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

Contents:

• 'DEGRASSI' 'S ADAMO RUGGIERO SAYS PLAYG MAR HELPED HIM COME OUT, BUT SHOW FELL SHORT EXPLORG GAY ISSU
• 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
• IS MAR OM DEGRASSI REALLY GAY REAL LIFE?
• ADAMO RUGGIERO, DEGRASSI'S GAY MAR, OUT PUBLICLY AS A GAY {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 BRIAN JUERGENSJANUARY 17, 2008/8:51 AMBY BRIAN JUERGENSJANUARY 17, 2008 / 8:51 AM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"ADAMO RUGGIERO, DEGRASSI'S GAY MAR, OUT PUBLICLY AS A GAY MAN","DATEPUBLISHED":"2008-01-17T13:51:01.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2008-01-17T13:51:01.000+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":"BRIAN JUERGENS","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;}{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;}GREAT NEWS OM OUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD TO THE NORTH: 21-YEAR-OLD ACTOR ADAMO RUGGIERO, WHO IS WRAPPG UP A 6-YEAR STT AS BELOVED GAY TEENAGER MAR L ROSSI ON CRIL AND FAN FAVE DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATN, HAS E OUT AS A GAY MAN A NDID TERVIEW TO A CANADIAN INTER VIO {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;}ECHOG THE G OUT OF WILSON CZ, THE US'S FIRST GAY PRIMETIME TEEN ON MY SO CALLED LIFE, RUGGIERO CID THAT AFTER SERVG AS A ROLE MOL TO YOUTHS FOR YEARS AS MAR, HIS GOG PUBLIC WH HIS SEXUALY WAS 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;}HE NOT:{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 THOUGHT, YOU KNOW, I WAS LEARNG AND I LEARNED AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO KD OF SHARE MY KNOWLEDGE THAN RIGHT NOW."{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;}{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 ALSO SPEAKS ABOUT THE PARALLELS BETWEEN MAR'S JOURNEY AND HIS OWN, WHETHER OR NOT HE WAS AAID OF BEG FORCIBLY OUTED BY THE GOSSIP PRS, AND MUCH MUCH MORE THIS THOUGHTFUL TERVIEW. HE'S ALSO ITALIAN, SO HE TALKS WH HIS HANDS A LOT, WHICH IS ADORABLE:{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;}WE'VE BEEN BIG FANS OF RUGGIERO AND MAR FOR A WHILE NOW, AND POSTED SOME GREAT PICS OF HIM A WHILE BACK - CHECK 'EM OUT! YOU N FD MORE OF OUR VERAGE OF DEGRASSI'S GAY CHARACTER OVER {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;}BIG LOVE TO RUGGIERO FOR THE URAGE TO SPEAK OPENLY ABOUT HIS SEXUALY AND TO NTUG TO BE AN SPIRATN TO YOUNG GAY PEOPLE BY LIVG HIS LIFE THENTILLY AND 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;}{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
• DEGRASSI ACTOR REVEALS THAT HE'S GAY

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

"I was a closeted gay boy, and I found myself on the show, and my life went om zero to 100, " Ruggiero relled. Though the show was known to ver a variety of tough subjects — cludg teen pregnancy, rape, abortn, and school shootgs — Ruggiero believ that fell short explorg gay culture. "We missed opportuni to talk about gay sex, and queer sex and queer bodi, " he said.

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

But his relatnships, there was nothg about the dynamics of gay sex and safe sex and the sexual culture as a young gay man. 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.

IS MAR OM DEGRASSI REALLY GAY REAL LIFE?

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.

"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.

ADAMO RUGGIERO, DEGRASSI'S GAY MAR, OUT PUBLICLY AS A GAY {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 BRIAN JUERGENSJANUARY 17, 2008/8:51 AMBY BRIAN JUERGENSJANUARY 17, 2008 / 8:51 AM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"ADAMO RUGGIERO, DEGRASSI'S GAY MAR, OUT PUBLICLY AS A GAY MAN","DATEPUBLISHED":"2008-01-17T13:51:01.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2008-01-17T13:51:01.000+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":"BRIAN JUERGENS","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;}{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;}GREAT NEWS OM OUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD TO THE NORTH: 21-YEAR-OLD ACTOR ADAMO RUGGIERO, WHO IS WRAPPG UP A 6-YEAR STT AS BELOVED GAY TEENAGER MAR L ROSSI ON CRIL AND FAN FAVE DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATN, HAS E OUT AS A GAY MAN A NDID TERVIEW TO A CANADIAN INTER VIO {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;}ECHOG THE G OUT OF WILSON CZ, THE US'S FIRST GAY PRIMETIME TEEN ON MY SO CALLED LIFE, RUGGIERO CID THAT AFTER SERVG AS A ROLE MOL TO YOUTHS FOR YEARS AS MAR, HIS GOG PUBLIC WH HIS SEXUALY WAS 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;}HE NOT:{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 THOUGHT, YOU KNOW, I WAS LEARNG AND I LEARNED AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO KD OF SHARE MY KNOWLEDGE THAN RIGHT NOW."{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;}{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 ALSO SPEAKS ABOUT THE PARALLELS BETWEEN MAR'S JOURNEY AND HIS OWN, WHETHER OR NOT HE WAS AAID OF BEG FORCIBLY OUTED BY THE GOSSIP PRS, AND MUCH MUCH MORE THIS THOUGHTFUL TERVIEW. HE'S ALSO ITALIAN, SO HE TALKS WH HIS HANDS A LOT, WHICH IS ADORABLE:{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;}WE'VE BEEN BIG FANS OF RUGGIERO AND MAR FOR A WHILE NOW, AND POSTED SOME GREAT PICS OF HIM A WHILE BACK - CHECK 'EM OUT! YOU N FD MORE OF OUR VERAGE OF DEGRASSI'S GAY CHARACTER OVER {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;}BIG LOVE TO RUGGIERO FOR THE URAGE TO SPEAK OPENLY ABOUT HIS SEXUALY AND TO NTUG TO BE AN SPIRATN TO YOUNG GAY PEOPLE BY LIVG HIS LIFE THENTILLY AND 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;}{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

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. But the show didn't jt change viewer's liv, as one actor om the seri has opened up about how playg a gay role on the show helped him e out real Ruggiero, who played gay teen Mar Del Rossi on the h Canadian TV show Degrassi: The Next Generatn recently talked to the AV Club for the show's 20th anniversary, and he shared how playg the character helped him to e out real life.

"I was a closeted gay boy, and I found myself on the show, and my life went om zero to 100, " Ruggiero said. "Ruggiero also said that he thks the show uld've gone farther havg s gay characters discs gay issu.

DEGRASSI ACTOR REVEALS THAT HE'S GAY

"We missed opportuni to talk about gay sex, and queer sex and queer bodi. "Actrs Lren Collgs, who was also terviewed for the article, and played Mar's bt iend Paige on the show said that she didn't know Ruggiero was gay until after his character me out on screen. When Craig told Mar, Jimmy and Sean that he liked them, Sean asked if he was gog to kiss them and Mar told him to shut up, forhadowg his stggl wh his sexualy and eventual realizatn that he was gay.

Spner starts makg jok about Mar beg homosexual, much to the annoyance of the latter. In an attempt to hi the fact that he was gay, Mar ci to fally ask Ellie out on a real date, which is what she had wanted for a long time now.

Mar thought about what Ellie had said and fally me out to her and said that he's homosexual. In Pri (1), while on a trip to the beach, Mar meets Paige's olr brother Dylan who is also gay.