Welcome back Panthers to Episode 02 of the Anti-Grapevine! This episode, Conor and Loren take a deep dive into Degrassi’s first out, queer character, Marco Del Rossi. Covering everything from Dr. Sally’s gay positive lecture through to his own brief stint as a student teacher at Degrassi Community School, we dig into what makes Marco tick and what made his groundbreaking storyline as important and impactful as it was.

(Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of homophobia, and physical violence and hate crimes committed against queer characters.)

Welcome friends and frenemies to the Anti-Grapevine! Grab your textbooks and get to class on time for a deep dive into the beloved and brilliant characters that helped a generation define themselves.

In our after school special-sized premier episode, Loren and Conor introduce themselves and dig deep into Degrassi's acclaimed cause girl herself, Emma Nelson. The character that acted as a bridge between two generations of fans, Emma’s story contains all the highs and lows (and lows and lows) you’d expect from your morally superior teenage step daughter.

(Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of gun violence in schools, eating disorders, and teenage sexuality.)

Episode References:

McNear, Claire. "Moral Panics Come and Go. Sex Bracelet Hysteria is Forever." The Ringer, June 29 2022, https://www.theringer.com/features/2022/7/29/23282763/jelly-bracelet-sex-game-media-myth-moral-panic.