Shadowhunters fanfiction has been a huge part of my life since I joined the fandom in mid-2016, but I think its significance in my life has only increased in the last year. When I was struggling to come to terms with my sexuality this spring the show’s positive representation was incredibly important, but it was often the words written by fic writers that really helped put things into perspective. Perhaps the most visceral example of this came shortly after I started accepting that I’m asexual. I was trying my best to embrace it and find pride in it, but it wasn’t easy and I was terrified of coming out to anyone. I felt alone the vast majority of the time. But it was around that time when one of my favorite fics updated and with that update came a meaningful scene between two characters where one ended up coming out as demisexual. I can’t put into words how much the conversation that moment sparked between the characters helped me. I felt more understood and less alone than I had in a long time. Scenes or pieces of dialogue have affected me personally in the past, but this one really stuck with me because it truly did come at a time when I needed it the most. Fic writers are able to do so much through their writing, including making a difference in people’s lives, and it’s such a beautiful thing. Thank you all so much for sharing your gifts with us so freely. I hope you know how appreciated you are and how much of a difference you make.