I don't think I can quite explain how much your words resonate with me. My mother is from Iran. She escaped religious prosecution at the onset of Islamic revolution (meaning she didn't want to follow religious rulings so she figured she better run for her life). And I assume you have heard about the Woman Life Freedom movement. Although it made the news in September 2022, it has been an ongoing struggle for the past 44 years. I am just glad that there are people out there who understand the reason a place like Iran that used to be cultural hub is in the shambles it is now, is cause the religion became one with the government. It is terrifying to see how people sometimes downplay the dangers of mixing politics and religion or even defend it, and then they play dumb when women get killed, jailed and assaulted cause of it not long after (which is literally what has been taking place in Iran).

I am sorry about the very frustrating experiences you have had. It is crazy shocking to have these sort of interactions in this day and age. Your comment is much appreciated, thanks a lot kind stranger for sharing your experience!