Ela Nikbayan

Ela Nikbayan was an Iranian trans woman who, after immigrating to Germany, faced numerous challenges in accepting her gender identity. Due to the social and cultural environment in Iran and the lack of information about gender identities and sexual orientations, she encountered many difficulties in recognizing and expressing her identity. Her life was impacted by social and psychological issues, and ultimately, after experiencing harsh conditions during migration, she took her own life.[1][2][3][4]

Biography

Ela was born into a religious and traditional family in Southern Iran and faced suppression of her gender identity during her childhood and adolescence. Due to the lack of access to correct information about gender identities and sexual orientations, she suppressed her identity within herself. After immigrating to Germany in 2015, she initially thought she was gay, but gradually realized she was a trans woman.[1][4]

In Germany, Ela faced many challenges. In the city of Magdeburg, she was subjected to physical and psychological harassment by the community. These included physical assaults and verbal threats by strangers. Additionally, she had to move several times due to the lack of social acceptance. Eventually, in 2019, she moved to Berlin, a city known as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in Europe. However, her social and psychological problems continued.[1][4]

Suicide

Despite moving to Berlin with hopes of a better life, Ella continued to struggle with her inner turmoil. Throughout her life, she faced many challenges related to accepting her gender identity and social discrimination. Eventually, Ella decided to end her life, and at the age of 40, she took her own life in a public place by self-immolation. The incident took place on September 14, 2021, using diesel fuel at the busy Alexanderplatz square in Berlin.[1][5][4][2]

Desecration of Grave

German media reported that transphobia against Ella Nik Bayan, the Iranian trans woman who self-immolated in Berlin in September 2021, continued even after her death. On January 4, unknown individuals desecrated Ella's grave and found a fire extinguisher and a gasoline canister next to it, referencing the manner of her suicide.[2][6][7][8][4][9]

The German police are investigating this transphobic act. The German organization "LSVD" has also expressed anger at the continued violence against Ella even after her death and has called for legal action on the matter.[2][10][4][9]

References

  1. ^ a b c d BBC News Persian (2024-11-30). "The story of the self-immolation of an Iranian who drew attention to the situation of 'trans' refugees" (in Persian).
  2. ^ a b c d "Transphobia at the grave of 'Ela Nikbayan'; Iranian trans woman living in Berlin". iranwire.com (in Persian). Retrieved 2024-11-30.
  3. ^ "They died because of their gender identity". iranwire.com (in Persian). Retrieved 2024-11-30.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Maryam Mardani (2022-01-21). "Portrait: Iranian trans woman's self-immolation in Alexanderplatz, Berlin". Amal, Berlin! (in Persian). Retrieved 2024-11-30.
  5. ^ ""Hasszerfressene Personen": Grab von trans Frau Ella erneut geschändet". t-online (in German). 2023-07-24. Retrieved 2024-11-30.
  6. ^ BBC News Persian. "Police investigation into desecration of Iranian trans woman's grave in Berlin" (in Persian). Retrieved 2024-11-30.
  7. ^ "Grab von trans Frau Ella Nik Bayan (†40) geschändet - B.Z. – Die Stimme Berlins". www.bz-berlin.de (in German). 2022-01-06. Retrieved 2024-11-30.
  8. ^ "Bezirksamt Lichtenberg verurteilt die Schändung des Grabes von Transfrau Ella". www.berlin.de (in German). 2022-01-10. Retrieved 2024-11-30.
  9. ^ a b "Desecration of Iranian Trans Woman Ella's Grave". Tribune Zamaneh. Retrieved 2024-11-30.
  10. ^ "Ellas Grab geschändet: LSVD stellt Strafanzeige". www.siegessaeule.de (in German). Retrieved 2024-11-30.