Every week, I write a blog post written in first-person diary format. You’ll always find personal pictures attached that relate to the diary entry’s theme. In this particular blog post, I talk about how ANYBODY with a disability can feel like Royalty. Take a minute to read some tips and tricks!

Official DitzAbled Princess Diary: Anyone With a Disability Can Feel Like Royalty

The prestigious Mom’s Choice Awards panel of judges have bestowed 2013 silver medal status to “The Princess and the Ruby: An Autism Fairy Tale” in the category “Children’s Picture Books: Specialized Concepts / Differently Abled”. Authored by moi, and illustrated by the ever-talented, Richa Kinra. The book beat out many hopefuls as the best in family-friendly media, products, and services. Thank you, Mom’s Choice Awards!!!!

The prestigious Mom’s Choice Awards panel of judges have bestowed 2013 silver medal status to “Cinderella’s Magical Wheelchair” in the category “Children’s Picture Books: Inspirational / Motivational”. Authored by moi, and illustrated by the ever-talented, Richa Kinra. The book beat out many hopefuls as the best in family-friendly media, products, and services. Thank you, Mom’s Choice Awards!!!!

First 6 comics

In the East Indian culture, sex doesn’t happen. Yeah, right. Childhood sexual abuse? Double, yeah right. Reality is: These things do happen. They just aren’t talked about.

To an outsider, this tidbit of information may be surprising. After all, Indian women showcase their sexy midriffs via short sari blouses. Bollywood movies are jam-packed with provocative dance numbers. Better yet, India boasts one of the world’s highest populations. So, what’s up with all the secrecy?

Shame.

“Dirty” subjects just aren’t talked about. Family honor is not only demanded, but considered empowering for the unit involved. Speaking against your relatives not only makes you a repulsive black sheep, but also a despicable ingrate. Admitting you’re not a virgin–or at the very least physically untouched—by marriage limits your marital prospects.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Not every Indian family on this beautiful green planet feels this way. I’m referring to ultra traditional folks. Progressive, enlightened individuals know that childhood sexual abuse is never a kid’s fault. Speaking about it isn’t disgusting, but rather healing. It’s really all this “secrecy” that keeps the evil wheels of childhood sexual abuse turning. It’s time we put a stop to this.

This is precisely why I wrote my children’s picture book, “Reena’s Bollywood Dream: A Story About Sexual Abuse.” Currently, there are no other childhood sexual abuse books featuring a South Asian character out in the market. Which is surprisingly, considering how often childhood sexual abuse happens.

Over the years, I’ve been blessed with many close relationships with female South Asian family members and friends. Think: Indian. Think: Pakistani. Think: Bangladeshi. And, the list goes on. These women have confided in me time-and-time again. Sometimes, about boy crushes. Sometimes, about crazy co-workers. Sometimes, about childhood sexual abuse. Shockingly, all of these brazen, successful women never spoke up. Apart from me, nobody knows their story. Not even a therapist.

“Reena’s Bollywood Dream: A Story About Sexual Abuse” is all about giving childhood sexual abuse current victims and post survivor’s a voice. It’s to admit that, yes, sexual abuse does happen in multicultural households, too. It’s a story about prevention. It’s a story about hope. It’s a story for YOU.