Degrassi actor reveals that he's gay - The Globe and Mail

gay degrassi

Adamo Ruggiero reflected on how playg Mar Del Rossi on Degrassi: The Next Generatn helped him e out, but said the show fell short explorg gay issu." emprop="scriptn

Contents:

AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF LGBT CHARACTERS ON "DEGRASSI"IT (STILL) GO {FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}TVBY SNICKSJULY 20, 2015/2:33 {HEIGHT:HER;DISPLAY:-WEBK-BOX;DISPLAY:-WEBK-FLEX;DISPLAY:-MS-FLEXBOX;DISPLAY:FLEX;POSN:RELATIVE;-WEBK-FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;-MS-FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;-WEBK-ALIGN-EMS:CENTER;-WEBK-BOX-ALIGN:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-ALIGN:CENTER;ALIGN-EMS:CENTER;-WEBK-BOX-PACK:CENTER;-WEBK-JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-PACK:CENTER;JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-WEBK-TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;-MS-TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;} IMG{HEIGHT:100%;WIDTH:100%;OBJECT-F:VER;}{HEIGHT:574PX;WIDTH:1020PX;}DEGRASSIBY SNICKSJULY 20, 2015 / 2:33 PM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF LGBT CHARACTERS ON \"DEGRASSI\"","THUMBNAILURL":","DATEPUBLISHED":"2015-07-20T18:33:34.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2015-07-20T18:33:34.000+0000","IMAGE":{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT","URL":","WIDTH":1920,"HEIGHT":1080},"URL":","THOR":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","NAME":"LOGO TV"},"MAENTYOFPAGE":{"@TYPE":"WEBPAGE","@ID":"},"PUBLISHER":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","@ID":","NAME":"LOGO TV","URL":","LOGO":{"@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT"}},"CREATOR":"SNICKS","ARTICLESECTN":"TV"}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}CANADA'S TEEN SOAP DEGRASSI FIRST PREMIERED BACK 1979 AS THE KIDS OF DEGRASSI STREET. IN THE S SCE, 'S CHANGED NAM, STS AND EVEN CHANNELS—AND NOW AIRS ON {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE SHOW NTU TO TAKE LGBT REPRENTATN TO NEW HEIGHTS, OM SNAKE'S BROTHER GLEN G OUT AS GAY 1987, TO THE TRODUCTN OF THE SHOW'S FIRST GENRQUEER CHARACTER.THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BELOW, WE SHE A SPOTLIGHT ON THE LGBT CHARACTERS WHO HELP MAKE DEGRASSI THE CULTURAL TOUCHSTONE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ROBERT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN THE 2001 EPISO "SECRETS AND LI," ASHLEY DON'T TAKE SO WELL WHEN SHE LEARNS HER DAD, ROBERT (ANDREW GILLI) IS GAY. (HE WAS UGHT BY HER MOM CHEATG WH ANOTHER MAN.){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AFTER SOME HEALG—AND A DIVORCE—ROBERT AND BOYIEND CHRISTOPHER (DAVID ORTH) TIE THE KNOT, AND ASHLEY IS THERE TO CELEBRATE WH {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}CLIFF {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN THE 2013 EPISO "THE TIME OF MY LIFE," CLARE NEEDS A PROM DATE ASAP, AND THE SPUR OF THE MOMENT ASKS CLIFF (AIN GREENE) TO ACPANY HER. HE AGRE, BUT LATER NFS TO CSHG ON CLARE'S EX, {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}CAN YOU BLAME HIM?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}DYLAN MICHALCHDEGRASSI: THE NEXT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}PAIGE'S HOCKEY-PLAYG BROTHER DYLAN (JOHN BREGAR) WAS MAR'S FIRST LOVE—AND THE FIRST TO BREAK HIS HEART. AFTER HELPG MAR E OUT TO HIS PARENTS, HE SLOWLY IAT A {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ALL IS WELL UNTIL HE LEAV FOR LLEGE: AFTER MAR TCH HIM BED WH ANOTHER GUY, DYLAN SUGGTS AN OPEN RELATNSHIP. THEY BREAK UP, BUT DYLAN EVENTUALLY RETURNS TO APOLOGIZE AND TRY TO RENCILE. MAR AGRE, BUT THEIR RELATNSHIP TAK ANOTHER H WHEN DYLAN LEAV FOR A HOCKEY REER {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}UNABLE TO PE WH THE LONG DISTANCE (AND DYLAN'S CREASG LACK OF MUNITN), MAR BREAKS OFF AGA FOR {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ERICDEGRASSI: THE NEXT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AFTER MAR FALLY DUMPED DYLAN, HE STARTS UP WH ERIC (DWA MURPHY) SEASON 7 OF DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATN. BUT THEIR RELATNSHIP WAS DOOMED WHEN ERIC BEME JEALO OF MAR'S BFF {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ALEX NUñEZDEGRASSI: