A Moment of Reflection Before the Reveal

Maven Maurer stood before the mirror in a friend's home in Jasper, Alberta, reflecting on the moment that would define her life. With meticulous detail, she prepared for her first public speech, showcasing not just her new self, but the journey she had taken to get there.

Embracing Her Past While Stepping Into Her Future

Unlike many in the transgender community who might attempt to erase their prior identity, Maven chose to honor her journey as Mike. "I didn’t want to wish away my past," she explained, recounting how she had fathered three daughters and built a life with an incredible woman. Her therapist suggested viewing her body as a vehicle—Mike had driven it, and now it was Maven's turn to take the wheel.

The Journey Begins: A Realization at 44

Maven's transformation came unexpectedly after a near-death experience when she was 44. Born as Mike and a celebrated football player, she faced the daunting choice of leaving behind her former self or continuing to hide. It was a gamble for survival.

From Struggles to Strengths: Finding Identity Through Adversity

Growing up as Mike in Saskatoon, she wielded strength to mask her pain, playing football as an outlet for her feelings of otherness. Despite her extensive accolades, few successes filled the void of her true identity, leading her to contemplate suicide to spare her loved ones.

Stepping into the Light: The First Public Appearance as Maven

After years of self-discovery through therapy and introspection, Maven embraced her identity as a woman. The first public outing as Maven came after starting hormone treatment. The journey led her to Jasper, where nature spoke to her soul.

A Historic Return to Football: Acceptance Among Old Teammates

This summer, Maven was honored at a BC Lions' Grey Cup reunion where her old teammates embraced her with open arms. Proudly wearing her name, Maven felt an overwhelming sense of belonging, marking a pivotal moment in her journey.

Sharing her Story: Maven Speaks at the Unity Summit

At the Unity Summit in Hinton, Alberta, Maven spoke about her experiences, wearing a name tag that identified her true self. Despite recent challenges, including a divorce, she expressed gratitude for her journey and the love she now holds for herself.

Inspiring Others: Maven's Message of Resilience

"It's never too late to find your true self," she proclaimed amid a standing ovation, sharing the powerful message that everyone has the capacity to remake themselves, embracing the best parts of their past.

The Name Maven: A Symbol of Courage and Strength

When asked about her name choice, she described it as someone who 'understands,' linking it to Maeve, the warrior queen of Irish mythology. Embracing this identity, Maven stood proudly as a beacon of hope for many.