She Said NO!

The 2016 US Women’s Chess Champion made a bold stance against the oppressive Iranian regime.

Nazí Paikidze-Barnes is boycotting the World Championship in the hostile and oppressive country. She would be forced to wear a hijab, so she is skipping it entirely. This is a big sacrifice as it would be the biggest event of her career.

“I will NOT wear a hijab and support women’s oppression. Even if it means missing one of the most important competitions of my career,” she said.

She has been called Islamaphobic, but she clarified her decision on Instagram as being one that is supportive of the women of Iran who are treated so poorly. If Iran respected women, they would not force women to wear hijabs. Instead, it would be a personal choice.

This is a post for those who don’t understand why I am boycotting FIDE’s decision. I think it’s unacceptable to host a WOMEN’S World Championship in a place where women do not have basic fundamental rights and are treated as second-class citizens. For those saying that I don’t know anything about Iran: I have received the most support and gratitude from the people of Iran, who are facing this situation every day. Thank you MyStealthyFreedom for sharing my interview.

A photo posted by Nazi Paikidze-Barnes (@nazipaiki) on Sep 30, 2016 at 8:39am PDT

She didn’t stop there. And doubled down when the radical left began attacking her.

To all of you supporting our cause, please SIGN our petition and SHARE it. Thank you! Together we can #DefendWomensRights Link in my bio, on Twitter & Facebook

A photo posted by Nazi Paikidze-Barnes (@nazipaiki) on Oct 3, 2016 at 6:58pm PDT

A message to the people of Iran: I am not anti-Islam or any other religion. I stand for freedom of religion and choice. ✌️ I'm protesting FIDE's decision not because of Iran's religion or people, but for the government's laws that are restricting my rights as a woman. My personal experiences with Iranian people have been nothing but wonderful ❣️ One day I hope to visit Iran and see women having complete freedom and equality. ?

A photo posted by Nazi Paikidze-Barnes (@nazipaiki) on Oct 4, 2016 at 12:19pm PDT

Nazí was born in Siberia, but moved to Georgia at a young age. While her name might raise a few eyebrows here, it is a common name in Georgia. She later came to the United States and lives in Las Vegas with her husband.

I stand with Nazí’s decision. The women who live in oppressive regimes often don’t have champions. Now they have an actual champion bringing attention to their cause.

SHARE this if you support Nazí’s decision!

H/T: The Rebel