One can only imagine how profound an impact Mae Martin has had across the world. If the way their work has affected me is any indication, that impact is immense. Their candor in speaking about sexuality, identity, and addiction—all while making us laugh endlessly—is not just life-affirming, but also life-altering. Mae has the power to crack you open, to release you from shame. Whether in their gorgeously written and stunningly performed television series or their stand-up specials, they resist the urge to hold back, and it is a true joy and inspiration to witness. They step forward gracefully but unapologetically, with confidence and undeniable brilliance, to remind us what being alive is all about: being our full, authentic selves. Mae has certainly done that for me.
More from TIME
Page is an activist, author, and Oscar- and Emmy-nominated actor
- The Man Who Thinks He Can Live Forever
- Why We Can't Get Over the Roman Empire
- The Final Season of Netflix’s Sex Education Sends Off a Beloved Cast in Style
- How Russia Is Recruiting Cubans to Fight in Ukraine
- The Case for Mediocrity
- Paul Hollywood Answers All of Your Questions About The Great British Baking Show
- How Canada and India's Relationship Crumbled
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time