When I opened my Twitter timeline this morning, a flood of messages bearing the #BlueGirl hashtag immediately grabbed my attention. It was a poignant reminder that today marked the anniversary of Sahar Khodayari's tragic death. Sahar, known as the 'Blue Girl,' had become yet another heart-wrenching casualty of gender apartheid within the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Sahar possessed an unbridled passion for football and was an ardent supporter of Esteghlal, one of Tehran's most celebrated teams. The team's vibrant blue emblem was synonymous with her unwavering dedication. Opposing them was Persepolis, draped in fiery red – a rivalry that had fervent fans on each side. Sahar proudly belonged to the blue camp.
She was a girl who, driven by her deep love for the beautiful game, yearned to experience the thrill of the stadium firsthand. Yet, an oppressive rule barred her from entering because of her gender. Undeterred, Sahar decided to challenge this injustice by donning a disguise of boys' clothing. A striking blue wig crowned her head, and she wrapped herself in a long overcoat, determined to blend in. Her face was painted in the same shade, her spirit ablaze with enthusiasm, she was ready to cheer her cherished team.
But her valiant act didn't go unnoticed. The authorities intervened, and she was apprehended by the police. In court, she faced the grim prospect of a prison sentence for her so-called 'crime.' In an act of profound protest against this grave injustice, she set herself on fire right outside the Tehran Revolutionary Court. A week later, she succumbed to her injuries in the hospital.
This remarkable young woman was not just a passionate football fan but also a university graduate, holding dual bachelor's degrees in English and computer engineering. Her tragic story serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and sacrifices that many individuals face while striving for gender equality and basic human rights.
Mehdi Yarrahi – Dokhtaraaneh (The Lonely Girl) Dedicated to Blue Girl after her demise.
Take it slow, oh lonely girl, it's nearly through!
From this shadowed home, where silence now ensues.
Fear not their idle talk, let tranquility renew,
When they wake tomorrow, they'll see their own debut.
Shed the shroud of clouds, banish sorrow's blight,
Turn those gloomy clouds to rain, washing tears from sight.
Open your eyes to the sun, a rainbow's pure delight,
And trust the sky's embrace, after the tempest's might.
The woods, they watch you, under moon's soft light,
Blossom from the swamp's core, like a "blue" lotus, might.
Feel my hand in yours, dreams' constraints take flight,
With each beat, you rise, find yourself in morning's light.
Cross the midnight's border, soar through skies so sheer,
Calm, oh sea-born girl, the end is drawing near.
From this somber dwelling, where hush replaces fear,
Let your silent words unfurl, for all the world to hear.
Don't wither with each breath, there's no need for haste,
Take it slow, oh lonely girl, your journey's not erased.
Calm, oh sea-born girl, take it slow, let peace embrace,
Underneath the moon's soft glow, in this tranquil space.
PS: I usually don't like to do this, but, I had to buy a powerful expensive VPN to upload all these photos, so I’m a little short in cash, being jobless and all at the moment, I'll appreciate it if you can donate:
