Degrassi's first trans character; interview with Jordon Todosey

Michael Pihach interviews actress Jordon Todosey, who plays Degrassi's first ever transgender character. Pihach also speaks with Michael Grassi, a Degrassi writer.

[@tinyybiceps]

I'm transgender, and I don't feel offended at all that they didn't choose an actual transgender actor. No one should be put in to a group because of something like that. As long as the person can act well and does their job, I don't care who it is.

[@songbirdsystem1465]

Boy in a girl or girl in a boy?

[@tinyybiceps]

Not that it matters but F-T-M.

[@Racqualh]

+Jev's Cat I know that this comment is super old but, do you feel like Adam's character was realist? Were your experiences the same or did they differ?

[@Racqualh]

+RacqualTaylor *realistic

[@tinyybiceps]

RacqualTaylor I don't really remember what Adam was like since it's been a while. But I remember the part where he looked into the mirror and all that, with the Temporary Blues playing, ace bandage, I really felt that. For me, I'm very convinced that I'm male, but to my parents maybe not so much. I'm not as forward or brave as Adam, but for the most part it's been the same. It's different for everyone though. Sorry for the paragraph~

[@mr.caffeine4744]

I think it's ok to not have a trans play the role since it made other people learn more about it since they had to research and all. And being ftm playing a ftm and all the 'bullying' might trig real memories. And that wouldn't be that good : /

[@HidansCewkie]

I myself am FTM, and I feel like they portrayed it very well. I just moved to a new school, and I'm trying to start over. I'm scared, after seeing what happened to Adam as a character at Degrassi, because that's a very real thing that will likely happen to me. That's okay though, because after all these years of pretending I'm someone I'm not, I think I'm ready to face whatever happens now. Just changed my name, and ordered a male uniform for the year. No going back now.

[@homosoftommorow]

They wrote a fantastic character. I'm sad that he died.

[@CrissyHeartsZombies]

this is one reason I love Degrassi, they go there and they go all out for a character.

[@karategirl2015]

Watching Degrassi, I was like wtf I know this actress, and then I realized she's from Life With Derrick

[@RyanKarolak]

It's unfortunate what happened to Adam. He was probably one of the most important characters in the show to date. However, this is Degrassi, and anything can happen.

[@rainbowmuppet]

Jordan Todosey is a genius. She pulls off this character flawlessly.

[@anaco654]

just one thing, ace bandages are not good for binding, you should at least show him/her using a binder or something...

[@oliviakate8172]

Kaworu Nagisa (I know this comment was 5 years ago) Eventually Adam got a binder and it showed that.

[@allisondawnme]

I like her but now we need a trans MTF!

[@mayaibarra7071]

jordan todosey is my fav actress, and she rly plays this character well!

[@marsalin97]

I honestly found out about my pansexuality because of Adam's personality and character on the show. I didn't even know, but he was honestly just some awesome I didn't even care when I found out :) I love this and I want to see more of this on "Degrassi Next Class".

[@kelseyonline33]

The only thing I think is bad is that they show the character binding with ACE bandages which is a HUGE no no... I’m glad that trans is getting recognition

[@PlayfulFruitLPer]

It is bad, but they showed it for the same reason as they showed Ellie’s cutting, because that’s the reality Adam lived in. Willing to bind with bandages out of desperation.

[@EllaSnyderVideos]

They should use a real transgender actor

[@ajax4676]

Jordan Todosey in real life is actually a girl?!?!?!?!!??!??!??!?!?!?!!?!

[@kennethdickerson7747]

Duhh you fucking dumbass

[@MiniMeags]

Kenneth Dickerson Jordan is a gender neutral name so some like myself originally thought Jordan was actually a boy some even though an IRL FTM.

[@thesarasweetheart19]

AHHH! She is the girl who played Lizzy on Life With Derek like 6 years ago

[@1234shanedawsonrocks]

She's so beautiful. I love her eye and freckles.

[@AngelicaOfficial123]

i wouldn't want to cut all my hair off. Props to Jordan.

[@vinnystern3598]

Adam was not the first transgendrer at degrassi,in the original degrassi high Joanne ruthaferd had a transgender partner as a prom date in showtime he holds her gently as she cried over Claude

[@lizehhh]

@rockerkelly93, it actually DOES mean 'weird', it meant 'weird' before it was associated with the LGBT-community. LGBT people were considered to be 'weird', to be 'queer'. That's where the term comes from the begin with. Over time the LGBT-community took pride in the insult and embraced it to define the community. Queer has come to mean both weird and 'of the LGBT-community'. It's a HOMONYM, it has TWO meanings. It does not mean that 'of the LGBT-community' is synonyym for 'weird'.

[@MrBobthecorncob]

1: he never said that they killed adam for being transgender 2: the reason they killed adam was cuz the actor was leaving the show so they had to get rid of her character.