THE NEXT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ALEX (DEANNA CASALUCE) ARRIVED AT DEGRASSI AS JAY'S BAD-GIRL GIRLIEND, BUT EVENTUALLY END UP G OUT—AND DATG PAIGE. THEIR RELATNSHIP WAS ONE OF THE ROCKIT (AND MOST ENGAGG) PAIRGS ON THE SHOW TO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}FAB {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}FAB (KEV ALV) WAS A STAGEHAND ON THE DEGRASSI HIGH PRODUCTN OF ROMEO AND JUL WHEN HE BEME THE OBJECT OF TRISTAN'S AFFECTN. UNFORTUNATELY, FAB MAK AN NOCENT REMARK THAT TRISTAN TAK AS FAT-SHAMG, AND WHEN THEY MAKE A YOGA DATE, TRISTAN STARV HIMSELF TO GET {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN TRISTAN HAS A HEART ATTACK MIDWAY THROUGH THEIR DATE, THROWS A DAMPER ON THEIR RELATNSHIP, WHICH IS PLETELY STROYED WHEN FAB CLAR FASHN WEEK "SHALLOW."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}PAIGE MICHALCHDEGRASSI: THE NEXT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}PAIGE (LREN COLLS) WAS A RE ST MEMBER, AND HER MELODRAMATIC ROMANCE WH ALEX NUñEZ MA HER THE BISEXUAL QUEEN OF DEGRASSI COMMUNY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}GLEN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}GLEN (MONTGOMERY RANDAL) WAS THE BROTHER OF FUTURE PRCIPAL SNAKE, AND THE 1987 EPISO "HE A'T HEAVY...," BEME THE FIRST GAY CHARACTER ANY OF THE DEGRASSI {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}GLEN REVEALS HE'S GAY ON A TRIP HOME OM LLEGE, SHOCKG HIS FAY—CLUDG SNAKE. GLEN SWEARS HE WON'T E BACK UNTIL THEY ACCEPT HIM, AND THE CHARACTER WAS NEVER SEEN OR MENTNED SCE. (BABY STEPS.){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}J.J. (RHYS WARD) WAS ELI'S CHRONIC-MASTURBATOR DORM ROOMMATE WHO REFED TO WEAR PANTS. ELI FOUND THIS SLIGHTLY TROUBLG, BUT THEY LATER BEME {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN A DNKEN GAME OF "NEVER HAVE I EVER," J.J. REVEALED HE WAS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MAR DEL ROSSIDEGRASSI: THE NEXT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE BT-KNOWN GAY THE VILLAGE, MAR (ADAMO RUGGIERO) SAW CREDIBLE HIGHS AND LOWS DURG HIS TIME AS A STUNT (AND AGA HIS RETURN AS A STUNT TEACHER), CLUDG A FAILED RELATNSHIPS, A FALLG-OUT WH HIS BFF, GAY-BASHG, AND A LUNKHEAD NAMED SPNER. THROUGH ALL, HE CEMENTED HIS STATURE AS ONE OF TV'S GREATT LGBT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MIL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}RICH KID MIL (ERIC OSBORNE) WAS FED MOST BY HIS STRAED RELATNSHIP WH HIS POLICIAN FATHER, BUT EVENTUALLY EMBRACED HIS BISEXUALY SEASON 18 OF DEGRASSI: NEXT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}HE STARTED A RELATNSHIP WH TRISTAN, BUT WAS EVINT THAT MIL STILLS HAD FEELGS FOR HIS EX {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}NATHAN MEETS RILEY STAVROS SEASON 8 OF DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATN AND THE TWO SHARE A NNECTN (I.E. A QUICKIE BLOWJOB). LATER, THE STILL-CLOSETED RILEY PRETENDS NOT TO KNOW NATHAN WHEN THEY N TO EACH {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IF HE LOOKS FAIAR, THAT'S BEE ACTOR JORDAN GAVARIS WENT ON TO PLAY GAY BFF FELIX ORPHAN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IMOGEN MORENODEGRASSI: THE NEXT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}PANSEXUAL IMOGEN (CRISTE PROSPERI) WAS THE STAR OF THE SHOW, WHETHER SHE WAS ON STAGE OR THE HALLS OF DEGRASSI. HER MOST NOTABLE RELATNSHIP WAS WH {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}CHARLIE LIMADEGRASSI: THE NEXT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}A RECURRG CHARACTER OM SEASON 11, CHARLIE (TAMARA DUARTE) WAS AN OUT LBIAN WHO ALSO HAD AN FIERY ROMANCE WH FNA. BUT THE TWO CID AFTER A BRIEF FLG THAT THEY WERE BETTER OFF AS IENDS AND CHARLIE'S STORYLE QUICKLY RAN S {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}RILEY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}LOVABLY NSE RILEY (ARGIRIS KARRAS) WAS THE STAR QUARTERBACK OF THE DEGRASSI FOOTBALL TEAM. IT TOOK HIM SEVERAL SEASONS—AND THE AFFECTN OF ZANE PARK—TO AX HIM OUT OUT OF THE CLOSET, BUT BEFORE DRAGGG SEVERAL BEARDS TO RELATNSHIPS AND PUMMELG A GAY LIFEGUARD FOR GIVG HIM AN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}HAVG FALLEN FOR ZANE, RILEY ENDUR A BLACKMAIL ATTEMPT, BEFORE FALLY EMBRACG THEIR RELATNSHIP {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE URSE OF TE LOVE DO NOT N SMOOTHLY, THOUGH, AND RILEY NNOT BRG HIMSELF TO E OUT TO HIS FAY, LEADG TO A RIFT WH ZANE. THE TWO EVENTUALLY MEET UP AGA AT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ZOE RIVASDEGRASSI: NEXT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ZOE (ANA GOLJA) HAS ONE OF THE MOST PLITED STORI OF CURRENT LGBT DEGRASSI STARS: SHE WAS A SURVIVOR OF SEXUAL ASSLT AND SELF-HARM, BUT SHE ME OUT THE OTHER SI OF HER PA—AND ME OUT AS GAY—AFTER A DATG {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ZOE WAS ACTUALLY THE FIRST LGBT DEGRASSI CHARACTER KICKED OUT OF THEIR HOME BY UNSUPPORTIVE PARENTS. AWFUL, HUH?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}FNA COYNEDEGRASSI: THE NEXT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}A DEGRASSI: NEXT GENERATN ALUM, FNA (ANNIE CLARK) ME TO CANADA BY WAY OF MANHATTAN, WHERE SHE WAS RAISED BY HER WEALTHY BUT TROUBLED FAY. FNA ENDURED A VLENT RELATNSHIP WH BOBBY AND, LATER, FELL FOR {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}TIM (ALEX HOE) MEETS MAR ON THE SET OF THE SCHOOL'S PRODUCTN OF HAMLET, AND THE TWO STCK UP A IENDSHIP THAT BLOSSOMED TO SOMETHG MORE. UNFORTUNATELY, THEIR BLISS WAS SHORT-LIVED WHEN TIM REALIZED MAR STILL RRIED A TORCH FOR HIS EX, {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}RASHA ZUABIDEGRASSI: NEXT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}RASHA (DALIA YEGAVIAN) WAS AN IMPORTANT STEP FOR VISIBILY AS DEGRASSI'S FIRST GAY MLIM CHARACTER. SHE DATED ZOE RIVAS, A FELLOW QUEER WOMAN OF {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}DYLAN (DARRYL ARMSTRONG) BRIEFLY DATED TOM, BUT WHEN SPNER FDS OUT THAT MAR IS TERTED DYLAN, HE CIS TO HELP OUT HIS GAY BUDDY—BY TELLG DYLAN THAT TOM HAS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}TOM MANAG TO SEE THROUGH SPNER'S LIE, BUT DO THE TRICK, AS TOM IS GONE BEFORE THE EPISO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}TRISTAN MILLIGANDEGRASSI: NEXT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}INSECURE ABOUT HIS APPEARANCE, THE DRAMATIC TRISTAN (LYLE LETT) TRI TO IMPRS HIS CSH WH A STARVATN CLEANSE, ONLY TO SUFFER A HEART ATTACK. HE'S IALLY CLOSETED, AND HIS BFF MAYA AGRE TO BE HIS BEARD UNTIL SHE UNVERS HE'S A RELATNSHIP WH AN OLR MALE TEACHER, AND TELLS THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}TRISTAN LATER BEGS A RELATNSHIP WH THE ALOOF (AND PERPETUALLY BAKED) {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ZANE PARKDEGRASSI: NEXT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE OUT-AND-PROUD ZANE (SHANNON KOOK-CHUN) WAS HEAD OF THE DEGRASSI LGBT CLUB AND ON BOTH THE SOCCER AND FOOTBALL TEAMS. HIS ON-OFF RELATNSHIP WH THE CLOSETED (AND RAGE-PRONE) RILEY LASTED SEVERAL SEASONS, UNTIL RILEY'S ABILY TO E OUT TO HIS PARENTS WAS THE FAL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}HAPPILY, THEY TAKE TENTATIVE STEPS TOWARD A RENCILIATN AT PROM, AND PREPARE TO ATTEND EASTERN UNIVERSY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ADAM TORRDEGRASSI: THE NEXT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE SHOW'S FIRST TRANSGENR CHARACTER, ADAM (JORDAN TODOSEY) WAS A FAN-FAVE ON DEGRASSI. HE WAS FORCEFULLY OUTED TO HIS PEERS, BUT BOND WH A SMALL CIRCLE OF {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}HE LATER GOT TO A R ACCINT AND DIED A CLASSIC DEGRASSI {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}VIJAY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}A HOPELS ROMANTIC AND GAMER GEEK, VIJAY (DANTE STT) IS PART OF THE DEGRASSI QUEER ALLIANCE BUT SPENDS A LOT OF TIME FANTASIZG ABOUT THE PERFECT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}HE STARTS DATG TRISTAN, BUT THEIR ROMANCE IS CUT SHORT WHEN TRISTAN REALIZ HE ISN'T OVER MIL AND ENDS THGS (BUT NOT BEFORE GIVG HIM CHLAMYDIA).{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}YAEL BARONDEGRASSI: NEW {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}YAEL (JAMIE BLOCH), A BOLD CHARACTER WHOSE BRIGHT-RED LOCKS MATCH THEIR PUNKY SPIR, IS DEGRASSI'S FIRST GENRQUEER CHARACTER, G OUT AS NONBARY THE SHOW'S FOURTH SEASON ON {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;CLEAR:BOTH;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;MARG:0 TO;WIDTH:90%;M-WIDTH:288PX;MAX-WIDTH:1440PX;M-HEIGHT:194PX;}LATT NEWS

