Yes, I am a fan of teen soap operas, blah blah blah. ::)
But is anyone else here interested/excited for Adam (the character's name) to finally be put in the spotlight? This week was more of introducing him but next week is when Degrassi's going to air the episode in which he comes out and possibly goes back to living as a female.
What are your opinions?
Personally, I wish they didn't make it so obvious Adam is a transman. It seems like he is trying too hard to fit in with the guys. I dunno, hopefully the character will improve as the series toils on. What do you think?
Lucas
besides the one comment about "thats what my exgirlfriend said," which was pretty fail, i don't think it's incredibly obvious he's trying "too hard" to fit in, it just seems like he's from out of town, which i'm pretty sure he is anyway.
also the episode wasn't focused on him being ftm, but the concert thing/breaking the truck (you idiot, if you know you can't carry something...) which IMO is a decent sign that it's not going to be too focused.
i wanna see more though. really want to see more.
edit: i just realized i'm 2 episodes behind, will comment later
i dont think he would pass very well in reality they should have his hair different and cloths that actually fit him
I haven't watched the show, but I googled him and yeah, he def doesn't pass very well at all. For the image of transguys everywhere, it would be cool if they made it clear to the people watching that we're just like bio guys, not like butch girls or anything like that. But I guess just having him on the show is a big step in the right direction! I'll have to check the show out sometime.
He doesn't pass at all really. He seems kind of awkward, but more just because he's trying to fit in. I'm really not looking forward to when he's outed to the whole school.
Well the thing is, Adam is transgender, they never really say he's ftm.. Just presenting as a boy..
I heard about this and have been trying to see the show. Just today I was able to watch this weeks recaps, next week is when he's outted. Im excited and interested in what they have in store for him.
I read that they did extensive research to try to portray Adam as accurate as possible without offending the trans community.
I agree, he does not really pass as male. His dress and hair compared to the other boys doesn't quite match. But at least his attitude/mannerisms isn't that bad. I thought it was funny when his friend told him about getting kneed and he was like oh yeah I hate when that happens... lol
Quote from: Femboy on August 06, 2010, 10:35:57 PMI thought it was funny when his friend told him about getting kneed and he was like oh yeah I hate when that happens... lol
That comment was... painful to watch. As was the fact he couldn't figure it out.
Is it just me, or is Eli the only one who realizes that Adam is somthing other than a short feminine 10th grader? Sav is clearly oblivious, Claire doesn't notice anything, and the people throwing him into a locker didn't make any comment about him being a girl [which would be the obvious insult to use]
Also, can we stop picking on the actress for not passing perfectly? That has to be a bitch of a role to cast, and then pull off. Maybe blame the dresser, who should have picked something a little more appropriate.
Quote from: insanitylives on August 07, 2010, 09:18:45 AM
Also, can we stop picking on the actress for not passing perfectly? That has to be a bitch of a role to cast, and then pull off. Maybe blame the dresser, who should have picked something a little more appropriate.
Besides the fact that it would be unrealistic if they cast an actress who passed perfectly as male to play Adam. Nobody can help what they look or sound like; we ought to know that.
He goes back to living as a girl? That makes me really frustrated for some reason.
I don't have cable; wonder if there's a way to watch it online or if they'll release a DVD or something.
I don't watch it, but I heard about it from a trans group I go to.
I googled it and he doesn't pass. Oh well. Too bad, I guess there would be something wrong with using a male for the role. I don't have much faith in this, because the show sounds stupid to me.
I think they should've at least casted a real ftm, instead of a female playing the role. But hey its a start.
Maybe you can watch it on hulu?
And yeah I rly can't believe ppl don't question it lol.
He goes back to living as female? Hmm sounds interesting. I'm also interested in how they handle outing him as well. Sounds neat so far, I still need to tune in sometime.
RE:hulu?
No, but
http://www.teennick.com/theclick/ (http://www.teennick.com/theclick/)
Thing is idiot proof.
But, the episodes are about a day behind. That figures though, it has to be aired in all timezones before it gets put up on the site.
I think they should've at least casted a real ftm,
That pretty much goes against the entire idea of being an actor and all. As it turns out almost all movies are stories of everyday people as told by rich Hollywood stars. Get over it.
I bet there are stealth ftm actors, well at least it would be nice to think there are. They would be playing just male parts like every other actor.
Also, I am sure there are mtf actors in complete stealth. If they, (mtf and ftm) play good character parts and never reach or desire celebrity status, they should be able to keep their past to themselves and those they love.
Trust Degrassi to keep pushing the envelope on nearly every issue known to man. :)
Also, I am sure there are mtf actors in complete stealth.
No way, if it were possible for someone to 'pass' both ways they'd be printing it on the top line of their press kit.
I got my wife and I watching the show a couple weeks ago specifically because I'd read about this storyline. Saw the first two episodes with Adam just last night. I thought it was really well done. Yes, he's trying too hard, and no, he doesn't pass, but isn't that rather the point? Many (most?) of us, whether FTM or MTF have that issue, don't we? I've read some posts from some really brave MTF's here who have basically started living full-time even prior to HRT. Now, THAT'S amazing. I really hope the story line lives up to the article - but so far I'm really encouraged. I'm hoping that watching this might give my wife some insights into me, even though I'm MTF.
Also, the coming out episodes air 9 PM eastern time Wednesday & Thursday for those who are curious. It's cool to see so many different opinions from you guys (& gals).
Quote from: Lucas on August 08, 2010, 12:57:29 AM
Also, the coming out episodes air 9 PM eastern time Wednesday & Thursday for those who are curious. It's cool to see so many different opinions from you guys (& gals).
Thanks, I was wondering the times it came on. My friends constantly talk about the show "Did you see Degrassi?!" I never really got into it but I just watched to 3 most recent episodes and it seems intriguing. :)
this is the same as casting natal women in roles of MtFs...it annoys me just as much as casting an obviously male guy who can't naturally act female and just seems a caricature - which is probably what the producers want anyway?
Quote from: lilacwoman on August 08, 2010, 04:47:17 AM
this is the same as casting natal women in roles of MtFs...it annoys me just as much as casting an obviously male guy who can't naturally act female and just seems a caricature - which is probably what the producers want anyway?
Exactly what they want, and I resent it.
Of the FTMs I've met, I've only really met one who didn't pass. (Pre-T) A male could play the role and it wouldn't really be a stretch or anything. They just want the public to think we're oddballs, "trying" to be the other gender. I may be wrong, but that's how it seems to me.
I just realized something - this character is already living fulltime, or trying to, and any "coming out" will be in reverse. How realistic is that? Or am I way behind the times (I realize that at that age, it'd be a lot easier to pass, but still...)?
Quote from: lilacwoman on August 08, 2010, 04:47:17 AM
this is the same as casting natal women in roles of MtFs...it annoys me just as much as casting an obviously male guy who can't naturally act female and just seems a caricature - which is probably what the producers want anyway?
you realize adam is being played by a girl, right?
Also also also there's a vid on youtube that includes an interview with the actress playing Adam and a scene from the coming out episode (spoiler alert) here: Degrassi's first trans character, Adam: Interview with actress Jordan Todosey (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSSdUv_R0xI#ws)
From this it looks like they're going to do a good job with the character but we'll see.
Ha, you beat me to the punch Lucas! ;P
Quote from: LucienOctopus on August 09, 2010, 11:22:30 PM
Ha, you beat me to the punch Lucas! ;P
My bad! But feel free to post anything else Adam-related here if you want.
Quote from: Lucas on August 09, 2010, 07:26:29 PM
Also also also there's a vid on youtube that includes an interview with the actress playing Adam and a scene from the coming out episode (spoiler alert) here: Degrassi's first trans character, Adam: Interview with actress Jordan Todosey (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSSdUv_R0xI#ws)
From this it looks like they're going to do a good job with the character but we'll see.
I've watched the clip...made me very uncomfortable...so I'm glad it won't be on UK telly...
Quote from: lilacwoman on August 10, 2010, 03:06:26 AM
I've watched the clip...made me very uncomfortable...so I'm glad it won't be on UK telly...
You mean the scene where he gets thrown through the glass? I got a bit choked up, not gonna lie.
yes, but even the clip of the toilet scene annoyed me.
while lots of us see it as showing bad treatmnet there are far too many idiots who will see it as the correct way to treat anyone who is unusual.
I don't think anyone could possibly watch a bullying scene from Degrassi and think "oh, I should try that on that weirdo I go to school with." It's pretty obvious what the show is trying to say. They've done this before with other issues, and it usually has the desired effect.
Quote from: LucienOctopus on August 10, 2010, 07:37:15 AM
I don't think anyone could possibly watch a bullying scene from Degrassi and think "oh, I should try that on that weirdo I go to school with." It's pretty obvious what the show is trying to say. They've done this before with other issues, and it usually has the desired effect.
Yes, exactly. Most of the people who watch Degrassi (at least in my experience) are rather open minded to begin with, so even when they're approached with an obscure or new thing to learn about, they are eager to learn and a lot of time are politically correct about it. I highly doubt bully-like people would use this episode as a tool to harass.
