CMST 2XX3 was developed with the goal of highlighting queer representation in media and popular culture as a space for survival and joy
A new course, CMST 2XX3: Queer Popular Culture, has been added to the undergraduate academic calendar at McMaster this year, tailored to explore modern queer popular culture and legacy.
Christina Baade, chair of communication studies and media arts department at McMaster University, explained that the course was created with student need and interest in mind.
She explained that she drew on her personal research area in popular music, sound studies and radio/audio technologies to create a course that highlights positive elements of being queer, as opposed to only highlighting the struggles of the community.
“Very often, sexuality studies can focus on trauma or problems. I think popular cultures are a really useful way [to] look at how people make space to survive and how people make joy even in really difficult political circumstances," said Baade.
Very often, sexuality studies can focus on trauma or problems. I think popular cultures are a really useful way [to] look at how people make space to survive and how people make joy even in really difficult political circumstances.
Christina Baade, Chair
Communication Studies and Media Arts Department
Baade was inspired by her research students, who noticed what she described as a lack of structured exploration into specific elements of queer popular culture. She expressed the importance of including students in the development of this course through the McPherson Student Partners program, as they offer important cultural and generational perspectives.
Together, they have decided to cover certain key topics surrounding queerness in popular culture and look forward to further student input and conversation.
Baade and her team also hope to integrate various technologies and methods of assessment while prioritizing discussion and exploration into niche topics within queer popular culture.
Key themes in the course include global and Western popular culture and media across queer subcultures, as well as the commercialization of Pride and how evolving media plays a role in creating space for communities and conversations.
“Pop culture is always a great way to get into challenging concepts and important conversations in a way that's approachable and can feel safe for a wide range of folks,” said Baade.
Pop culture is always a great way to get into challenging concepts and important conversations in a way that's approachable and can feel safe for a wide range of folks.
Christina Baade, Chair
Communication Studies and Media Arts Department
This course will be available to all students registered in Level II or above and is scheduled to run in the Winter 2026 term.
Logistical hurdles at McMaster’s 4th Black Grad highlight the expanding needs of the Black student community
McMaster’s Black Student Success Center hosted its 4th Annual Black Excellence Graduation Celebration on May 20, 2025. The event, a key celebration of academic achievement, cultural pride and community, encountered significant challenges this year stemming from logistical issues related to its venue and growing attendance.
One of the most notable changes to this year’s Black Grad was the shift in venue. Last year, the graduation ceremony was held at the FirstOntario Concert Hall, which offered ample space for both the ceremony and guests. The venue also provided an academic procession, a key feature of the event, where graduates traditionally walk across the stage to receive their recognition.
This year, the event was moved to the fourth floor of the Hub, a significantly smaller space that could not accommodate the growing number of attendees.
Concerns were raised about the event and the resources available to support the expanding Black student community.
Faith Ogunkoya, manager of the Black Student Success Centre, stated in an email that the venue change was primarily due to funding constraints. The FirstOntario Concert Hall, while offering ample space, came with high operational costs that the BSSC could no longer afford this year. “While the FirstOntario Concert Hall is beautiful, it's quite costly and comes with significant operational constraints,” Ogunkoya stated.
Last year, the graduation ceremony shared the FirstOntario Concert Hall with another convocation ceremony in an effort to reduce costs. Ogunkoya shared how, despite the intention to offer a more accessible and cost-effective space, the venue change led to a host of logistical issues and ultimately explored campus-based locations. “The Hub offered a more flexible, community-oriented environment aligned with our evolving goals and available resources,” stated Ogunkoya.
The overcrowding in the Hub left many attendees standing throughout the ceremony. Stephen DeCordova, McMaster Students Union vice-president (education) and graduating student, shared that his pregnant sister-in-law had to leave halfway through the ceremony due to a lack of seating. “There was a sizeable portion of guests who were standing,” DeCordova said, confirming that there was no overflow room or livestreaming option available.
