The most recent incarnation of one of Canada's most well known franchises is Degrassi: The Next Generation, the lovechild of Degrassi Junior High (originally airing in the 80s) and Degrassi High (continuing the series' success through the early 90s), both of which are still in worldwide syndication today. Some of the original characters from the first series (both of which were ‘controversial' in their own right) are back, now parents of the kids in Next Generation. For instance, one current teenage character is the result of a Degrassi teen's pregnancy back in the 80s.

The latest Degrassi again features ongoing stories of real-life teen dilemmas--including intense gay and lesbian storylines--and does it without the righteous, "On a Very Special Blossom" endings that many teen dramas and sitcoms thrive on.

The show's treatment of the gay characters avoids being heavy handed or reducing their characters to little more than clichéd archetypes, such as the ‘tragic' one, or the ‘funny side kick', or the ‘bitchy' one. Nor are these characters just the colourful friends and unpaid therapists of the straight girl. As much as we all love the antics of Jack on Will and Grace, Degrassi has a broader vision, less about the stereotype and more about the realities of growing up gay. This depiction is certainly pink, but without being rose colored.

The show's main gay characters, Marco (Adamo Ruggiero) and Dylan (John Bregar), are clever takes on old cliches, if perhaps not at first glance. Marco is the younger, more ‘fashionista' type of the pair, something that networks were skittish about, thinking that he was too “stereotypical.”

“We didn't see it that way,” explains James Hurst, Executive Producer and writer of the show. “We wanted to let Marco be Marco and we saw him as a guy who loved to dance and loved Britney and fashion and really cared about his friends. What's wrong with liking fashion and Britney anyway,” adds Hurst. “Is that something to be ashamed of?”

However, the networks concerns weren't lost on the show's creative team. Executive Story Editor, Brendon Yorke, tells AfterElton the writers, directors and Ruggiero himself were cautious about Marco “acting in a stereotypical ‘gay' manner that is often seen on other, specifically comedic TV shows.” And radically counter to stereotype, it's Marco–not his jock boyfriend–who wrestles with his sexuality.

As Marco's character developed, the writers and Ruggiero became deeply committed to creating a character that is more than just a positive representation. “Gay, straight, whatever,” Yorke says. “Obviously there are universal teen experiences that don't hinge on one's sexual preferences. I suppose there's an underlying desire to portray a gay character as normal, and not all about "being gay" during every waking moment of life.”

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