In March 2023, Eden Knight, a Saudi Arabian transgender woman studying in the United States, died by suicide after allegedly being coerced into returning to Saudi Arabia and detransitioning. According to reports, in August 2022, Knight was contacted by two American fixers, Michael Pocalyko and Ellen Cole, who were hired by her parents. They introduced her to a Saudi attorney named Bader Alomair, who was identified as an employee of the Saudi embassy. Alomair reportedly coerced Knight into detransitioning and returning to Saudi Arabia, where she faced further pressures from her family.
Knight detailed her experiences in a suicide note posted on Twitter, which garnered significant attention and led to widespread discussions about the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in Saudi Arabia. The U.S. State Department acknowledged the reports and stated they were studying the allegations.
This tragic incident highlights the challenges and dangers faced by transgender individuals, especially those from countries with restrictive LGBTQ+ laws.