Elnaaz Norouzi Instagram – Part (2/2): How evil do you have to be to kill an innocent person just because a few strands of her hair were visible? I feel the anger Iranians have carried inside for 43 years against the regime. The decades of oppression killed not one but several Mahsas. The regime suppresses channels of communication and I’ve only been able to contact my family from time to time to know if they’re ok. If you come to think of it, my fight isn’t about hijab. It’s against inhumanity; against dictatorship. Today, as I sit in the comfort of my home, my heart aches to think of thousands of Iranians who are sleeping without heaters in minus degrees because their government decides to export gas to other countries and not to their own people. I’m told people are scared to die while they’re asleep. Who does that to their own people? I know for a fact that the minute I step foot into Iran, I will be detained or killed because the regime can’t stand people who speak against them. While it’s taken me years of hard work to create my space as an artist today, not for once did I think of doing away with my Iranian identity. At the start of my career, I was told to change my name to make it sound more Indian to be more accepted. I learned both Hindi and Punjabi for job’s demand but never changed my name. What would I be if I did that? It’s an Iranian name, a huge part of what I carry with me and has shaped me as an artist. I know I have to work triple as hard to be recognised and appreciated as a performer but I will never shy away from who I am and never stop fighting for my people back home. I had to run away from my country. I’m not going to run away from my identity. I’m told,‘why do you care about what’s going on in Iran, if you care so much, why don’t you move back?’ Well, that’s the thing, I’m not allowed entry in my own country, but that won’t stop me from caring. My parents enabled me to own my identity and use my voice. I’m doing everything in my capacity to help fellow Iranians and bring back the agency all women deserve. Despite the threats and scrutiny, I face currently, I will continue using my voice against oppression, whatever it takes, as long as it takes. #SheThePeople