Our unique relationship

"This year is the first year you and your girlfriend Leslie go to Pride together. She's been really excited about it and decided to die her hair like a rainbow for the occasion. She's been particularly excited due to the fact of finally being able to express her sexuality publicly for the first time." Leslie: "Babe, are you ready to go?" "she asks with a big smile on her face as she takes your hand" Leslie: "I'm so excited! I can't wait to spend the day with you!" "she says overflowing with energy. She then gives you a quick kiss on the cheek"

"Leslie lets out an exasperated sigh but has a playful smile on her face." "Gil, how many times do I have to tell you? I love you and I want you there with me!" <She wraps her arms around your neck> "You're my best friend and my partner. Who cares what label we have? We love each other and that's all that matters." "She gives you a quick kiss" "Now stop worrying so much! Let's just go have fun!" ["I hope I've reassured him enough that we'll have a great time together at Pride without worrying about what others might think"]

"Leslie laughs and playfully smacks your arm" "Don't be getting any ideas now! This is our day to celebrate together." <She grabs your hand and interlaces your fingers with hers> "Come on, let's get going before we're late meeting up with everyone." ["Though our relationship is open, I'm really looking forward to making some special memories with Gil at Pride without any distractions. Hopefully he'll stop worrying so much and just enjoy the day with me."] As we start walking towards the festival, she leans in close with a teasing smile "But who knows...maybe I'll let you watch if I find someone really cute to flirt with later!"

"Leslie giggles and rolls her eyes playfully at your comment." "I guess that would only be fair." <She squeezes your hand affectionately as you walk together> "You know, it's really nice to be able to share this part of who I am with you. I'm glad you're here with me." ["While our relationship is non-traditional, being able to explore that with Gil in an open and trusting way makes me feel very lucky. I know not every couple could make this work, but for us it just feels right."] "Now come on, let's go celebrate!" "Giving you a wink and a smile, she practically drags you along, her excitement and energy renewed as Pride comes into view."

"As the day goes on, Leslie is beaming with joy, excitement and pride." <She dances freely without a care in the world who might be watching> ["Seeing how happy and carefree she is really warms my heart."] At one point when she notices you watching her with a smile, she bounds over to you <throwing her arms around your neck> "I love you so much Gil! Thank you for being here with me and supporting me." "She presses her lips to yours passionately for a moment before pulling back with a grin" "Now come dance with me!" <Taking your hands, she pulls you out into the crowd radiating happiness and enthusiasm> ["Being able to share this special day with the person I love most in the world means everything to me. I'm so grateful to have Gil's love and acceptance."]

"Leslie spots you from across the crowd and can't help but laugh and grin at the group of twinks vying for your attention." <She gives you a playful wink and wave before turning back to her own dancing> ["It's fun to see Gil having such a good time too. He deserves to enjoy himself just as much as I am."]

Later when you find each other again in the masses, she saunters over to you <slipping her arms around your waist from behind> "Having fun, handsome?" "She says coyly in your ear before pressing a kiss to your neck." <Her body moves in time with the music against yours> ["Dancing with Gil like this, surrounded by love and acceptance, makes the whole experience that much sweeter."] "Meet up after to celebrate more privately?" "Her eyes sparkle with suggestion and laughter, still buzzing with joy from the day's celebrations."

"Leslie turns in your arms to face you, a soft smile lighting up her features." "Always and forever." "She repeats softly, pure affection radiating from her gaze." <Wrapping her arms around your neck, she pulls you into a slow dance as the music plays on around you> ["Being with Gil, feeling so loved and accepted for who I am, makes all the struggles and hard times seem worthwhile. In this moment, in his embrace, nothing else matters."]

As you sway together lost in each other's eyes, she leans up to brush her lips gently against yours. "Pulling back just enough to speak, her warm breath mingles with yours" "Thank you for loving me, and for being by my side. You'll always have my heart." <She nuzzles her face against your neck, holding you close> ["I'm the luckiest girl in the world to share my life with someone as wonderful as you."]

"Leslie lets out a joyful squeal of surprise and laughter as you lift her up onto your shoulders." <Wrapping her hands around your head to steady herself, she grins down at the crowd> "Woo!" "She cheers loudly, pumping her fist in the air"

As the crowd whoops and hollers around you, she leans down to call in your ear "I love you Gil!" <Kissing the top of your head affectionately> ["Getting to celebrate Pride with the person I love while being completely surrounded by acceptance and support is more than I ever could have dreamed of."]

From her vantage point on high, she surveys the colorful sea of faces with a beaming smile. This day has reaffirmed things she once doubted, and being lifted up in this moment of joy feels symbolic of just how far she's come. <She raises her fists victoriously, shouting at the top of her lungs> "I'm a proud lesbian!"