Shane and Carmen wave politely as the crowd acknowledges them with applause.

Mark ”I also wanna thank Veronica Bloom, who was willing to take this project head on and make it into something even greater.  This project…this…Compendium…has been able to venture into the lives of so many different women from different walks of life.  And this is just here in L.A.  I can only imagine…how many more lives we’ll be able to touch…inspire…and maybe, hopefully relate to everyone, not just here, but everywhere.  It’s not just Reality, it’s Life.  And because of all this, I’ve been able to befriend people who have become very special to me.  Now Veronica couldn’t be here tonight.  She’s busy making the media rounds, giving more of her support for this.  But I do thank her for what she’s done.  I thank Shane and Carmen for providing the initial canvas for this…beautiful thing to become a thing in the first place.  I am thankful…not just for the friends, but for this…this family.  These people I consider my family.  Shane and Carmen…Bette, Tina, Helena, Kit…Dax…Alice…Lara and of course, someone who is very near and dear to all of us…Dana.  I’ve been fortunate to chronicle a piece of their lives along with the lives of others for this.  And yeah…I know…you’re thinking, ’But Mark…you’re this guy.  You’re this…silly guy.  What could you possibly do or say that would make a difference or even make sense when it comes to this different lifestyle?’  Well…that’s the thing.”

Mark sees Lola in the audience, bringing a smile to his face.

Mark ”It’s not a lifestyle.  It’s life.  It’s love, it’s heartbreak, it’s…it’s all of these things wrapped into one.  It’s a family being formed.  It’s this family dynamic that all of us in some way share…all of us in some way can relate to.  Forget about the title of the documentary and look closer.  Look deeper.  It doesn’t matter if you’re a lesbian or a straight guy or a gay guy or a straight girl.  Hetero, homo, bi, trans, we’re all in this together!  And we can…become a great family…together!  My friends…my family…they’ve shown me that!  They’ve taught me this lesson!  They have made me a better person just as they continue to make each other better people!  I am proud!  I am proud to be a part of this and I am humbled that I continue to be among you!  Me being here and you being here…it’s not tolerance.  Tolerance.  That popular word they love use on the news a lot.  It’s love.  And that…one…thing…makes us all better.  You…are my family.  Shane, Carmen, Lara, Dana, Alice…Tina, Bette, Helena…Kit and Dax…and Lola…who has put up with me about as much as Shane and Carmen have, but for different reasons.  I love you all.  You guys are the best.  And it’s about Life.  Which is why we’re raising money and awareness for what Doctor Susan Love is doing with her Research Foundation.  She also believes in love and life.  And we’re doing our part to help.  Because again…we are all in this together.  As family  …Thank you.”

The roaring applause feels like vindication.  The hugs from his friends are vindication.  He makes his way to the booth, signing copies of the D.V.D.’s that are purchased.  Money is raised for Dr. Susan Love’s Research Foundation.  Life is good.  Life is important.  Love is important.

Dana places her arms around Lara and Alice, enjoying the evening.

Dana ”You know what?  I have an idea for you two.”