10 ways Sabeen Mahmud reminded us of love and laughter
For those who were lucky enough to know her or have met her, Sabeen was at once quirky, passionate, and feet-ready with energy for whatever cause or art you brought to her. But beyond the activism and ubirdled energy which countless articles on her have noted, Sabeen was also simply a delight to know.
Her passions ranged from neuroscience to Pink Floyd. She had an uncanny ability to drive everything she did with love. She approached problems with a steady mind, but also strength, and she was a fantastic listener.
Sabeen's social media feed gave us glimpses into these shades of her personality constantly. She recorded, shared and reflected details of everyday life and tragedies, she commented (analytically, patiently) on ongoing issues, controversies in media, and Dr House. Her nerdiness meant she could talk to anyone at length about technology and the latest bugs in state surveillance systems. She was also an intensely quirky and curious person; her interests vaired from neuroscience to drug culture to qavvalis to Grease.
In memory of that quirkiness, curiosity, and passion, here are some memorable posts from Sabeen.
1. The time she hated on structures
2. When she ranted about font choice
3. The time she played cricket with lafangaas
4. The post about her kitten who passed away
5. Where she reflected on who we are
6. The time she made this Carl Sagan reference
7. The time she flew to Peshawar after the APS tragedy, because she felt like she had to be there and help "however she could."
Sabeen had booked a flight instantly after the attack, and during her days there, she met with the kids who survived, the families who were grieving.
8. When she publicly invited JI Naib for chai and guftugoo
9. When she eloquently reminded everyone how fighting isn't easy, but discouragement should not hold us back
10. When she thanked the activists before us, and promised to go on