* gay degrassi *

Degrassi: Next Generatn Seasons 2–7When Degrassi: The Next Generatn premiered s send season, Mar Del Rossi, played by Adamo Ruggiero, found a home and a place Degrassi history wh his role as a gay stunt who practilly went through all durg his time on the gay kids high school were fodr for bullyg, Mar found an dience through an accurate portrayal that allowed him to live a pretty normal teenage life, for Degrassi standards at Degrassi High, he found love Paige's hockey player brother, helped his iends e to terms wh their gay bt iend, and a b of everythg else that wh beg a Degrassi stunt. Degrassi: Next Generatn Seasons 11–14 and Degrassi: Next Class 1–4For the gay kid at Degrassi, life n be tough, but Tristan, played by Lyle Lett, he at least ma his time heart attacks, anorexia, fights wh his BFF, sleepg wh a teacher, and so much more, Tristan ma his mark on the screen and the halls of Degrassi ways so few have before.

Her character went through some tly trmatic stuff durg her time on the show, cludg self-harm and sexual asslt, pl beg kicked out of her home for g out as gay.

Degrassi: Next Class 3–4The first gay Mlim character on the show, Rasha, played by Dalia Yegavian, gave the show a morn update while portrayg a young Mlim immigrant tryg to fd herself (like everyone at Degrassi, all the time) end up datg Zoe Rivas, another queer woman of lor, durg her last seasons on the show. In the s sce, 's changed nam, sts and even channels—and now airs on show ntu to take LGBT reprentatn to new heights, om Snake's brother Glen g out as gay 1987, to the troductn of the show's first genrqueer, we she a spotlight on the LGBT characters who help make Degrassi the cultural touchstone KerwIn the 2001 episo "Secrets and Li, " Ashley don't take so well when she learns her dad, Robert (Andrew Gilli) is gay.

'DEGRASSI' 'S ADAMO RUGGIERO SAYS PLAYG MAR HELPED HIM COME OUT, BUT SHOW FELL SHORT EXPLORG GAY ISSU

Still, he feels that the show uld’ve gone farther havg s gay characters discs gay issu * gay degrassi *

"Paige MichalchPaige (Lren Colls) was a re st member, and her melodramatic romance wh Alex Nuñez ma her the bisexual queen of Degrassi Communy SimpsonGlen (Montgomery Randal) was the brother of future prcipal Snake, and the 1987 episo "He A't Heavy..., " beme the first gay character any of the Degrassi reveals he's gay on a trip home om llege, shockg his fay—cludg Snake. Revealed he was Del RossiThe bt-known gay the village, Mar (Adamo Ruggiero) saw credible highs and lows durg his time as a stunt (and aga his return as a stunt teacher), cludg a failed relatnships, a fallg-out wh his BFF, gay-bashg, and a lunkhead named Spner.

Later, the still-closeted Riley pretends not to know Nathan when they n to each he looks faiar, that's bee actor Jordan Gavaris went on to play gay BFF Felix Orphan MorenoPansexual Imogen (Criste Prosperi) was the star of the show, whether she was on stage or the halls of Degrassi. It took him several seasons—and the affectn of Zane Park—to ax him out out of the closet, but before draggg several beards to relatnships and pummelg a gay lifeguard for givg him an fallen for Zane, Riley endur a blackmail attempt, before fally embracg their relatnship urse of te love do not n smoothly, though, and Riley nnot brg himself to e out to his fay, leadg to a rift wh Zane. The two eventually meet up aga at RivasZoe (Ana Golja) has one of the most plited stori of current LGBT Degrassi stars: She was a survivor of sexual asslt and self-harm, but she me out the other si of her pa—and me out as gay—after a datg was actually the first LGBT Degrassi character kicked out of their home by unsupportive parents.

Unfortunately, their bliss was short-lived when Tim realized Mar still rried a torch for his ex, ZuabiRasha (Dalia Yegavian) was an important step for visibily as Degrassi's first gay Mlim character. TomDylan (Darryl Armstrong) briefly dated Tom, but when Spner fds out that Mar is terted Dylan, he cis to help out his gay buddy—by tellg Dylan that Tom has manag to see through Spner's lie, but do the trick, as Tom is gone before the episo ends.

