Arts & Entertainment
‘Degrassi: Next Class’ character comes out as non-binary
this is the teen drama’s first genderfluid storyline

(Screenshot via Pink News.)
Netflix’s hit teen drama “Degrassi: Next Class” is known for having inclusive characters such as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. Now, the Canadian series can add non-binary representation to the list.
In a preview clip for the upcoming fourth season, Yael (Jamie Bloch) kisses her friend Lola (Amanda Arcuri) to determine if she’s gay. Yael decides she isn’t gay but confesses to Lola she’s feeling confused about her gender.
“I feel in between. I don’t feel like a girl, or what everyone thinks is a girl. I don’t like makeup or stuff like you do. I really, really hate my boobs. But I don’t feel like a boy either. And I’m definitely not gay,” Yael tells Lola.
Lola explains it sounds like Yael might be genderfluid or genderqueer and tells her that’s how her favorite vlogger identifies. She then offers to give Yael a makeover.
“Just tell me what you’d want to look like if you weren’t worrying about being a boy or a girl – if you were worrying about being Yael,” Lola says.
The series is just the latest show to include a non-binary character. Non-binary actor Asia Kate Dillon plays the first non-binary character, Taylor, on the Showtime series, “Billions.”
“Degrassi: Next Class” streams its fourth season on July 7 on Netflix.
The Capital Pride Alliance presented the 2026 Capital Pride Honors at “The Audacity Brunch: In Full Fuchsia” at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. on Sunday, June 7.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)












Out & About
Congressional Cemetery hosts Gays & Graves
Daylong Pride celebration blends history, remembrance, art and community
Historic Congressional Cemetery will host the second annual “Gays & Graves: A Big Gay Festival” on Sunday, June 14 at 11 a.m.
The event will feature pioneering activist Randy Wicker, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, and new public art installations and programs celebrating LGBTQ+ history. Gays & Graves is an official partner event of Capital Pride 2026.
This event is a daylong Pride celebration blending history, remembrance, art and community. Visitors can shop from LGBTQ+ and allied artists and makers, experience performances and interactive installations, and engage with programs exploring LGBTQ+ history and lived experience.
For more details, visit the cemetery’s website.
Baltimore Pride is underway, taking place from June 8-14.
The Pride Parade will be on Saturday, June 13 at 12 p.m. at Charles Street & North Avenue, followed by the Pride Block Party at 1 p.m. at Druid Hill Park. And then the Pride Festival will be held on Sunday, June 14 at 12 p.m. at Druid Hill Park.
There will be an array of additional events including: a fashion show, a “Suits and Sneakers” reception and a 5k race, among many other events.
For more details, visit Baltimore Pride’s website.