The growing Black student population at McMaster has led to an increasing demand for spaces like Black Grad, and this year’s event highlighted the ongoing limitations of the current venues. The BSSC, launching its service in 2021 and operating on campus since 2022, has been integral in providing mentorship, culturally relevant services and programming for Black students.
Abigail Samuels, a fifth-year Life Sciences student and photographer for both the third and fourth Black Grad celebrations, discussed how the BSSC has seen a marked increase in demand. “The BSSC has a physical space, and the number one complaint is [that] it’s not big enough. We’re maxed out of space,” said Samuels.
According to the McMaster Student Affairs 2023-2024 Annual Report, there was a 31.67 per cent increase in appointments, a 128.7 per cent increase in registrants for workshops and webinars and a 50 per cent increase in total visits to the BSSC lounge. These statistics reflect the growing need of the expanding community of Black students.
Ogunkoya acknowledged the community’s concerns, explaining that, while the decision was made in the spirit of community and financial prudence, it didn’t work entirely as planned. “We were deeply moved to see that demand exceeded our capacity. Some students and families were understandably disappointed,” Ogunkoya stated.
The venue constraints also limited the traditional elements of the ceremony. The academic procession, a traditional and highly anticipated part of the event, was eliminated this year due to space constraints. Instead, the graduates stood and placed their Kente stoles around their own necks. While the Kente stole ceremony retains significant cultural meaning, many students felt the shift lacked the formality and grandeur of previous years.
“Students were told to stand up, face their parents, and put their Kente stoles on…It was disappointing because Black Graduation has become something that people really look forward to,” said Samuels, while still acknowledging the symbolic but less formal alternative.
A Kente stole is a traditional garment typically worn during graduation ceremonies to represent African heritage, struggle, solidarity and achievement. In 2023, McMaster Daily News described the third annual Black Grad, where graduates walked the stage and had their Kente stoles placed on them with pride, accompanied by “fierce cheers” from attendees.
Samuel has also noted the lack of attendance of the University's administration.
Students like DeCordova and Samuels, who were among the first to experience the BSSC in its early stages in 2021, reflected on the disappointment of many students. “After seeing last year’s event — how big, how grandiose and amazing it was — it made some people feel like they didn’t get the opportunity to have what they imagined,” said DeCordova.
Despite these challenges, the sense of community and the event’s significance were not lost on attendees. DeCordova shared that while the event did not match the scale of previous years, it was still meaningful. “It was still an enjoyable experience, but I think a lot of that enjoyment did come from the fact that I was surrounded by a lot of people that I’ve been with for the past four years. They’ve seen me grow,” DeCordova said with optimism.
“Black Grad is so much more than just a ceremony. It’s about community, it’s about coming together to celebrate our shared struggles and triumphs. But it’s clear that the event needs to evolve as the community grows,” said Samuels.
As the university continues to see an increase in Black students, there is a clear need for larger, more suitable venues to host such significant events.
Ogunkoya emphasized that the BSSC would be taking the feedback seriously, especially regarding space and logistics. “We are now reflecting deeply on how to hold this celebration in a way that honours intimacy, inclusion, and financial responsibility,” she stated. The BSSC is continuing to explore on-campus options such as the University’s gymnasium that could accommodate future graduations.
MSU Diversity + Equity Network to bring advocacy back to the streets, aiming to spark conversations on equity, diversity and inclusion on campus
On Mar. 11, 2025, the MSU Diversity and Equity Network announced on Instagram that the Diversity on the Street series, giving students a chance to win prizes while sharing their thoughts on campus life and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Diversity on the Street is an Instagram reels series that amplifies the voices and thoughts of McMaster University students on diversity and equity. In each episode, a DEN executive engages with students on campus, asking questions about equity, diversity and inclusion while also raising awareness about the services DEN provides.
This past month, DEN released the first episode of the series, titled "Hot Takes for Hot Chips," where they asked McMaster students to share their hottest takes. This episode aimed to celebrate the diversity of opinions within the community.
