Shania asked Sonia Patel:

What was your inspiration to write Jaya and Rasa?

Sonia Patel Hi Shania! My inspiration for Jaya & Rasa-some of the teen patients who struggle with numerous hardships at once. Jaya is based on an amalgam of teens of color who've had a difficult time coming out as queer in general and/or transgender and what that does to their emotional development and ability to form relationships. Rasa is based largely on one of my teen patients who was sex trafficked in a very similar way and, in real life, later died as a result of the terrible dangers of that life that followed her despite her leaving it behind and healing emotionally. Thank you for your question!
Sincerely,
Sonia

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