Yesterday I went out with Jasmir who is heading up our project in Mumbai with ‘masseur boys’ (a euphemism for sex workers). We went to the place where the boys hang out waiting for customers and it was clear that Jasmir has a great relationship with them. He was teasing and pulling them by the ears and for a while there was laughter and camaraderie as they jossled to take their turn to be harangued! For a moment I understood the allure of the apparent freedom of the streets, surrounded by friends. But then I saw one boy being taken into the shadows by a big guy and remembered what one had said to me as he reflected on the violence they sometimes experience, “Some nights I wonder if I’m going to make it to the next day”. The urgency of Love146's prevention project to provide alternative work and other skills is paramount.
Glenn