[@DreaLinh]

OMG I didn't recognize her as the girl from life with derek until I read your comment :O

[@iamaiden74]

Adam is myy favorite too. i was hella excited when i found out there was a Transgender in Degrassi((: I am also an FTM Transgender, so it's awesome that there is one for us to see, and for them to share on the show what we Transgenders have to go through everyday.

[@critterlover1564]

I look up to him, Adam, I mean. I can relate. I love Adam. Its even better that Jordan can do such a wonderful job at playing Adam.

[@pthepothep]

SHE'S 15!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG!!!!!!! she is sooooo pretty. i remember her from Life With Derek

[@Loopyboy447]

It’s Lizzie from Life with Derek.

[@candychik9]

@SusanBaudelaire i think it's kind of subjective. i'm from australia not canada, but from my experiences 'queer' is used quite a lot by the LGBT community- it really depends whether the person is using it as a more casual term for homosexuals or if they have malicious intent. i think it's similar to the 'n' word- if you aren't in the community, don't use it.

[@sevencornerskid]

Jordan Todosey is an amazing actress and I love Adam Torres....he is like one of my top #3 characters. Just the idea of being an outsider is something I can relate to. I kinda see a little bit of him in myself. Dispite the physical features, Adam is truely a dude. Who knows, I might have a dude crush on him. lol jk...or am I? LOL

[@riv3r666]

I do agree. Exaggerated, but true. It really isn't easy, I think the worst part of it is when you are alone and thinking to yourself about it. That is where the real abuse is, or every time you look in the mirror. I have to admit, I get kind of disgusted and then I really don't want to look at myself. I am not sure if you share these feelings.

[@riv3r666]

Same here. :] But I am glad that I don't really go through the abuse Adam does D: as far as I know, the show really does exaggerate it, there are as many people that are accepting as there are not accepting. And the chances that you will have a whole school of unaccepting students, is sort of out there.

[@chardonnayadams5022]

I love this episode because I am trangender

[@jonathanmoskowich8500]

What transition

[@HidansCewkie]

Same to you, it'll be hard but worth it in the end.

[@sumSOTY]

Yes, here's a c/p: "Tranphobia is an irrational fear of, and/or hostility towards, people who are transgender or who otherwise transgress traditional gender norms. Because lesbians and gay men often transgress gender norms, it is often associated with homophobia." Your point?

[@iamaiden74]

Yea theyy do exaggerate a little. but it does show kind of the pain we go through. it's not an easy life to live at all.

[@LilianaVex]

I want to see a trans MtF on a season of Degrassi. I love Adam but I think it would be great to have 2 different types of views on it. Because from what I've seen with being an MtF that both go through different changes and different types of things.

[@CaminoAjo]

@twihardrule "To this extent!!!!" You mean so tolerant that you scream at random people on the internet? You've made quite a case for yourself and the "extent" of your tolerance, which I'm sure is legendary among all who know you.

[@Laineyraider]

@rubiituesdays She was saying that Adam was originally going to be an androgynous lesbian rather than an FTM. Being so, the character that is now Adam probably had a different name or no name at all when the part was first being auditioned for.

[@crazyp3rs0n]

@RainbowRaversFantasy Adam is in most of this season....not just two episodes. They only really tackle the problems of FTM in a coulple of episodes. Then everyone is all like....Ok well lets just be friends now. ladidadida.

[@ChibiGrimReaper15]

I feel really weird of how the guy keeps saying the word 'queer' all the time! Is it a Canadian thing or something, I'm just really curious of why he keeps saying it and no one is bother by it.

[@MetaITurtle]

i actually had a friend that ended up being changing into a woman during high school, it was strange for me becuase i had no idea it would go to that, but he didnt look half bad lol

[@MegaTessa12345]

I'm glad she does what she wants to do. she inspires me alone I'm not sure I can be a boy because my friends and parents will be gechokt. what should I do ..? please Jordon, help me..

[@gowhop]

ya your right sorry for my language. I wrote that when I wasnt myself. You cant judge a book by its cover it what i what of thought before wtiting this. sorry again :)

[@MSpwner2000]

The girl who plays adam is actually really pretty, making Adam, the trans gender more to the girl side. She is such an amazing actress, though, she pulls it off.... Easy.

[@sumSOTY]

you do understand what the definition of phobia is, right? Or do you just fling the word around whenever someone says something differen't to your thought/opinion.

[@DEREKJENNINGSBASS]

Omg i just noticed that that is the sister from Life With Derek. Wow i really do notice that alot of degrassi characters were on life with derek. Like Spinner

[@jarjar1melhado]

Gcballer that was the boys bathroom remember when owen took him to the urinal s that was the boys bayhroom then slamed his head against the door

[@TheJadafree]

Woah I seriously thought she changed into a boy, now that i know it's just acting im so suprised. She's a great actress!!!

[@VRTessa]

This is why i love Degrassi! there are millions people i mean u got gay and Trandstander! LOVE DEGRASSI

[@hendrixelement91]

wordd up. it would be such hell to transition in highschooll. much love and prayers to anyone who is!!

