisnormative norms. He believed that centers such as the Ankara Bar Association’s LGBTI+ Rights Center were essential resources for LGBTQI+ lawyers facing discrimination in their workplaces. Beyond his professional endeavors, Aydın was also an accomplished writer. His literary works added depth to his advocacy, offering insights into the lived experiences of marginalized communities. His legacy continues to inspire those who seek to advance equality and justice through law, literature, and activism.