Published in Identity Magazine – January 2013
احنا الشعب الخط الأحمر!
احنا ولاد الكلب الشعب!
Hello!
My name is Baheya and I am Egyptian!
Two years have passed since I have revolted against torture, abuse, nepotism, and injustice! Behold me now … do you see my face in detention prisons and military trials? Do you see me at funerals wailing over young martyrs in coffins? Do you hear me scream beyond my gags and chains? Do you hear me every time I say "NO!" in defiance of oppressive regimes and falsified referendums? Did you know that I am still fighting for my rights?
My name is Baheya … and I am Egyptian!
My name is Baheya and I am searching for my freedom; my right to choose, my right to express my beliefs and thoughts, and my right to be a woman – a free woman not a slave!
My name is Baheya and I am not a freak's sexual fantasy! I am neither a doll nor a toy! I am no man's property! My body belongs to me and I will fight for my right to have a life and a career! I refuse to be sent back to the dark ages! I AM Baheya!
My name is Baheya and I no longer feel secure on the streets of Egypt! I feel targeted by sexual harassers, Islamist predators, and frantic mobs! Will I be a victim of gang rape? Will I be found dead in the trunk of an abandoned car? Will I be drugged and sold across the borders? My name is Baheya and the police are no longer protecting me!
My name is Baheya and soldiers scare me! I have been kicked with their boots and beaten with their batons. I have rubber bullets in my eye sockets and metal pellets under my skin! I have been bombed and shot at! I am now immune to teargas and uniforms! Silly me! I thought their job was to protect me!
My name is Baheya and I have a picture on top of a tank holding hands with an army soldier! My name is Baheya and I no longer want to be in the picture! The cute men in uniforms assaulted me in the streets and humiliated me behind bars! My dignity hurts more than my virginity! I mourn for my martyred Christian fellows in the Maspero massacre and my martyred Ultras friends in Port Said!
My name is Baheya and I am roaring! I hear their chants and their cheers! Brave heroes of the revolution! Their colorful flags and loud drums have faded in the pain and agony of bidding them their lat farewell! My dear Ultras friends … may we avenge your brutal murder … may you all rest in peace!
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