[@kOliviaTV]

I've heard of a boy who felt like he was a girl who felt like she was a boy trapped in a boy's body.

[@MegaManoftime]

i have to say its a little bit weird but haveing no problem going with people thats like you :)

[@katrinalisa2002]

@iBoyOfSteel So, the people who are born XXY or XYX, what are they? Open your mind my friend:)

[@duckielover151]

Wow... somehow jordan todosey is able to pull off looking hot as a guy and beautiful as a girl.

[@GranteedEV]

No Offense Degrassi, but shoujo manga like Oniisama E have been doing this for decades.

[@sumSOTY]

Dressing like a guy doesn't make you a guy. Just makes you a chick in a dudes clothes.

[@sumSOTY]

Never said they don't think that. And never said it isn't okay. My point is that it changing the clothes you wear doesn't change your gender. Sure, it's completely unfair to be born a girl and feel like you're a guy. But that doesn't make you one.

[@Stjorm]

I'm really born in a girl's body but feel really more a boy and yes it is difficult

[@saywhat1111000]

i remenber her on life with derek i am happy she moved on to degrassi shes awsome!

[@SuperJayden18]

i love this and 5th favorite actress and you know guys shouldn't be laughing at all

[@CaelinCatastrophe]

Yeah, I realized that after I posted this and looked at the date of the video. Ha.

[@vasikanpoikanen]

In our school we also throw other people around. Doors are broken very often.

[@hate101devilpoulpit]

@onebadgs400 Then stop watching Straight shows. Homphobia is a disorder too.

[@Shaelaink]

Jordan is so pretty O.O Not many girls can pull short hair off like that...

[@QUEENOBSCURE]

Why must say queer!? That seems, far ruder to say. Then gay

[@ashleylove4443]

i thought that the person that played adam was a guy, where have i been?

[@hsmbabyv]

you do understand what the definition of transphobia is, right?

[@MegaManoftime]

i know wen i say her is see the face the vioce i knew she is a girl

[@RainbowRaversFantasy]

Coming from an FTM viewer, this was beautifully done. I don't even like this show, but I enjoyed the two episodes in which Adam was featured. They captured intimate details about the lives of trans people that most movies and shows don't catch. You can really tell they did their research, and the second episode even got to me a little. Top-notch viewing, my friends. And great job on you, Degrassi writers. I'm impressed.

[@cherrybomb1386]

He was in more than two eps

[@zailaholmes7835]

when adam got thrown out the bathroom i was so close to crying .

[@GabyGirl1000]

@writerswrock either way they're calling transgenders gay... :S

[@thedemiselenaa]

Stay Strong

[@doglover738]

she was on life with derek really? what character did she play

[@TheEureka41]

I don't think that there's that many Transguys who are actors.

[@CaminoAjo]

@twihardrule OOOOOOOOOOOOOzing peace, love and tolerance, huh?

[@Rose7857]

@rockerkelly93 You dont start a sentence with the word it :P

[@MaggieLathem]

How many people have been on Life With Derek AND Degrassi I swear their has been like 5 people now! ;P But I love Adam

[@2010bamer]

My roommate is FTM transgender and I am so lucky to know him

[@InstantClassics4]

When she dresses like Adam she kinda looks like bam margerra

[@googleboy314]

Did they release when this character is being introduced?

[@pureasf1037]

I am still so sad they killed him off For ever love Adam

[@KigerHeartAO]

i just didn't know okay jeesz whats up with you?

[@thin101able]

I vote they should have Jazz on here when she is older

[@GabyGirl1000]

QUEER characters????? well thats a little offensive :S

[@BlueGeen]

it's not just in their minds. they really are a guy.

[@hellomisterworld]

@ThisIsTheLauraLife i'm fairly sure she's straight,.

[@JeydonEatsWater]

@JDMiller95 the Q stands for questioning, not queer.

[@hate101devilpoulpit]

@GabyGirl1000 Its homophobic, ignorant and hafeful

[@ashleeleeper8999]

30 years wow the kids get old do they get new kids

[@ValtheSpacePup]

So awesome :D...I should watch Degrassi more D:

[@CaelinCatastrophe]

She's only 15?! Damn, guess my shots are blown.

[@JeydonEatsWater]

@JDMiller95 i never said queer is a bad word.

[@snookierottweiler7930]

so is jordan les to? not trying to be mean

[@umpus]

Jordy is adorable

[@sarahwheaton2249]

exactly!!,doawaron45 exactly wut i thought

[@haleysmith6567]

no she was not on living life with derrick

[@carriemaine13]

You can't judge the series on promos.

[@ilovefoodandyoubye]

Omigosh, she's Lizzie.!(: ~Just realized.

[@tumblefreak774]

@ThatSchizophrenicKid hahah ya thats true

[@KrazyKlutz1403]

what's with the popsicles? hahahaha

[@MegaFun000]

yes thank you at least someone noticed