Reaching Out with Ilkin Zeybek

Have you ever met someone while traveling that makes you think "damn, this is why I travel!"? That's exactly who today's guest is for me.

I'm so happy to bring you my chat with the incredibly talented and wonderful, Ilkin Zeybek (he/him)! He and I met this summer in Istanbul while I was on a one-month Remote Year program and Ilkin was a guide for several events for the group throughout the month. Not only is Ilkin extremely knowledgable about all things Istanbul, he's also a ridiculously talented photographer (links below).

Ilkin's story is such a welcomed one to Reaching Out as it truly gives a different, more global perspective to coming out that we haven't had much of on here yet. Ilkin tells us about the challenges and even depression that he faced as he navigated coming out during high school in conservative-leaning Turkey and amongst conservative peers. We also discuss some of the familial struggles Ilkin went through in the early years of his journey. Ilkin also shares with us what it's like being queer in Turkey today with the current conservative government in office -- including a story of him being detained, along with other queer people, at last year's Pride in Istanbul for simply showing up.

Despite the challenges he has faced, he also shares how the very art he is creating now was born out of a need to resist the queer suppression he and his queer community have experienced by the Turkish government, and damn, his art f*cking great.

In addition to his incredible story, we chat our favorite Lady Gaga songs, how music hits soooo different during a breakup or when you have a crush, not clearing your search history as a kid (we've all been there), and the new loves of my life thanks to my time in Istanbul... CATS!

Share your story:

• Fill out this form

Episode Links:

• Follow Ilkin on social media:
  • Ilkin: @ilkinzeybek_
  • Zed's Fanzine: @zedsfanzine
• Book an Airbnb Experience in Istanbul with Ilkin!
  • History and Culture of Coffee: Link
  • Play Games Like a Local: Link
  • Photoshoot Around Istanbul: Link

Follow along with Reaching Out:

• Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod
• Podcast's TikTok: @reachingoutpod
• Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit