Dorsa Derakhshani

Welcome to my diaries as I try to keep sane as a Chess wGrandmaster turned Medical Student.

[Omkar Khandekar @KhandekarOmkar]

"Chess helps you think critically," says @DorsaDchess. "If there's a dictatorship, they don't want thinkers."

@diaahadid and Fariba Akbari report on the Taliban's chess ban.
https://t.co/jsLMcZRXcr

[theSTL @in_thestl]

Woman grandmaster Dorsa Derakhshani came to St. Louis to attend SLU. “[Chess] gave me all the opportunities that I don't know if I would have had [otherwise]." @stlpublicradio https://t.co/aBLvb9LLKy #STLMade

[St. Louis Public Radio @stlpublicradio]

In this @STLonAir episode: How chess empowered Dorsa Derakhshani to become an advocate for freedom of expression. https://t.co/NfSyROPaZk

[Masih Alinejad @AlinejadMasih]

In Iran, a student harassed by her university’s morality police over her “improper” hijab didn’t back down. She turned her body into a protest, stripping to her underwear and marching through campus—defying a regime that constantly controls women’s bodies. Her act is a powerful reminder of Iranian women’s fight for freedom. Yes we use our bodies like weapons to fight back a regime that kills women for showing their hair.

This happened at Tehran’s Science and Research University She has since been arrested by the authorities.
Be her voice.
#WomanLifeFreedom

[Masih Alinejad @AlinejadMasih]

Update:
The authorities in Iran are now claiming that a young woman, who courageously removed her clothes in protest against harassment by the morality, police at her university, suffers from psychological illness and has been admitted to a mental health hospital.

This accusation of mental instability is a familiar tactic by the Islamic Republic.

In 2014, when I launched the My Stealthy Freedom campaign against compulsory hijab, the regime used similar lies against me, claiming I had a mental breakdown, undressed myself on the London subway and was raped by three men.

This is how they attempt to undermine those who resist their oppression.

One student who witnessed the entire incident says:
“On Saturday, November 2, we saw the university’s security and Basij forces trying to forcibly drag a female student into the security room, under the pretext of her not wearing a proper hijab. She resisted, and in the struggle, her hoodie was pulled off, leaving her with only her undergarments underneath. Shocked, the security officers let her go, after which, in a moment of rage, she removed her pants and threw them at the officers.”

This eyewitness account directly contradicts the regime’s narrative and shows the extent of brutality Iranian women face for the most basic acts of defiance.

This woman has been forcibly hospitalized under psychiatric supervision—marking the start of torture and, soon after, the cycle of forced confessions.

I believe her life is now in serious danger. I urge international media, human rights organizations, and the international community to support her before is too late.

Let’s be her voice.

[Dorsa Derakhshani @DorsaDchess]

@Cr7Godbrand @realMaalouf I’m her and I am indeed a feminist and I can confirm I did get banned for not wearing hijab. Thanks though!

[Dorsa Derakhshani @DorsaDchess]

@Thomastheglass @realMaalouf Nope they’d for sure prolong it 🙃

[Dorsa Derakhshani @DorsaDchess]

@WBS_JStrabo @realMaalouf No thanks :) you do it for both of us

[Dr. Maalouf ‏ @realMaalouf]

Iranian chess player Dorsa Derakhshani was given an ultimatum by the Islamic regime: wear the hijab or you won’t be allowed to compete.

Not only she refused to wear the hijab, she joined the USA team and became a world champion.

Queen behavior if you ask me. 👑

[Dorsa Derakhshani @DorsaDchess]

@fractal_grid @karl11811 @realMaalouf Not for me boo😉

[Dorsa Derakhshani @DorsaDchess]

@karl11811 @realMaalouf Thanks! 🥰 I also have my USA citizenship ceremony happening this week! So excited 🥰

[Dorsa Derakhshani @DorsaDchess]

#NewProfilePic

[Dorsa Derakhshani @DorsaDchess]

Class of 2026 White Coat Ceremony! 🤩💛🤩 #mizzoumed #mizzou #classof2026 @ Mizzou Arena https://t.co/wYeP1hJSk6

[Saint Louis Chess Club @STLChessClub]

The #FIDECandidates tournament continues today with Round 10. Follow all the action live with our #TodayinChess commentators Yasser Seirawan, @GMLittlePeasant and IM @DorsaDchess on https://t.co/o8w71ZPMbV.

[Saint Louis Chess Club @STLChessClub]

Ding Liren missed brilliant 21...Re3 and has completely lost position right now!
#FIDECandidates #TodayinChess

[Saint Louis Chess Club @STLChessClub]

Yasser Seirawan: Garry what did you properly predict about this event?
Garry Kasparov: Nothing!
Watch the full interview with the World Champion➡️
https://t.co/c64Wbpy5qU
#FIDECandidates #TodayinChess @Kasparov63

[Saint Louis Chess Club @STLChessClub]

We had a special guest in our studio today — the 13th world chess champion Garry Kasparov himself, offering his thoughts on the tournament as well as a potential Carlsen–Nepomniachtchi rematch he believes is due.
https://t.co/H1G2xCI2SP
#FIDECandidates #TodayinChess

[Dorsa Derakhshani @DorsaDchess]

Welcome back to another segment of “Dorsa visits her family abroad” 🥰
Please show some love for immigration in my fundraiser for @immigrationequality 🤩 @ Kensington Palace https://t.co/MVUlFOzWDl

[Dorsa Derakhshani @DorsaDchess]

Hey you! Have you gotten and read my (and @borna_derakhshani 💞) book yet? It’s also available on Amazon! #chess&psychology @ 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 https://t.co/XuHEvVBTr8

[Dorsa Derakhshani @DorsaDchess]

Happy Halloween! 👻 😈 ❤️
Wanted to be an angel, couldn’t find my wings lol so tried to be Red Riding Hood, lacked basket so added some devil horns 😮‍💨😂🤪
How was your costume? ⬇️
#cwe #redridinghood #halloween https://t.co/6z2zGUrd6x