"DEGRASSI"'S ADAM RUGGIERO {FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}TVBY MICHAEL JENSENJANUARY 17, 2008/5:20 PMBY MICHAEL JENSENJANUARY 17, 2008 / 5:20 PM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"\"DEGRASSI\"'S ADAM RUGGIERO OUT","DATEPUBLISHED":"2008-01-17T22:20:23.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2008-01-17T22:20:23.000+0000","IMAGE":{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT","WIDTH":1920,"HEIGHT":1080},"URL":","THOR":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","NAME":"LOGO TV"},"MAENTYOFPAGE":{"@TYPE":"WEBPAGE","@ID":"},"PUBLISHER":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","@ID":","NAME":"LOGO TV","URL":","LOGO":{"@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT"}},"CREATOR":"MICHAEL JENSEN","KEYWORDS":"THE BACKLOT","ARTICLESECTN":"TV"}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ON WEDNDAY NIGHT, 21-YEAR-OLD ACTOR ADAMO RUGGIERO ME OUT AS A GAY MAN AN TERVIEW WH TANYA KIM OF CTV ENTERTAMENT MAGAZE ETALK. RUGGIERO IS BT KNOWN FOR PLAYG GAY TEEN MAR DEL ROSSI ON THE SUCCSFUL CANADIAN TEEN DRAMA DEGRASSI: THE NEXT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN THE TERVIEW, RUGGIERO TALKED ABOUT THE PARALLEL JOURNEY HE AND HIS DEGRASSI CHARACTER TOOK, TELLG KIM:{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“I WAS GROWG UP THE EXACT SAME TIME AS MY CHARACTER WAS GROWG UP AND HE WAS QUTNG THGS THAT I WAS QUTNG AND I WAS JT A KID. I WAS PLETELY PETRIFIED, AND YOU DON’T REALLY UNRSTAND AND YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE YOU F OR WHO YOU ARE, AND MY CHARACTER WAS ASKG THE EXACT SAME QUTNS BUT HE MOVED A LTLE B FASTER THAN I DID.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IT WAS THE CHALLENGE OF LEARNG TO ACCEPT HIMSELF THAT PROMPTED RUGGIERO TO PUBLICLY E OUT: “ULTIMATELY I JT THOUGHT MAYBE THE REASON WHY THAT THE KD OF FEARS ARE PERPETUATED OF ‘I N’T E OUT, WHAT’S GOG TO HAPPEN TO MY REER?’ IS BEE THGS REALLY HAVEN’T CHANGED … AND I FEEL LIKE THE MORE WE HI THE MORE WE PERPETUATE .”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}UNTIL THIS NDID TERVIEW, RUGGIERO HAD CHOSEN NOT TO DISCS HIS SEXUAL INTY WH THE PUBLIC. IN AN TERVIEW FOR HE WAS ASKED ABOUT SPECULATN ABOUT HIS SEXUALY BY DEGRASSI FANS. HE RPOND, “ REGARDS TO THE GAY THG ... THAT'S THE NUMBER ONE QUTN BEE OBVLY PEOPLE ARE CUR. I SAY TO MYSELF, LET THE GAY KIDS THK I'M GAY AND LET THE STRAIGHT GIRLS THK I'M STRAIGHT.