Wow, I gotta say this is my first time hearing about Adam. I stopped watching degrassi a few years back, but I'm very glad they started to do a FTM role. I get the criticisms about Jordan being a cisgender female playing a FTM role and that alot of guys out there are bothered by it, but overall I think it makes the role a bit more real. To have a FTM guy playing the role who's obviously seasoned isn't going to work for the awkward teenaged phase. How man of you can honestly say you passed 100% of the time when you first started out. It's obvious that "Adam" is a new to the deal FTM by the fact he's using an ace... That crap hurts. It'll make you guys uncomfortable, no kidding. It's not glorifying the FTM life, but that's the point of degrassi. And watching the thrown into a window did make me cry. I'm way too sensitive. lol. Guys let's be real, how many of you would 100% be ok with going through the hell of high school as an FTM for the WORLD to see? Who wants to relive that nightmare or feel the vunerablility and dysphoria of letting EVERYONE know "HEY I'M BIOLOGICALLY FEMALE" I bet it's a very small percentage and even smaller how many are eager actors. Let's give some credit here. Hell in all actuallity, adam looks a hell of alot like my ex, just more thug. Put on a polo and khaki shorts and it's my ex. XD Kind of creepy actually.
The bullying clips do make me uncomfortable. But I have been watching the show lately and the guy who throws him into the glass had bullied him and his friend prior to Adam being outed. He messed up Adam's friend Eli's car and kicked him in the balls for no reason as well as almost breaking Adams nose. So it partially is that the guy is just an ->-bleeped-<-.
Part 1 of the new episode that starts to go into Adam's story is tomorrow (I'm pretty sure). Preview for it looks good. As for the bullying scene, it's sad and a little over the top when he gets thrown, but I think it's them trying to show what it's like being Adam's situation...I wanted to go into more detail but I'm really tired right now >.>
Haha it's cool Jacob I get what you're saying.
And ahh it's coming on in 15 minutes! I can't possibly be the ONLY person here who is going to watch it...right? Right?
Quote from: Lucas on August 11, 2010, 07:45:21 PM
Haha it's cool Jacob I get what you're saying.
And ahh it's coming on in 15 minutes! I can't possibly be the ONLY person here who is going to watch it...right? Right?
Nope, you're not! 7 minutes! LOL
I just finished My body is a Cage part 1 & 2 (tonights and tomorrows episodes). Part 2 upset me quite a bit. Brought back a lot of bad memories from high school that I've been trying to forget. I guess that means they did a good job and got their point across :-\
Alex PLEASE pm me and tell me that he doesn't detransition for good. Degrassi would be sending out a horrible message if they made him do that.
my lips are sealed
The episode is making me have 2nd thoughts about coming out in high school...
For real guys I got a lil misty-eyed. I'm just a little older than Adam and I'm like...oh dude, I feel ya, I do. Those eps brought back some memories, no lie.
Quote from: alex408 on August 11, 2010, 08:53:41 PM
I just finished My body is a Cage part 1 & 2 (tonights and tomorrows episodes). Part 2 upset me quite a bit. Brought back a lot of bad memories from high school that I've been trying to forget. I guess that means they did a good job and got their point across :-\
where is part 2?
Yeah I watched part 2 lat night out of temptation (just google "my body is a cage part 2" and you'll get a link to zshare.com). It was really good..I'm actually glad that Adam's story was introduced, it might spare me a lot of bull->-bleeped-<- this school year.
I just watched both episodes tonight. I really loved them... Adam is a great character, and Degrassi is handling this issue really well.
I was really impressed with how well they handled it. They really showed the humanity of the issue, when so often, the media sensationalizes it and makes us look like freaks. I really liked the episodes, though some of it hit really close to home and was uncomfortable to watch. Overall, they get an A+ from me.
I agree, they did a really good job with adam and the whole story line. It did bother me that adam wasn't wearing a t-shirt or something under his button down, and I don't understand how Bianca figured out he had breasts so easily, but its TV and i get that things like that need to be simplified and time constraints and all that.
I'm curious to see where Adams story line will go from here now that he's outed.
I approve of Degrassi's interpretation of the trans-issue. Very well done. It's great that they're getting it out there. The episodes were pretty triggering for me, but it definitely laid down the storyline. Jordon Todosey plays Adam surprisingly well, in my opinion. Although Adam's character doesn't totally pass, it makes it a bit more realistic to me. I really can't wait to see where Adam's story goes from here.
My girl is out on vacation and called me to talk before going to bed. Neither of us watch this show but her little cousins were and she ended up seeing an episode with Adam and she said she couldn't help but think of me and call.
I was honestly happy when I heard there was going to be an FTM character on a popular television series so I checked out what clips I could online.
I think it is approached rather well and is easier to relate to then other FTMs I've seen portrayed. I myself don't really pass and I don't expect many FTMs to usually pass without T. Just as many do but I think it really comes down to luck of genetics.
