Ela Nikbayan
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Ela Nikbayan | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1980 or 1981 Iran |
| Died | (aged 40) Berlin, Germany |
| Cause of death | Self-immolation |
Ela Nikbayan was an Iranian trans woman who, after immigrating to Germany, faced numerous challenges in accepting her gender identity. She committed suicide by self-immolation on September 14, 2021.[1][2][3][4]
Ela Nikbayan 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, Nikbayan 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. 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]