Differences and Harmony: My Journey with 10 Cats

Chapter 1: Introducing Myself

Hello, my name is Mutlu. I love my name, but I know that it isn't entirely special to me. My mother chose it as a birthday gift when she had her second son. My brother’s name is İbrahim, which honors my grandfather. I, however, was introduced to everyone as "Ertunç." There’s a story my mother recalls: when my grandfather went to the civil registry to register my birth, he forgot my correct name, so the official wrote "Mutlu" on the legal documents instead.

As I grew up, I learned how my name reflects me, and I began to love both of my names. In official settings, I am Mutlu, while in friendly environments, I am known as Ertunç.

The Challenges of Being Different

Having a different name from my two brothers brings a sense of uniqueness and luck. They are heterosexual, while I am gay. My difference has caused some challenges in my social circles. In childhood, I was often a target for teasing; however, over time, I accepted myself and realized that being different is a virtue.

One of the most tragic events that occurred during my education happened in my senior year of high school. The principal succeeded in creating a crisis between my family and me. I was expelled due to false accusations made against me. During this period, the revelation of my sexual identity put me in a very vulnerable position. My family received threats, and our reputation was at risk due to unfounded speculations.

The Quest for Justice

Sometimes, fighting for justice is necessary. Along with my mother, I went to the Ministry of National Education in İzmir, where we clarified the situation and proved that I was unjustly expelled. The Minister stated that no one can be expelled from school because of their sexual identity; this statement brought me immense relief.

As a result, I returned to school with stronger relationships and support due to what I had endured. Everyone has their unique story; I hope that mine can inspire others.