Aisha Mahmoud, a social and political advocacy coordinator for DEN, shared her experience working on the series and its goals. She explained that DEN aims to engage students in a way that is both interactive and reflective of popular social media formats. She also emphasized that the series aims to highlight the diversity of the McMaster community.
“DEN is a service that is still finding its identity. One of the best ways that we can show who we are to students is by creating a really authentic online presence, and just putting ourselves out there by actually meeting people,” said Mahmoud.
DEN is a service that is still finding its identity. One of the best ways that we can show who we are to students is by creating a really authentic online presence, and just putting ourselves out there by actually meeting people.
Aisha Mahmoud, Social and Political Advocacy Coordinator,
Diversity and Equity Network, McMaster Students Union
Mahmoud also noted that the second
She explained that previous videos focused on diversity, equity and inclusion but they did not seem to engage students in the way DEN had hoped. As a result, DEN sought to explore different ways of showcasing diversity through these interviews.
Mahmoud mentioned that the second episode was designed to engage students with a variety of musical genres and introduce them to new artists or cultures.
“The idea is that by asking the next student to rate the previous song, we’ll be introducing them to a genre, artist, or culture they haven’t interacted with before,” said Mahmoud.
Mahmoud shared that the third episode was inspired by DEN’s recent mandate
“Everything we thought of [for the episodes] was still informed by celebrating and showcasing the diversity on campus, but maybe in ways that people wouldn’t necessarily expect,” said Mahmoud.
She emphasized that the goal was to record the videos in places where students already gather and feel comfortable, such as the McMaster University Student Centre and The Hub.
Mahmoud also shared her vision for expanding the series.
“It would be really cool if we continued this style of interviews at ClubFest, going around and introducing some of the cultural clubs or diverse groups in a street interview style,” said Mahmoud.
She also noted that they wanted to create a legacy for the series, ensuring that despite turnover from the academic year with new members joining and executive members graduating, the series would remain a consistent presence.
“We want to have a recurring series so that the identity of the service and our social media presence has one consistent throughline despite that turnover,” said Mahmoud.
The next two episodes will be released in the coming weeks. For more information and to watch the series, students can follow DEN on Instagram.
From academic differences to new social norms, learn of the unique discoveries a UK exchange student faces while adapting to life in Canada
Jasmine Joseph is a third-year psychology, neuroscience and behaviour student at the University of Warwick in England. She is currently on exchange at McMaster University for the Winter 2025 term.
When reflecting on her decision to study in Canada, she emphasized the value of embracing opportunities.
"There's not going to be any other time in your life after this where you have so much free time to explore, study abroad and I was like let me try and just make the most of the opportunities at my university," said Joseph. "If money is a worry, money comes back. Time doesn't."
Despite initial anxieties about making friends and adjusting to life without her family, Joseph quickly adapted.
"There were some days where I was a bit anxious, going to a whole group at an event and just interrupting the conversation to be like, Hey, can I come and sit with you guys," said Joseph.
Joseph highlighted a memorable opportunity that she would not have had without actively seeking it out and engaging socially. "I've been on a cabin trip with the Mac Outdoor Club, which was so fun. And I met some such lovely girls on that trip," said Joseph.
One of the most notable aspects of Joseph's experience has been the cultural differences she encountered.
"People here are a lot friendlier. I knew people would probably be a bit nicer, but it's really surprised me," said Joseph, noting the contrast between the warm Canadian hospitality and the more reserved nature she’s accustomed to in the UK.
People here are a lot friendlier like I knew people would probably be a bit nicer. But it's really surprised me
Jasmine Joseph, UK exchange student
McMaster University
She explained that people have sometimes mimicked her British accent, which she finds amuzing.
"I thought we were having a normal conversation. Now, this is like a British accent practice class," said Joseph.
Joseph also faced some language barriers due to slang differences. Words like "accom" for accommodation left Canadians confused, as McMaster students typically say "res" for residence.
"There are definitely some words when I'm speaking, they're just like, "Oh, what does that mean?" But they do know a few more. There are some crossovers that I wasn't expecting, especially in the Black community, they'll be saying words that we say in London," said Joseph.
