By Limon Fakir
Across the globe, we are witnessing the resurgence of shadows from a dark chapter in history. Fascism is not merely a political ideology; it is a repressive system that erodes dissent, pluralism, and human dignity. It creates divisions within society, targets minorities as enemies, and steers the state toward authoritarianism.
In these perilous times, resistance is our only path forward. Our words, pens, colors, melodies, and courage to take to the streets must become the lifeblood of anti-fascist movements. History has shown us repeatedly—from Nazi Germany to the rise of modern right-wing extremism—that without resistance, freedom cannot endure.
Democracy
“Democracy is government of the people, by the people, for the people.” — Abraham Lincoln’s famous definition once symbolized liberation and possibility. But today, we must ask: Does democracy still serve us? Or has it become a symbolic structure where people’s voices are drowned out by the roar of capital, under the shadow of corporate power, and the pressure of majoritarianism?
Modern democracy speaks of freedom of speech, voting rights, and civic dignity—yet its limitations, hypocrisies, and distortions increasingly call its effectiveness into question. The seeds of democracy were sown in ancient Greece, where citizens made decisions directly. However, modern democratic structures emerged in 17th-18th century Europe, following the French and American revolutions and the Industrial Revolution. At that time, democracy meant establishing people’s rights against monarchy.
In the 20th century, anti-colonial movements, women’s movements, and labor movements expanded democracy further. Voting rights spread, and “democracy” became the identity of modern states. But today’s democracy has taken on a more complex form. Global politics have pressed upon us, making democracy more intricate, technology-dependent, intertwined with capitalism, and state-divided.
Today’s democracy is primarily representative, where people do not legislate directly but elect representatives through elections. But the question is, how much do these representatives truly protect the people’s interests?
The core strength of democracy is the right to express opinions. But today, when social media is censored, journalists are killed or arrested, how effective is that freedom?
In a democratic state, the constitution and laws are supposed to apply equally to all. But in reality, there are different laws for the powerful and the poor.
Among five goats, one cannot choose a sheep. We often have very few options. This is the problem with current democracy. We don’t need rulers; we need representatives. However, a rational and civilized social system, with a strong legal stance, can further strengthen democracy. If this fails, rulers may exploit democracy to suppress our voices. Then solidarity becomes necessary.
Elections have become games of millions. Corporate lobbies influence political decisions, and policy-making follows the signals of capital. As a result, the demands of the people are not prioritized; the interests of a few wealthy individuals are.
In many cases, when democracy turns into majority rule, the rights of minorities are trampled. Today, in many countries, religious nationalism, extreme right-wing ideologies, and the politics of hatred are expanding under the guise of democracy.
Fake news, political propaganda, and government-controlled media are transforming modern democracy into a kind of controlled democracy, where public opinion is artificially created.
People are losing interest in politics day by day. Voting once every five years does not constitute democracy. Participatory democracy requires active public involvement in daily decisions. Local committees, people’s budget determination, public consultations, and prioritizing the opinions of writers and intellectuals—these can be the paths forward. A democracy becomes truly strong when women, LGBTQ+ individuals, minorities, immigrants, and people with disabilities see themselves represented. Without inclusion, democracy is merely a numbers game.
Socialism—A Humanistic Language
When capitalism extracts labor from people and concentrates wealth in the hands of a few, socialism offers an alternative. It advocates for a society for all—workers, farmers, women, gender and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities—everyone.
Socialism is not just about state ownership; it’s about distributing resources based on people’s needs, democratic decision-making, and equality. Today, as climate crises, income inequality, and political corruption make life unbearable worldwide, socialist ideals can provide a blueprint for a just and sustainable future. However, beyond socialism, a combined framework with “modern democracy” can also be developed. The necessary system to protect every citizen’s rights must be implemented. We must think about marginalized communities and listen to the oppressed.
LGBTQ+ Inclusive Democracy—The Politics of Rejecting Diversity
Discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals are global realities. Sometimes through state policies, sometimes through social norms, and sometimes through religious or cultural pressures, they are marginalized. In this context, “solidarity” is not just an expression of sympathy but a form of resistance.
Democracy is fulfilled only when it ensures the rights and dignity of all people—regardless of their gender, sexuality, or expression. But in many societies, LGBTQ+ individuals still have to live in hiding, facing violence, contempt, and discrimination.
A truly democratic movement will never speak only of the majority’s rights. It will also ensure the freedom, equality, and dignity of minorities. Our struggle cannot be a movement for liberation until it includes the right of LGBTQ+ individuals to live.
Globally, the history of LGBTQ+ movements is one of long struggle. From the Stonewall riots in America (1969) to the development of Sweden’s own queer movement—these events show us how people have united to fight for the right to love.
In all these movements, not only LGBTQ+ individuals but also working people, feminist activists, labor unions, and other minorities have stood beside them. This is the proof of solidarity.
Many think the LGBTQ+ movement is not their concern. But in a society where people are killed or discriminated against for love, staying silent means siding with injustice.
When a trans woman is harassed on the street, when two same-sex lovers are beaten—those who remain silent are actually empowering the oppressors. To restore others’ rights, we must take risks.
Today’s young generation is much more inclusive; they know how to question gender and sexuality. This culture of questioning, this language of protest—these are our hopes for the future. But to advance their struggle, we must also play a role of solidarity—not just through posts, but through real support.
The LGBTQ+ movement is not just a fight for the rights of one group—it’s a fight for the freedom to love. When we stand together, no voice is silenced. When we stand together, love becomes a revolution.
Art, Literature, and Revolution—The Transformed Language of Resistance
When freedom of speech is endangered, poetry becomes protest. Songs become the melody of uprising. Visual arts depict oppression, and theater roars with the cry of truth. Those who think art is only for beauty forget that the most powerful revolutions begin with a story, a poem, or a poster.
Those of us who write, draw, sing, act—our responsibility is not just to create art but to stand with the truth. When fascism distorts the truth, only art can awaken people’s conscience. Therefore, today’s revolutionaries are not only on the streets; they are in poems, on canvases, in word documents, and YouTube videos.
But we also need safe and inclusive spaces where people with different experiences can come together. At this moment, especially standing beside the trans and queer community, participating in anti-racism movements—these are the testing grounds of solidarity.
When political forces follow the policy of “divide and rule,” maintaining the structure of solidarity becomes difficult. But this is the real test. The foundation of solidarity is mutual trust, open discussion, and responsibility.
Solidarity and the Dream of the Future
Today’s crisis-ridden time gives us a responsibility—solidarity. We are all fighting different battles, but these battles are not separate. The anti-fascist movement, women’s liberation, protests against racial discrimination, the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights—all are parts of one big story of liberation.
We need a movement that is not only political but also cultural; that includes not only men but also women, queer individuals, people with disabilities, immigrants, workers—everyone. A movement that will not only defeat fascism but also build an open, compassionate, and inclusive society in its place.
Those of us who are writing, fighting, loving today—we are all sowing the seeds of that future.
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Democracy is not a final achievement—it is an ongoing, complex, and often difficult process. The rights we have today—voting rights, freedom of speech, and freedom of expression— were not granted easily, and they will not last unless we remain actively engaged.
In today’s world, protecting democracy requires more than just casting a vote. We must raise our voices—against injustice, inequality, and oppression. We must learn to coexist with differing opinions and recognize when resistance is necessary.
Democracy is not just about governments—it is a mindset, a culture, where everyone has the right to speak, and everyone has the right to live with dignity.
May, 2025