Rain
Comic 903 - Obvious
Author Notes:
I don't have much else to add though. This page is mostly transitional (no pun intended), to lead into deeper discussion between these two. Any thoughts on everything so far? Does it seem like Kellen's keeping an open mind? Do you think she's any more receptive to what Vincent's saying over Aiken or Fara or Emily? And while I know she doesn't say a lot on this page, keep in mind that her pauses and expressions say as much as - if not more than - her dialogue.
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This is professional therapy right???
As to the legal issue: it's entirely plausible that Rain told Vincent that this would be okay some time off-panel.
He's telling Kellen no secrets, no private information. The closest I can think is that she now knows that Rain is starting HRT.
I guess I can see where you might be upset by it. But I see it as something she would learn, if she took the time to do some research, was the next step. And that is the obvious direction Rain is going, so it's not a secret to those who know what she is going through.
But that's just my opinion. Personally, I see Kellen's visit as therapy, not a social or educational talk. But then, as far as I remember, they didn't show her filling out any paperwork. So perhaps it isn't therapy.
I don't wish death upon her, but I do hope that she learns that she was wrong and at the very least, apologizes to Rain.
In the case of the panels, however, he is talking about what is happening in Rain's life, and is presumed common knowledge between the two of them, between their acquaintances. It is in no way a HIPAA violation and in no way a confidentiality breach, since Vincent has nothing to do with the prescribing of that medication.
Now, had Vincent said "You know I referred Rain to an Endocrinologist..."
THAT would be a HIPAA violation.
Rain pretty much assumed from the start that Kellen would be a huge transphobe and there was nothing that could change that. And then when she was right, she used that to justify her assumption. ("See? I may have never been optimistic about Kellen, but I was right in the end!")
Emily was so focused on defending Rain that she didn't bother to be kind.
And Fara essentially said "you're a complete monster and I hate you. End of story."
So yeah, maybe now that Kellen is actually being spoken to logically, she has a shot at redemption.
My other prediction is that if Kellen is redeemed, Rain will still rebuff her.
Rain: "You threw away our relationship when you cut my hair. Get out of my life, I will never forgive you."
(Except she'll say it in an angsty, sympathetic way.)
Also, the level of betrayal that Kellen pulled during that weekend is really off the charts. You're in your sister's home. You're asleep. And then your sister attacks you by destroying one of your touchstones of identity. I don't know about you, but every time I look in a mirror, I look for anything that says girl instead of boy. To have one of those touchstones destroyed like that. In my sleep. By my sister.
That kind of bullshit is the very definition of "maybe forgive, never forget."
Kellen looks angry with how it's going. So far like I predicted. Looks like she's going to get the foundations of her convenient ignorance and bigotry tumbled. No way she can take that well. Bigots like her never do. She'll come up with some lame excuse to justify her blind hatred; never mind reason and the facts all invented for the sole purpose of persecuting her and challenging her egocentrism. So, as she runs from the clinic into the street with profuse tears clouding her vision, does she get struck down by a Hummer, an SUV, a semi or a bus? Hee hee hee. Damn, I hope it's not a frigging moped for only minor scrapes, bruises and a sprained ankle.
That's not to say that every doctor does the same.
http://rain-web-comic.wikia.com/wiki/Kellen
http://rain-web-comic.wikia.com/wiki/Vincent_Valverde
If you are asking if the art/comic conveys that Kellen's tone/manner conveys that she seeming more receptive, I can't say definitely yes or no... but she's seemed as receptive during her last experience with Rain too at times.
I don't think I'd call it "keeping an open mind" but she does seem to realize that "trans" may be real, even if she doubts Rain. She has shown deception before too, far more than this would take.
Artistically, The closed nature of her stance is pretty declarative "NO" but she is taking time to think about things before shouting or declaring others are wrong. Because so much is being said in the last panel, I can't tell if that squinted glance away from Vincent is the pain of guilt at "barber skills" or the pain of considering what "the path Rain takes" may be. Depends on your level of charity.
Because the story is fictional, and you seem to be trying really hard not to monstrify people, my headcanon is that its a look of guilt, but in my gut, I expect it to be a look of disgust. I admit that my charity only goes so far.
On a personal level, I am too terrified of people and society to ever come out. Family, friends, coworkers, my dysphoria is weaker than my phobia. If I were ever as brave as Rain, and someone did to me something like what Kellen did? I would be so shaken with rage and fear at that person forever, I'd hope my actual family wouldn't waste their time trying to redeem them in some fictional world where I'd ever be able to forgive them, it's not fair to Rain. I am glad Kellen is trying. I hope Rain never has to see or talk to Kellen ever again, she doesn't deserve or owe society or her family that chance at redemption, ever.
If you can't live your life as yourself, your life is never truly yours. You've got to be yourself and there's no substitute for that. Not living your life hoe you want out of fear of people who don't even really know you can never be worth all the fear.
Do something to build up your confidence in your ability and power to take charge of your life. Counseling, anything. Start little exercises practicing standing up for yourself and speaking up where usually you let it go. Once a day or so as opportunity may present give it a go how you practiced. Ballroom dancing lessons, belly dancing, rollerskating (consider old school), rock climbing, chess, surfing, yoga, Tai chi chuan, a sport you may like, aikido or other martial art, anything. Something to help you realize or build your inner strengths and sense of accomplishment. You may well find you already have more strength than you think. But you've got to do something to start and find out.
Not hoe
I can admire the bravery of others regardless, and can only imagine what many of them go through. I follow several via social media, and all of it looks tough as can be.
Into Emily.
It makes sense.
If you don't think about it.
Stop thinking about it." -Jocelyn 2017
Shh! Shh! Dude, spoilers! XD
That... seems rather uncalled for. O_o
Thanks Jocelyn!