Wow, I just finished watching Part 1 of "My body is a cage". Wow. Watched it with my wife and 24-yo son. She knows about me (well, not ALL about me, but she's trying to deal with what she knows), and he knows nothing. I'm still pre-everything, and trying to work out how to move forward without totally messing everyone up. Anyway, this is very powerful stuff. I was kinda wishing it could have been an MTF, but Adam totally rocks, and the story is told so well, it's amazing. BTW, I attended a support group last week for the first time, and the FTM's had it all over the MTF's in terms of believability. The MTF's didn't care - they weren't thinking in terms of passing, but I was totally impressed with the FTM's that were there. TOTALLY. It's a good group, I'll definitely be a regular. Anyway, I'm glad we're watching Degrassi - I hope it spawns some good discussions between me and my wife. We really need to figure out what this all means for US (whether there will BE an "Us", and for how long, and how).
I'm not out to anyone and lately I've been thinking a lot about telling my mum. I sat down to watch Degrassi the other night, which was the My Body is a Cage episode, and coincidentally my mum decided to watch the show with me, which is weird because she never watches my shows. She had no idea what Degrassi was about and I felt really nervous as it was coming on, like she would put the two together and question me after she saw Adam. She commented how he dressed like me, and related a lot of the things he did to things I do. I'm hoping that she'll watch it with me again and maybe talk to her about what she thinks of Adam. Also, a really good friend of mine is a huge Degrassi fan, and she is the one person I'm scared of coming out to the most, and I'm really glad that Adam is on the show because I'm thinking that seeing him might help her understand a little more when I do decide to tell everyone.
Nice handle, Declan! (Now that I've been watching the show, I know who that is.) One thing that struck me (AFTER I thought about what I'd seen) is that Adam's mom seems only to be playing at supporting him - asking him to de-transition for grandma, etc. She seems to be biding her time, waiting for "adam" (in her mind) to grow out of it. I'm wondering if Adam wouldn't be on something to halt development if there were true support. And maybe have his hair a lot shorter, so as not to have to wear a hat all the time, unless I'm being naive - dunno. Anyway, it was GREAT to see how his brother stood up for him. And that was a surprise for me - I'd had no idea they were brothers until that episode. I am REALLY liking how they're handling the whole issue.
[quote author=Colleen Ireland BTW, I attended a support group last week for the first time, and the FTM's had it all over the MTF's in terms of believability. The MTF's didn't care - they weren't thinking in terms of passing, but I was totally impressed with the FTM's that were there. TOTALLY.
[/quote]
I noticed exactly the same thing at the support group I went to just the once. Most of the MtF were not mainline TS while the FtMs definietly were.
That's 'cause they are applying to two different worlds.
Where can I watch this show?
Quote from: Elijah on August 17, 2010, 09:46:46 AM
Where can I watch this show?
seebelow
Quote from: insanitylives on August 07, 2010, 08:07:34 PM
http://www.teennick.com/theclick/ (http://www.teennick.com/theclick/)
Thing is idiot proof.
But, the episodes are about a day behind. That figures though, it has to be aired in all timezones before it gets put up on the site.
I watched the Adam episodes. I think they did a really good job at being respectful on the issue, especially having those 2 friends that were there for him.
One thing I didnt like, was how the family treated him as 2 different people, like at the dinner table, the mom saying "I miss you Gracie" and saying "I dont ever get to see her anymore" or "Can't gracie come to dinner with gran"
I just dont like the idea that trans people are 2 different people.
They also gave him terrible clothes lol, so baggy.
I think they were trying to show that Adam does not consider himself to be a girl, so referring to "Gracie" as somebody that Adam used to be would be wrong. Which is kind of how I feel about my old self. I feel like I was never a girl called Toni. I knew her, I let her talk over me, and I spent way too much time with her, but I was never that girl. I hated her.
I guess I feel like Maggie and Elijah are the same person.. and its not that 'I never was Maggie' its that.. the Maggie that I, and everyone else thought I was, well was always Elijah.
like, I don't deny my past self, I don't hate 'her' I'm a little embarassed of her I feel like I have always been Elijah, I just didnt know who i was yet. me, now.. is the same as me then. I'm just male now
I dunno, Im having a hard time explaining it.
Ah, it's okay. We're all different. :) I know that in some ways I am definitely still the same person, but in other ways I don't even want to be associated with my "past self."
The way it's been explained to me, by a post-op MTF (which I hope to be one day), is that one day my old self will pass away, to be replaced by Colleen. It's okay to mourn him, but it's also important to honor him. He, too, has his story. She recommended that I take the time to write his biography so he can be remembered. She also cautioned me to watch out for those who do not mourn his passing - they won't deal well with Colleen. I think she's very wise.
I'm also very upset right now - my PVR "ate" two whole episodes of Degrassi - Part 2 of "My body is a cage" and Part 1 of the following. >:( Sometimes it for some reason says it's full, and the only way to stop it displaying that message is to unplug and reboot it. This time, afterward, I noticed that those two episodes are no longer there. I hope I can use the link above to watch them...