In 1992, Laura and Thea live together in a punk house in Washington, D.C. Thea, a brash and unapologetic trans girl, lives the punk life to its fullest. But Laura leaves her leather and safety pins at home each day when she leaves for work in a government job-hiding her anti-establishment lifestyle from her co-workers and her mainstream tastes from her housemates. When she invites Thea with her to see a Vermeer exhibit, Laura finds the courage to open up to Thea while viewing her favorite painting. Thea-normally critical of mainstream art-is charmed by both the painting and by Laura.