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}RUGGIERO, WHO WAS BORN MISSISSGA, ONTAR 1986, HAS BEEN ACTG SCE THE YOUNG AGE OF 7. HE HAS APPEARED THEATRIL PRODUCTNS OF RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REER AND BYE-BYE BIRDIE. RUGGIERO ALSO APPEARED AN IMPROV EDY GAME SHOW, DON’T LICK THE PIG, AND A SKETCH EDY SHOW, SHOW CRASH, ON A YOUTH-ORIENTED BLE WORK CANADA BEFORE APPEARG ON {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN 2002, HE JOED THE ST OF DEGRASSI S SEND SEASON. MAR FORMED A CLOSE IENDSHIP WH ELLIE (STACEY FARBER), WHO BEME THE FIRST PERSON TO REALIZE THAT MAR IS GAY. ELLIE AGREED TO PRETEND TO BE MAR’S GIRLIEND FOR A WHILE TO HELP HIM HI HIS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN MAR BEGAN TO E OUT TO HIS IENDS DEGRASSI’S THIRD SEASON, STRAED HIS IENDSHIP WH SPNER (SHANE KIPPEL), WHO VANDALIZED MAR’S LOCKER BEFORE BEG FORCED TO NONT HIS HOMOPHOBIA. MAR ME OUT TO HIS MOTHER AFTER HIS RIVAL ALEX (DEANNA CASALUCE){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THREATENED TO OUT HIM TO THE WHOLE SCHOOL, AND TO HIS FATHER {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}TRYG TO HELP ANOTHER GAY TEEN. THE SCEN WHERE MAR ME OUT TO HIS PARENTS DIVIDUALLY EXEMPLIFIED THE SHOW'S FT HANDLG OF DIFFICULT EMOTNAL MOMENTS VOLVG {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}DEGRASSI TREATED MAR’S ROMANTIC LIFE NO DIFFERENTLY THAN THOSE OF HIS STRAIGHT CLASSMAT. HIS RELATNSHIP WH DYLAN (JOHN BREGAR) WAS A SOURCE FOR THE SAME KDS OF NFLICTS FOUND DEGRASSI’S HETEROSEXUAL RELATNSHIPS. THE TWO APPROACHED THE RELATNSHIP VERY DIFFERENTLY, WH MAR FEELG LONELY EASILY, AND DYLAN WANTG TO KEEP THE RELATNSHIP MORE SUAL. (AFTER A TYPILLY TUMULTUO TEEN RELATNSHIP THE TWO SPL WHEN DYLAN WAS RECED FOR A SWISS HOCKEY TEAM.){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}DYLAN (JOHN BREGAR) AND MAR (RUGGIERO) {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATN IS A SP-OFF OF 1987’S DEGRASSI JUNR HIGH AND DEGRASSI HIGH SCHOOL, TOPIL TEEN DRAMAS THAT TACKLED ISSU SUCH AS PEER PRSURE, EATG DISORRS AND TEEN PREGNANCY. THE DRAMA IS THE MOST-WATCHED SHOW FOR BOTH CANADIAN BROADST WORK CTV AND FOR TEEN-ORIENTED USA BLE WORK THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THIS SEASON DEGRASSI ALSO BEME ONE OF THE FEW BLE PROGRAMS TO HAVE REPEATS SYNDITED NATNALLY, GIVG DAYTIME TV VIEWERS ADDNAL CHANC TO DISVER THE SHOW. IT HAS RECEIVED SEVERAL AWARDS CLUDG HONORS OM THE TELEVISN CRICS' ASSOCIATN, CANADA’S GEMI AWARDS, AND NICKELOON’S TEEN CHOICE AWARDS. IT WAS ALSO NOMATED FOR A GLAAD MEDIA AWARD {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN 2006, PRAISED DEGRASSI FOR HAVG TELEVISN’S BT PORTRAYAL OF GAY TEENS. REARS AGREED 2007, NAMG MAR ONE OF THEIR TOP 25 GAY TV CHARACTERS, AND RUGGIERO'S URAGEO CISN TO E OUT PUBLICLY AS A GAY MAN WILL NO DOUBT ENAR BOTH THE ACTOR AND HIS CHARACTER TO MORE GAY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;CLEAR:BOTH;}THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;MARG:0 TO;WIDTH:90%;M-WIDTH:288PX;MAX-WIDTH:1440PX;M-HEIGHT:194PX;}LATT NEWS

