Hi Marina. <3 I wanted to take a hot second out of my life to thank you for your lifelong commitment to people like me. Growing up gay in the South of the USA in the 80s and 90s was not exactly a picnic.
Deanna Troi, as a character, presented a depiction of femininity that was considered an asset. Strong, opinionated, imperfect, respected. It wasn't seen as a detriment, but an asset. That drew me to her and made me start watching Star Trek in my early teens.
Marina Sirtis (that's you!) the human being spoke out in support of queer people at a time when it was wholly unpopular. Even when TNG failed to really "get it right" in themes around the subject, in your real life you were vocal as hell about the fact that you had our backs. I realize that you couldn't possibly remember every single fan letter you ever replied to, but when I was 13 I sent one to you asking for an autographed photo. I told you about who I was and how hard I was finding things.
I've seen the pre-printed letters on monogrammed stationary you often sent out to fans with the same glamor shot you sent me (and who could blame you? You couldn't POSSIBLY reply to everyone individually.) However...you did, to me.
It was a brief reply, handwritten on folded white paper with Warner Brothers logos. In it you said this: "Jimmy... people are going to tell you that you aren't enough. They might tell you that your whole life. Every time it happens, I want you to hear my voice in your head telling you they are idiots. Maybe Troi's voice if it helps, but either way, know always that we are right and they are wrong. Stay strong, Marina" Interestingly enough I also sent an email years later to Majel asking why there weren't queer characters on TNG. I think I was in college at the time? She emailed me back and said, I am paraphrasing, that it was completely out of her control but if she had her way she would have changed that and that she was one of many voices in the background complaining and trying to make that change. So there you have it, my favorite mother daughter combo tirelessly and always trying to be the voice for progress in what can be a cruel world. ;) Thank you from my little gay teenage heart as well as my 45 year old one today. I'm sorry you got bullied off of social media (if that's truly what happened.) I always enjoyed seeing your posts, especially your love of rugby. XOXO J
Evil triumphs when the good stay silent