"I came out because of Maggie Sawyer." - By Ray

I came out because of Maggie Sawyer.

When she told Alex that she deserves to live a real, full happy life…it felt like she was talking directly to me. She uttered words I never knew I needed. Maggie showed me that I’m not broken, that I deserve to be happy and that loving girls is beautiful.

Watching her on screen made things click for me and helped me understand myself so much more. She played a pivotal role in helping me accept myself for who I am. Maggie’s strength, determination and grace in the face of struggle is something I admire and aspire to live out.

Growing up in a strict religious family, Maggie’s backstory of her family’s rejection because of her sexuality hits very close to home for me. Her line “I’m already good” was so cathartic and empowering to hear. I’ve spent so much of my life feeling like I wasn’t enough and that there was something wrong with me because of who I am.

Maggie’s strength to unapologetically be herself inspires me in all I do. She reminds me that I deserve to be proud of my identities and that “I’m already good” as a non-binary lesbian and person of color. I should try to be nobody but myself.

Maggie Sawyer changed my life in such a deep, profound way. Words cannot express how grateful I am to her and to Floriana Lima for their impact.