The Unspoken Choice

Rumeysa Ozgun Oziturk and Kaveh Akbar: A Tale of Two Lives Cut Short

In the midst of a pandemic that has ravaged the world, two lives were tragically cut short, leaving behind a trail of memories and a community in mourning. Rumeysa Ozgun Oziturk, a 20-year-old Turkish woman, and Kaveh Akbar, a 44-year-old American poet, were both victims of senseless violence that has left many grappling with the senseless loss.

Oziturk, a student at Istanbul's Yeditepe University, was stabbed to death on a bus in the early hours of the morning. The assailant, a 34-year-old man, was reportedly motivated by a deep-seated hatred for LGBTQ+ individuals. Oziturk's murder has sent shockwaves throughout the Turkish community, with many calling for greater protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and an end to the systemic discrimination they face.

Meanwhile, Akbar, a celebrated poet and translator, was killed in a brutal attack at a coffee shop in Tallahassee, Florida. The 44-year-old father of two was known for his powerful works, which often explored themes of love, identity, and social justice. Akbar's murder has left the literary community reeling, with many of his peers and admirers taking to social media to pay tribute to his life and work.

As the nation grapples with the senseless loss of these two individuals, it is clear that their legacies will live on through the memories of those who knew them and the impact their lives had on the world. Oziturk's murder serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that LGBTQ+ individuals face every day, while Akbar's passing highlights the importance of using our words to uplift and inspire. As we mourn the loss of these two remarkable individuals, we are reminded that their stories will continue to inspire and motivate us to create a more just and compassionate world.