I was fairly in denial about my sexuality before
seeing this storyline. In my 30s, seeing an older
professional woman exploring her sexuality really
helped me to come to terms with the fact I’m gay.
What I love most about the Berena
fandom is that it has brought people
together in real life. Fans support
other fans in attending shows and
events. Some of whom suffer from
anxiety, depression and other
mental health issues (so common
among the LGBT community) and for
whom traveling and attending events
is a major challenge. Other fans
have
agreed to meet them
and
support them through
the event. An amazing
fandom/real-life
crossover.
I joined a dating site for lesbian
women, feeling that, if at 50+ it
was alright for Serena and Bernie,
at 60+ I should give it a go as,
coming out of a 35+ year heterosexual
relationship, I could finally express
my ‘hidden’. So, although I am
totally aware it is fictional – it has
inspired me and given me confidence
to come out. I have now met a lady
of a similar age and, although it’s
early days, we are getting on pretty
well!
The storyline came at a time when I was
struggling to accept and be comfortable
with my sexuality. Being closeted can
be an isolating experience because
you have no one to talk to and I feel
as though people underestimate how
hard questioning your sexuality can
be. Watching the Berena storyline and
seeing the effect it had on so many
people helped to reassure me that I was
not alone.
From every fandom
that I have been
in over the past
6 years online,
this is the
most tight-knit
and talkative
community
in terms of
participation and
encouragement. I
don’t say this
lightly and have
felt really at
home with the
others online
– it really
is a standout
moment for me in
terms of lesbian
validation and
acceptance.