My name is Kylie Morad, and I am Iranian-American. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, I have never felt disconnected from my culture. I was brought up in a household where Iranian customs were the norm – always surrounded by family, food, music, dance, and history. While I can’t speak, read, or write Farsi, I fully comprehend everything that is being spoken. Understanding Farsi feels like being part of a secret society as it's not everyday you come across another Iranian. My mother often spoke to me in Farsi when we were around people and she didn't want others to know what we were talking about, causing me to have to respond in cryptic English in order to keep the anonymity of the conversation topic.

Constantly bombarded with comments about how 'foreign' I looked or how my lunch smelled, as well as being labeled a 'girl with a mustache' during my childhood, was my least favorite part of being Iranian. It made me feel ashamed of who I was. However, over time, I realized that being Iranian is an integral aspect of my life as it not only affects my looks but my actions, thoughts, and opinions. For example, when picking which cat I wanted in the fourth grade, I gravitated towards a white, fluffy, Persian cat (his name is Bear and he is my favorite thing on this whole planet). When finding friends, I tend to gravitate towards people who also have a love for culture, food, and family; what I believe to be the pillars of Iranian culture.

I love my culture, my people, my food, and how they have shaped who I am.

#FreeIran #WomenLifeFreedom