Toronto and London share some similar slang due to their shared historical roots in cultural immigration, particularly from Caribbean and Middle Eastern communities. This diverse influence has shaped the local vernacular in both cities.
Academically, Joseph was shocked by McMaster’s teaching style. She noticed a significant difference between the UK and Canadian approaches.
"I go to a Russell Group University back home, it's like the British version of Ivy League and back home our academic system at my university is very rigorous . . . But when I came here, what I've like concluded and gathered after being here for 3 months now almost 4, is that the education system–at least I can speak on Mac–is a lot more relaxed," said Joseph.
When comparing both styles of teaching, Joseph concluded she prefers McMaster's environment to better understand and learn course content.
"It's been easier to understand the content in my current classes than back home, which is actually surprising," said Joseph. "I've been lucky enough that the profs that I've had, you can tell they're passionate about the subject."
It's been easier to understand the content in my current classes than back home, which is actually surprising
Jasmine Joseph, UK exchange student
McMaster University
Joseph explained how her exchange has impacted her own approach to academics.
"I think it's even taught me the fact that yes, I'm here on pass fail, but just to give myself more grace when it comes to my academics," said Joseph. Being abroad has allowed her to focus on learning the content rather than obsessing over grades, something she hopes to continue back home.
Joseph also believes her exchange experience will help her career. Overcoming challenges and pushing past fears has strengthened her confidence.
"I betted on myself that, you know what, I'm going to go and smash this this semester abroad. And by God's grace it's been good, it's been successful," said Joseph.
The time Joseph has had at McMaster has been memorable and she encourages others to take on opportunities that promote cultural exchange. "Do it. Take that exchange, go on that semester abroad, go on that full year studying abroad. Just do it, because for me life is too short," concluded Joseph.
Celebrating the diverse voices and talents of BIPOC students shaping the arts and culture scene at McMaster
McMaster University has a diverse group of creative BIPOC students. Through time, effort and dedication, some student creators have garnered significant attention both on and off campus. By showcasing their work at pop-up shops, markets and across social media platforms, they've effectively amplified their commitment to their crafts.
Here is a closer look into four students that have been honing their crafts and diversifying their academic journeys with their art. These student creators, from various cultural backgrounds, have diverse talents to offer in fields such as jewelry making, nail art and poetry.
Margaret Qin
Margaret Qin is a third-year human behaviour student and organizer of the Grind Market who has transformed what started as a hobby into a full-fledged small business: Earrings by Margaret. During the pandemic, Qin began making jewelry as a way to pass time.
But as time went on, it became a great creative outlet. Every piece of jewelry she creates is handmade, with sustainability and ethical practices incorporated into her work wherever possible as advertised on her business website.
Princess Aina-David
Princess Aina-David, a third-year civil engineering student, runs her small-business called Lap Nailz, a home-based nail studio in Hamilton near McMaster’s main campus.
She offers a range of nail services, including gel manicures, custom press-on nails and acrylic designs. Her work, often showcased on her Instagram page, demonstrates a high level of artistry and attention to detail, attracting clients who seek personalized nail designs.
Ramneek Panchi
Ramneek Panchi, beyond being a student of philosophy and music at McMaster, is a poet. Combining both her academic and creative interests, she is specifically a philosophical poet whose works capture the human experience through soulful exploration of personal and social connections.
She works at Poesy, Canada’s first experiential writing company. She expresses profound emotions through both poetry and piano, with the hope that her work connects with like-minded, passionate souls. Panchi also showcased her talent as a live service-based vendor at the most recent student market at the Grind on Mar. 25, 2025, where she wrote personalized poems for each customer on the spot.
Romielle Villacorta
Last but certainly not least, Romielle Villacorta, an anthropology student, specializes in creating custom press-on nails. Villacorta runs a small business called Bunny Klaws.
She sells her hand-crafted designs at pop-up events, both on campus and in Toronto. Villacorta’s press-on nails are tailored to individual styles and preferences, offering a unique way for people to express themselves through their nail art.
