“Good question,” Aunt Lil says. “We wanted you to know something before you went onstage.” Aunt Lil pulls out a note-card. She wrote a speech. “August, your parents are your parents. They are your blood and you will forever be connected to them, for better or worse. But your parents aren’t your family. A family is a unit of people who believe in you, want the best for you, support and love you.” She looks up from the card and finds my eyes. “They love you no matter what. They love you for you. August, we are your family. Each person here would do anything for you. Your parents may not be here, but we are. And we will always be your family.”

“Your chosen family,” Davina says.

I look at all of them. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Don’t actors always know what to say?” Aunt Lil jokes.

“I guess I want to thank you. Thank you, Anna, for being my first friend. And Elijah for making life more fun. And Davina for the solid advice and loving my aunt. Thank you, Mr. Daniels, for making me a better actor, and Juliet for saving my life. And thank you, Aunt Lil, for changing my world. If you’re my family, then I’m the luckiest guy in New York City.”

They all hug me at once, and the warmth and love make me feel like I’ll never be alone again. I am August Greene. I’m transgender. I’m an actor. I have a dream. I lost my parents but found a family.

THE END

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

When a musical is over, the lights come up, the audience cheers, and the cast takes a bow. Being on that stage is both gratifying and humbling, and exactly what everyone who helped create this book deserves. A moment in the spotlight. Loud applause. A big bow. Thank you for helping me, you have all my gratitude. Please take a bow while I clap loudly (which makes it difficult to type.).

First bow goes to Bob McSmith. My musical cowriter. My best friend. Your heart is true. You’re a pal and confidant. Life would have sucked without you. Together, we created eight parody musicals that have played around the world. And it’s been an honor and a pleasure to walk side by side with you on this incredible journey. I have no doubt we created things in a past life, and I’m certain we will create things in the next. Thank you for being a friend.