Arts & Entertainment

‘Degrassi: Next Class’ character comes out as non-binary

this is the teen drama’s first genderfluid storyline

Published

9 years ago

July 5, 2017

Mariah Cooper

(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.

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Bars & Parties

Queer Magic dance party planned

Tarot, dancing, drag and more at Black Cat event

Published

1 day ago

June 5, 2026

Michael Key

Celebrate the start of Pride month at the Queer Magic Dance Party at the Black Cat on Saturday, June 6. Doors open at 9 p.m.

There will be pole performances and demonstrations, a free photo booth with glitter bar, a queer vendor market, tarot readings by Skye Marinda Tarot, a drag performance by Sapphica, and dancing to a blend of smooth R&B, Afrobeats, hip-hop and pop by Slammer & Saba. Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 (plus fees) in advance, purchased here.

Out & About

NLGJA-DC Pride happy hour at Trade

Local queer journalists celebrate Pride

Published

1 day ago

June 5, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

(Washington Blade file photo by Daniel Truitt)

Local queer journalists will celebrate Pride this weekend at the annual NLGJA-DC Pride Happy Hour event at Trade (1410 14th St., N.W.) on Saturday, June 6, 3-5 p.m. Admission is free.

Out & About

DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K set for Saturday

Annual event held at historic Congressional Cemetery

Published

1 day ago

June 5, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

The 14th annual DC Front Runners' Pride 5K run/walk is set for Saturday. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

The 14th annual DC Front Runners’ Pride 5K run/walk is set for Saturday, June 6 at historic Congressional Cemetery. The race starts and ends at the cemetery (1801 E St., S.E.) and passes through scenic D.C., along the Anacostia River trail and the fields at RFK campus. Registration ends Friday at 11:59 p.m.

Runners can pick up their race packets on Saturday from 7-8:30 a.m. at Congressional Cemetery; the race begins at 9 a.m.

The fee to run the 5K in person is $65 ($35 for those under age 20). Proceeds benefit local LGBTQ nonprofits, including Thrive DC, Wanda Alston Foundation, Blade Foundation, Ainsley’s Angels, SMYAL, and Team DC. Visit DCFrontRunners.org for more information.