These four McMaster students are combining their academic lives with their creative interests, showcasing how students can simultaneously thrive as creative entrepreneurs across various fields. Whether it’s through handmade jewelry, personalized nail art, meaningful poetry, or custom press-on nails, these creators are finding innovative ways to share their craft and connect with others.
Their work reflects the diversity of talent at McMaster and the potential of exploring creative passions alongside one's academic pursuits.
TwelvEighty Bar and Grill releases three new ambassador meal specials, designed by prominent students of the McMaster community
On Feb. 24, 2025, TwelvEighty Bar and Grill and the McMaster Students Union announced three new ambassador meal specials to their menu, designed in partnership with prominent student figures. These meals, available until the end of the current academic year, were developed with input from student ambassadors and created by TwelvEighty’s chef, Wes Chaplin.
In an interview, MSU president Jovan Popovic and MSU food and beverage manager Mike Asquith shared details about the initiative’s purpose.
According to Popovic, the initiative aims to highlight students who are active in the McMaster community.
“We were looking for prominent people on campus, people that a vast majority of the students would be able to connect with, relate to, know or have heard of . . . Each of these people are very public-facing figures who played a significant role on campus . . . these are people who are very well accomplished and all their roots come back to this university and this campus,” said Popovic.
Each of these people are very public-facing figures who played a significant role on campus.
Jovan Popovic
President, McMaster Students Union
The first ambassador meal introduced on TwelvEighty’s Instagram was Maxime Gratton’s breakfast burger. The Gratton Breakfast Burger features a four-ounce beef patty, sunny-side egg, onion rings, bacon, potato hickory sticks and chilli aioli on a toasted brioche bun, served with a choice of a side.
Gratton, a fifth-year psychology student and player for the men’s volleyball team, has contributed to three OUA championship wins. He is also the founder of Airtime Athletics, a training program for young athletes. He is known for sharing volleyball clips on his Instagram, which has over 4,000 followers.
The second ambassador meal introduced was Mackenzie Barwell’s Poke Bowl. Barwell, a fourth-year communications and political science student, has worked in sports media at McMaster as an in-game host for the Marauders and is the creator of the Marauder Mondays video series. She has also collaborated with organizations like Forge FC, the World University Games and Canada Basketball.
The Mac Barwell Bowl includes tuna, rice, guacamole, tomato, edamame, green onion, carrots, pickled red cabbage, corn, poke sauce and sesame seeds.
The last ambassador meal introduced was Miguel Gonzales’s DJ Migz Mix. Gonzales, also known as DJ Migz, is a recent graduate from the honours kinesiology program with 12 years of DJing experience. He has performed for campus events, including Homecoming 2024 and Welcome Week concerts.
His DJ Migz Mix includes blackened chicken, Cajun rice, sautéed onion and peppers, cheese, corn, lettuce, sour cream, salsa, guacamole and lime. A side of chips and salsa can also be purchased for an additional $2.
In an Instagram post, DJ Migz stated that his ambassador meal is gluten-free and chipotle-inspired.
“As someone with many allergies, I tailored this meal to be inclusive of dietary needs by ensuring it is free of many common allergens! Many of the ingredients are also easily substitutable to be able to accommodate any further restrictions,” stated Migz.
I tailored this meal to be inclusive of dietary needs by ensuring it is free of many common allergens!
Miguel Gonzales (DJ Migz)
Recent Graduate, Honours Kinesiology
Asquith described the initiative as an opportunity to test new menu items with direct student involvement.
“It gives us a great test for new items to see if maybe this is something we could add in the future as a more permanent fix,” said Asquith.
The student ambassadors provided general descriptions of what they wanted their dishes to include. TwelvEighty’s chef, Wes, refined the concepts into final menu items.
Popovic mentioned that most of the ingredients used in the dishes were already available in the kitchen, which minimized the need to source additional ingredients and ensured that meals could be easily incorporated into the existing menu.
“While we needed the creative vision from Wes to really make these actual dishes, it was fully inspired by the direction that the students gave us,” said Popovic.
