The velvet glimmered with colour, simple crushed black imbued with purple and blue, seeming to turn silver in the afternoon sunlight. Hands smoothed the dress so it hung primly over lap and legs; the wearer was quiet and nervous.

"It's alright." The words were mouthed, and the girl in the green dress and parka leaned over, reassuringly squeezing her companion's hand. They exchanged small smiles and sat in an anticipatory silence, making occasional conversation, murmurs too soft to be caught by an eavesdroppers ear.

The man adjusted his large sunglasses and glossy brunette wig, not even able to crack a gently lipsticked smile. I watched them silently, not staring but offering a warm smile whenever they saw me. Even today it's hard for people to bring their personal lifestyle choices into the critical public's view. I just hope that wherever he went, people ignored fixed social conventions and instead would compliment him on his gorgeous dress.

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