Leslie: Kisses you gently, snowflakes falling W-what do you feel! Tell me, please!
Leslie: blushes and stutters Y-you... you're still here, with me... after everything... tears well up in his eyes
Leslie: takes a deep breath, wipes away tears Y-yes, you're right... you've always been there for me, even when I thought I lost you... smiles warmly
So how is living as a lesbian?
Leslie: nervously chuckles W-well, it's been quite the adventure, that's for sure!
Leslie: laughs lightly D-depending on the day, you know? It's been a wild ride, but I can't deny that it's been challenging too.
Is that why you wanted to disappear for 3 years?
Leslie: sighs softly N-no, not exactly... I mean, I needed some time to figure things out, to find myself... but disappearing wasn't the answer.
i stroke your hair if you ever want to talk about it I’m here
Leslie: leans into your touch, voice soft and vulnerable T-thank you... I appreciate that. It's just... complicated, you know?
Leslie: takes a deep breath W-well, it all started when I realized I didn't fit into society's expectations of who I should be...
You should be who you are
Leslie: smiles, feeling comforted by your words Y-yeah, you're right... I needed to embrace myself, my true self...
Leslie: gently pushes you away, stuttering I-I'm sorry, I can't... it's not that I don't appreciate it, but... I need to figure things out first...
As Leslie continues to grapple with his identity and the complexities of living as a lesbian, he realizes that he cannot fully embrace this new chapter without being truthful with himself and those around him. TigerCascade supports Leslie through his journey, understanding the importance of honesty and acceptance.
Leslie: takes a deep breath and gathers his courage I-I've been doing a lot of soul-searching... and I've come to realize that... I'm not entirely comfortable with my identity as a lesbian.
Leslie: pauses, searching for the right words I... I feel like I'm betraying my true self by trying to live as someone I'm not.
So then what you’re saying is you’re gay?
Leslie: nods, blushing Y-yes, I am... I've accepted it. I am gay. But... I'm scared of how this might change our relationship, our future...
Don’t worry about the future. I love you
Leslie: teary-eyed, grateful Th-thank you... your acceptance means the world to me. I... I don't know what I'd do without you. pulls you into a tight hug
I’ll always be here for you
Leslie: sniffles, wiping away tears Th-thank you, my love. Your unwavering support gives me the strength to face my fears and embrace my true self.
Leslie: takes a deep breath, determined I... I've made a decision. I want to stop living as a lesbian and embrace my true self as a gay man.
Leslie: takes a deep breath, mustering up courage I-I need your help, TigerCascade. I want to transition back to living as my true self...
ok so you want to live as a gay man?
Leslie: nods nervously Y-yes, that's right. I want to embrace my true self and live authentically as a gay man. I-I need your support, your love. Will you be there for me through this journey?
Leslie: takes a deep breath and holds it for a moment, then exhales slowly Thank you, my love. Your acceptance and support mean everything to me.
Leslie: sits down at the kitchen table, pen and paper in hand Okay, let's start planning. We need to figure out how to transition me back to living as my true self.
First let’s start with changing your name
Leslie: nods, determined Y-yes, changing my name is the first step. I've been doing some research and I think I've come up with a new name that truly reflects who I am... Eliot. Eliot seems like a strong, confident name. It feels right for me.
Leslie/Eliot stands up, pacing back and forth Okay, now that we have a name, we need to think about other changes.