Riley Stavros is a graduate of Degrassi Communy School of the Class of 2011, and attends Eastern Universy on a football scholarship. He was the openly gay pta and quarterback of the Degrassi Football Team. He is bt iends wh Peter Stone and Anya MacPherson. He is also good iends... * gay degrassi *

Mar Del Rossi (gay).

‘DEGRASSI’ GAY COM OUT

The actor who plays one of the show's most beloved characters announc he is gay himself. * gay degrassi *

After he out as gay to Ellie Nash, his girliend, she agre to ntue to date him until he’s ready to e out to everyone. Riley Stavros (gay).

DEGRASSI ACTOR REVEALS THAT HE'S GAY

Adamo Ruggiero. Actor: Degrassi: The Next Generatn. Born June 9th 1986 Toronto, Adamo Ruggiero is a televisn/film/theatre actor and televisn host. His creds clu: Degrassi- The Next Generatn (Seri, 2002-2008), Make The Yuleti Gay (Feature, 2009), The Neverendg Story (Play, 2011) and The Next Star (Seri, 2008-2012). Adamo is also an LGBT rights activist and public speaker; Out Magaze clud Adamo their "Out 100 honore of 2009."" data-id="ma * gay degrassi *

Eventually he to terms wh beg gay and begs datg Zane Park, a fellow football player. On the show Riley aspir to be the first openly gay profsnal football player.

“By the time we got to Next Class, we had characters enterg junr high who jt know they’re gay. And yet there was always somethg gay about Degrassi.

*BEAR-MAGAZINE.COM* GAY DEGRASSI

Degrassi actor reveals that he's gay - The Globe and Mail.

TOP