Source: Bravo / GLAAD Media Awards (2008)
Event: 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards (Los Angeles)
Presenters: Adamo Ruggiero, Gabrielle Christian, Paul James
In 2008, if you were a teenager looking for LGBTQ+ representation on cable television, you were likely watching one of three shows: The N’s South of Nowhere, ABC Family’s Greek, or of course, Degrassi: The Next Generation.
At the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles, the worlds of these teen dramas collided when Adamo Ruggiero (Marco Del Rossi) took the stage alongside Gabrielle Christian (Spencer Carlin) and Paul James (Calvin Owens).
Teen TV Crossover
Dressed in a sharp silver suit, Adamo leans into the “awkward presenter banter” trope, playfully mocking Gabrielle Christian’s enthusiasm before the group settles in to discuss the importance of media visibility.
“Degrassi, South of Nowhere, and Greek are series that resonate with viewers in part because they don’t shy away from the real issues that face young people today.”
The highlight of the segment comes when the trio acknowledges the balcony, which was packed with over 800 members of local youth groups and Gay-Straight Alliances, resulting in one of the loudest ovations of the night.