Dear Parul, Cheery and Pilirani,

Thank you for very powerful articles. You have brought up very important concerns, which balance the UNFPA's way of working- while they focus on policy , the three of you have actually "been out there" and met with victims of poverty and discrimination and worked for them and with them. Congratulations to the WIP for having such good contributors!

Parul, your photograph is really heartbreaking- the mother seems so young.

Thanks and keep up the good work,
JL

Parul,

Another strong and mind-blowing article! Your comment "Still, when this love appears on my doorstep, even I get confused" , is so powerful, and you have actually asked yourself questions about the boundaries of your mind- people spend their whole lives not asking questions, sometimes not acknowledging feelings- you however, ask yourself questions on why you react in a particular way. Even a human rights activist start questioning her tolerance…This is how complicated it is- someone else decides normality for us.

I have a friend- from Iran, who spent ten years in a marriage- and suppressed feeling he had for another man. He was constantly depressed while married. Today twelve years later- he is engaged to the love of his life, but he has major regrets on why he lied and also lied to himself and this wonderful woman he was married to.

Thanks Parul!

JL

Dear Julie,

congratulations to this remarkable article. Like you- Im also a friend of Parul Sharma- and I have been a constant reader of Parul's writings. I have met Parul few times and i must say that her honest style in speaking and writing really attracts me. She has become a mentor to me. You have a similar style- and your article is an honest attempt to change and awake.
Keep it up!!
JL