“Maggie Sawyer both saved my life and gave me a life.” - By Anon (TW - Suicide & Mental Health)

CONTENT WARNING - suicidal ideation, mental health.

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I came out to my parents when I was 14; this was in 2009. I was then told that I had one week to figure out where I was going to live and to pack my things and go there, because at the end of the week my father said I was not welcome in the house. My mother had no say in their relationship, and they ended up divorcing in 2010. 

I didn't know what to do. My struggle with anxiety and depression had peaked and I considered ending my life but then I realized that would only prove my father right. So I asked my best friend if I could move in with her, and though I could only stay for a couple of months, it was what I needed at the time. I left behind my two younger sisters, ages 8 and 5, and then after five months of living with my best friend's family, I moved to live with an estranged uncle. He was my father's half brother, and they'd never had a relationship. I knew him, and since there was no connection to my father there was no way it could get messed up. 

Mentally, I wasn't doing good. My uncle was great, helping me get the help I needed, talking to people, getting me on meds, things like that. But I missed my sisters, especially the older one; I bet my baby sister barely has any memories of me. We had grown so close because we had just suffered a tragic family loss not even two years prior to when I was kicked out and now she wasn't allowed to speak to me or see me ever. Then, on October 24, 2016, I was watching my favorite superhero show, Supergirl, and there was Maggie Sawyer. Her confidence, her vulnerability, her love, were all things that resonated with me. I wanted to be her. And then when I found out that I was, in fact, her, it was possibly the greatest sign I'd ever been given. 

Maggie Sawyer had gotten kicked out for being gay, but she grew from it and is now this powerful, badass, amazing woman. I want to be like that. And I want to find love as she found in Alex. Maggie showed me that there is still hope for people like me. 

I have donated to the True Colors Fund in her name multiple times, specifically when the Maggie Matters fundraisers were going on. She is a beacon of hope for the kids that grew up feeling unwanted and unloved, feeling like there was nothing left in life. Maggie Sawyer both saved my life and gave me a life. 

I am now a 24-year-old college graduate in a loving, healthy relationship. She is my Alex. And like Sanvers, I hope we get married someday. If so, it will all be thanks to Maggie Sawyer.