This is not Me

In conservative societies where traditional family values dominate, many homosexual men feel compelled to lead a double life. To escape social and family pressure, they marry women and hide their true sexual orientation. These inner conflicts lead to emotional stress, psychological instability, and violence within relationships. The men affected live in constant fear of discovery and rejection, which significantly impairs their quality of life. At the same time, their wives also suffer, often unwittingly drawn into these complex situations. The social taboo surrounding homosexuality in such cultures makes it difficult for those affected to live authentically and find support. Open discourse and social education are necessary to break down prejudices and create an environment in which every person can freely express their identity. THIS IS NOT ME by Zekiye Kaçak and Jeyan Kader Gülşen sheds light on this issue in a powerful way. The documentary tells the stories of Mustafa, Mehmet, and Yusuf, three gay men from Turkey who were forced to marry women due to social pressures. The film focuses in particular on the relationship between Mustafa and Mehmet, which is marked by love, violence, and inner conflict. The film has been shown at numerous international festivals, including the 41st International Istanbul Film Festival, the 29th International Adana Golden Boll Film Festival, the 6th Cinema d'iDEA International Women's Film Festival in Rome, and the 41st Reeling Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival. The film has received awards at the 6th International Woman Directors Film Festival in İzmir (Best Documentary), the 29th International Adana Golden Boll Film Festival (Special Mention), and the Cinema d'iDEA International Women's Film Festival in Rome (International Courage Award), among others. This film is an important contribution to the visibility and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community in conservative societies.