Senior Maggie Russell always knew she had an attraction to both genders. She officially knew she was into women when she was in sixth grade and developed a crush on a girl. She wasn’t shocked by these feelings but didn’t make them public until she started to date girls when she was in eighth grade.

“[When I came out, I felt] pretty much the same as I’ve always been because this is just how I’ve been existing,” Maggie said. “It wasn’t really that different telling people.”

When Maggie came out to her friends and family, she wasn’t afraid of backlash because her friends supported her and her family understood her decision, maintaining their bond. While Maggie doesn’t tolerate backlash toward any group, she stands her ground for what she believes in.

“It’s not the end of the world because there are gay people, if you don’t want to do that, then that’s great for you,” Maggie said.

While being in Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) at school, Maggie is able to state her opinion and support others in similar situations. She has received encouragement from her peers and teachers ever since she joined GSA. She is able to find a shelter within the group to voice her opinions and thoughts she has to controversial issues.

“My goal is to protect the students,” GSA sponsor Robert Borenstein said. “If I could prevent the students from their life [being] negatively impacted, then I’m going to make sure I could prevent that in my power.”

Maggie’s parents were her top supporters from the moment she came out to them. Maggie’s mother Stacey Russell bonds with her daughter to assure Maggie knows she can always confide in her.

“Her father and I make sure to keep our dialogue and communication regular about how she feels and what we can do to support her,” Stacey said. “We make sure to tell her every day how much we love her.”

Maggie has learned about herself coming out while she ignores negative comments from homophobic people and maintains a healthy relationship with those around her. She continues to attend GSA to help others in situations related to their sexualities.

“It’s a good thing to come out to the world because you could find out more about yourself, about other people who are going through the same thing,” Maggie said.