In the emotional letter titled “Wear Your Pride,” Leigh explained how her Supergirl character Alex Danvers has impacted her. The actress wrote that when her character came out in the show’s second season, she was surprised by how much Alex’s journey resonated with her.

“When I was told that my character was to come out in season 2, a flurry of thoughts and emotions flew through and around me because of the responsibility I felt to authentically represent Alex’s journey,” Leigh wrote in the post, which can only be read with a paid subscription to Creating Change. “What I didn’t realize was how the scene where she finally confessed her truth would leap off the pages of the script and genuinely become a variation of my own. IRL.”

Leigh, who did not put any sort of specific label on her sexuality in the post, continued: “My heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest each take we filmed, every time presenting another opportunity to get those honest words out of my mouth. Though they don’t exactly match my personal dialogue, the heart behind it surely did. From the director, the press, the media, the cast, and the fans, I’m still told that it was the most realistic coming out scene they’d ever witnessed. And to steal from Alex’s words, that’s because there’s some truth to what she said about me.”

The 38-year-old actress, who previously appeared on Grey’s Anatomy, also revealed in her post that playing a lesbian character in a popular and well-known show has caused her to lose some support from friends and family. “Here’s the kicker though. Since that episode aired, I was told from dear friends (and even avid watchers of Supergirl) that they would no longer watch the show because of the fact that Alex’s journey took a turn from their less than acceptable beliefs,” she wrote.

A post shared by Chyler Leigh (@chy_leigh) on Feb 20, 2020 at 1:56pm PST

“Soon after, they began to distance themselves and eventually my family and I were outcast, marking the loss of many folks we loved,” Leigh continued. “However, after the initial sting, I don’t hold a grudge towards the negative response, because as I said, we all have had a hard time in one way or another with acceptance (whatever the subject may be) whether towards ourselves or others.”

However, the negative response has not discouraged Leigh and her husband from their journey of self-discovery.

“It’s been a long and lonely road for both my husband and myself but I can wholeheartedly say that after all these years, he and I are still discovering the depths of ourselves and each other, but throughout our journey we’ve learned to be proud of who we are, no matter the cost.”

Later on Monday evening, Leigh took to Instagram to thank her friends and family for their “outpouring of love and support” as they accept and love the actress for who she is. “Once we face out own true selves, we can better see the world around us, as well as how we can make a positive and lasting change for the sake of equality and love,” she wrote.

“I’m grateful to see more clearly, breathe a little easier, and I’m proud to contribute to all that I believe in with an honest, open heart. Sending love to you all,” Leigh concluded.

A post shared by Chyler Leigh (@chy_leigh) on Jun 8, 2020 at 7:16pm PDT

Newsweek did not receive comment from Leigh by the time of publication.

Supergirl airs on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on The CW.