As I commented last week, the many recent stories told on stage, screen and TV about gay relationships are inspiring, and definitely something I wish I’d had when I was growing up. So many conversations across areas of my life at the moment focus on how important it is to see people who look like us, share aspects of our identities and stories, and role model being unapologetically their authentic selves. Particularly timely this week is the number of out athletes at the Winter Olympics, and the great initiatives in different areas of sports around inclusivity.

This week I share the next scene in my script (and if you’re just joining me this week, here are the first and second installments).

Arthur and Jane are now closer to the stage and see many different PEOPLE, COUPLES and FAMILIES of all colors, shapes, heights and ages standing watching Tom, who is now near the end of his talk. Being at the back of the crowd Arthur still doesn’t see Tom.

TOM
For the next hour, please check out the different activities and story stations set-up around the observatory. And later this evening, join us for a storytelling circle around the fire led by my good friend and speaker extraordinaire Celeste Moonstar. Enjoy your evening everyone!

The audience applauds, Tom walks off stage to join a small group of COLLEAGUES, who congratulate him.

CUT TO: EXT. ROTHNEY ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY/OFF STAGE LEFT

CELESTE MOONSTAR (30) gives Tom a giant hug. Celeste exudes the confidence that comes with being unapologetically fabulous. She has raven hair with a slight curl flowing down to just below her shoulders, is wearing beaded earrings with a matching pendant necklace that reflect shades of blue and green, a purple empire waist v-neck shirt, a grey ribbon skirt that pulls her outfit together with accents of all the color she’s wearing and a pair of purple kitten heel shoes.

CELESTE
Speaker extraordinaire, eh?

TOM
Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Plus, it’s true!

CELESTE
Likewise, my dear. Nice job tonight Tom! I had a good chuckle when you threw in your signature “epic romance” comment. Your audience always loves that line.

TOM
Well, I have to make sure my talks have just the right amount of bravado. Plus darling, I can’t be boring up there.

CELESTE
Oh heaven’s no – that would never do!

Celeste’s iPhone buzzes, and she pulls it out of the pocket of her skirt, looking at the illuminated screen. A chryon appears.

JANE (TEXT)
Okay! Mission accomplished. We’re here!

CELESTE
Just a second Tom. I need to answer this.

Celeste walks a few steps away to a safe distance where Tom can’t see her phone screen, typing on her iPhone’s keypad. As she looks at her screen, chyrons appear between her and Jane.

CELESTE (TEXT)
Excellent! I’ll get Tom over to the Monomyth Station. Meet you there in 20. Does Arthur have any idea?

JANE (TEXT)
Nope! Tom?

CELESTE (TEXT)
Hah, none! He’s oblivious.

JANE (TEXT)
Great! See you there.