Lisa Ray Instagram – I was a part of two seminal films, #ICantthinkstraight and #TheWorldUnseen after I left India in 2001 and threw myself into life in London and drama school. #Water happened and that opened a lot of doors in L.A. but representation was still stunted in 2006. I was considered exotic – and told I’m not Indian enough but encouraged to try out for mainstream roles with characters named Ashley or Maria del Carmen. Call me mad, but the creative oxygen, female centric narratives and non-cliched characters I craved were in those days exclusively found in Indie films so I once again shunned the traditional path to so called success. Then meeting @Shamimsarif and @hananfkattan altered my trajectory, by working with them alongside @beneaththesheetz on two sensitive, international films for which I still receive the most touching messages- of how these films empowered others to embrace their truths and come out to their families. Representation matters, deeply, and I’m so humbled that I could play a small role in helping others stand in their power. It’s hard to follow your heart and truth- ask me, I’ve been doing it for years, defying conventions and all the rational reasons to accept projects. Often people will not understand, they will not validate you, but you know what- that’s the gift. To access your inner power and stand tall without the world slapping you on the back is the ultimate way to freedom and unwavering inner joy. Today, my focus is on writing, but I close my eyes every morning and request the muses to use me to channel what is useful and enlightening that I might share through story telling and words. Repost @shamimsarif using @RepostRegramApp – I get messages about my first film I Can’t Think Straight every single day… people reaching out to tell me that it gave them the courage to be honest with themselves and their families. While I know that courage comes from within each one of us, I also realise the power of film and TV to give us a glimpse of how life could be. Thank you to all of you who’ve been so supportive of my journey with @hananfkattan. Here’s a clip to start your weekend with a smile #icantthinkstraight #sheetalsheth #lisaray