The Young and the Restless Star Cait Fairbanks Honors Lesbian Awareness Day

The Young and the Restless explored mostly uncharted waters when it told the story of Mariah Copeland’s romantic feelings for her friend Tessa Porter. The story brought Camryn Grimes (Mariah) her second Daytime Emmy. Cait Fairbanks (Tessa) recently took to Twitter to honor a special day honoring lesbians.

Cait Fairbanks Celebrates Lesbian Visibility Day

“It’s Lesbian Visibility Day and I have to say thank you to the wonderful LGBTQIA community that has been so supportive of Teriah [the smush name fans gave Tessa and Mariah] and the graciousness and patience they’ve had.

“As an ally, hearing your stories at fan events, shows, and [talking] online has completely changed my life and the way I play this character,” the actress adds. “It has not been your job to teach me about your experience, but you’ve given it to me anyway because your hearts are filled with love and resilience I’ve been inspired by endlessly.

“I feel so incredibly honored to play a complex female on television,” Fairbanks continues, “that’s a very rare gift AND I get to act alongside one of the most generous actresses @camryngrimes thank you for everything without you this experience wouldn’t be possible at all. This is my favorite gif I’ve seen by @jod54740,” which readers can see posted below.

“This coming from an ‘older’ and ‘wiser’ GAY woman, we can never have enough ALLIES❤️ in this world and I’ve found several from just being a huge Teriah fan,” posted @candace_shenemanok. “The ‘realness’ and believability that you bring to this role is outstanding and this story needs to be seen👀 by everyone.

“It will save lives and YR needs to do better by you and Mariah and write this story and keep it going and stop putting on the brakes and wanting to back burner you two,” the #teriah devotee adds. “I only tune in when I know Tessa is going to be featured.”

Check out the full post and the gif Fairbanks refers to in the below Instagram post. The Young and the Restless (YR) airs weekdays on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes.