On July 8th 2020 we lost someone truly amazing and completely transformational for the LGBTQ+ community. She was a mother, a friend, a role model, a sister, a daughter, an artist and so much more. Her name is Naya Rivera. I say 'is' because she left a legacy behind that will be there forever. For that we say thank you.
In 2009 Naya made her debut on a TV show called Glee where she changed many lives with her character Santana Lopez. Santana was a fiery cheerleader with the most spectacular voice who proudly accepted her sexuality while being able to cut down anyone in her way with a monologue of words. She was one of, if not the first, out lesbian representation in a high school setting presented so widely on prime time television. Although Santana did struggle at first with her sexuality she soon showed her strength and pride to be herself and be with the woman that she loved, Brittany S. Pierce.
Naya portrayed so genuinely her coming out, her inner battle with herself and her rising to be her truth. For so many people that have never been represented she allowed that to happen and in such a genuine way. She fought for her relationship with Brittany until they got their happy ending. One of the first happy endings for a queer relationship I had ever seen. She fought for so many queer people out there who didn't even realise it was okay to be themselves.
When I was 10 I first saw her portraying Santana. I instantly fell in love with Naya but of course I didn't realise why. It wasn't until she sang Songbird to Brittany, displaying her feelings through music without actually having to say anything at all, and when she professed her love at the Hurt Locker that I really looked at myself and realised she was the same as me. Someone was the same as me. In every scene you could feel the emotion so profoundly it was heartbreaking yet beautiful at the same time. Then when Santana was outed, I also found myself in the same situation, as do many people in the LGBTQ+ community. She showed me that with bravery I could get through my struggles. She didn't cower away and lie about who she was. When I was about to give up she fought for me and I am here today. She saved my life. She saved so many lives.
As well as this, Naya Rivera accidentally came out as bisexual on a talk show she was working on and when she did she simply embraced it, posting the picture below:
She continued to show people that it doesn't matter what sexuality you choose to identify with. You are you and I will take that message with me forever.
Naya wasn't just Santana from Glee. She was so much more than that. She was a mother that saved her child in her last moments. She was a friend that made everyone laugh. She was a singer that had a voice like an angel. She was a family member that was cherished. She was a genuinely nice person that made mistakes but didn't let that hold her back as she blossomed into her own light.
It'll take us all a while to come to terms with such a tragic loss but Naya Rivera will forever be in the hearts of so many people. I will still listen to her music and watch her performances, smiling at her precious soul.
I wish we could have said it sooner to her and more often when we she was alive but thank you, thank you, thank you. Your life will always matter Naya. Because of you, we know our lives matter too.
Rest sweetly Naya Rivera.
12 January 1987 - 8 July 2020.