Asquith mentioned that TwelvEighty aims to collaborate more with student groups and clubs. He noted that the restaurant is also diversifying its menu, with a growing focus on cultural variety, which it plans to continue.
“We are trying to show this year that we’re open to anything. We just need to make the right connections and do it well,” said Asquith.
The new menu items are available to order both in person and ahead on TwelvEighty’s website. They will be available until the end of the winter 2025 semester.
Final ruling confirms Piper Plavins as MSU president-elect, bringing election process to a close after appeal deliberations
Following the resolution of a disqualification appeal, Piper Plavins has been officially confirmed as the next president of the McMaster Students Union. The appeal, initiated by the request of presidential candidate Olami Olalere, was dismissed after two levels of review, finalizing the results of the 2025 MSU presidential election.
Olalere was disqualified from the race after accumulating a combination of standard and severe campaign violations.
In an interview with The Silhouette, Sinead Gono, the chief returning officer of the elections department of the MSU, said that Olalere received a total of nine standard violations and two severe violations.
Under MSU election rules, surpassing half of the spending limit in fines—$200.00 of the $400.00 limit—results in automatic disqualification. A standard fine is worth $15.00 and a severe fine is worth $35.00. Additionally, Olalere received $42.00 in poster violations for a total of 21 poster violations valued at $2.00 each, as per presidential election rule 7.10.4. In total, Olalere accumulated $247.00 in fines.
“The rules are very specific and I feel that they’re quite clearly laid out . . . There’s a threshold and if you pass that in terms of monetary value, then you get automatically disqualified. That’s what happened in this case,” said Gono.
There’s a threshold and if you pass that in terms of monetary value, then you get automatically disqualified.
Sinead Gono
Chief Returning Officer, MSU Elections
After his disqualification, Olalere filed an appeal in two stages. According to Gono, in the first stage, the MSU Elections Committee reviewed his objections and overturned only one $0.00 violation, which did not impact his total fine amount.
In the second stage, the Elections Appeal Board, which is an independent panel consisting of the MSU deputy speaker, the university secretariat and a member of the McMaster community, upheld the original decisions in full. As a result, Olalere remained disqualified and his name was removed from the official ballot.
Due to the MSU’s ranked-choice voting system, votes cast for Olalere were not discarded. Instead, they were redistributed to the next-ranked candidates on each ballot.
“There’s no erasing of votes . . . They now consider the other ranked options,” said Gono.
Gono emphasized that the elections department followed its policies and treated all candidates equally.
“We did the best that we could on our end. We followed the process that we always follow . . . The rules are pretty set in stone and we try to make them as clear as possible,” said Gono.
This year’s election cycle also saw a rise in voter turnout. Gono credited the increase to coordinated efforts by both the elections department, the MSU as a whole and the efforts of the candidates themselves.
“There was a union-wide goal of reaching 20 per cent turnout . . . We worked tirelessly on promotions and events . . . The candidates also made this election really exciting for students . . . I also think we’re seeing a natural rebound in student engagement post-COVID,” said Gono.
The candidates also made this election really exciting for students . . . I also think we’re seeing a natural rebound in student engagement post-COVID
Sinead Gono
Chief Returning Officer, MSU Elections
The final certified results have officially confirmed Piper Plavins as MSU president-elect. She is set to begin her one-year term on May 1, 2025.
Perhaps thought to only affect older individuals, gambling is increasingly taking hold of students and young people alike
The idea of cigarette advertising to Generation Z is unheard of, yet I urge you to try and watch any sporting event without noticing online gambling advertisements. From FanDuel to PokerStars, it's inescapable. Although gambling on sports has long been around, betting on sports has become even more common in recent years, especially online.
In the case of cigarettes, advertisements have been banned in Canada since 1989. For gambling, however, your favourite celebrity, athlete or even YouTuber may be telling you to download a betting app with their code.
Even though the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario updated its marketing regulations in 2024, stating that no advertisements can be promoted by influencers that are likely to be associated with children, gambling advertisements are still more prevalent than ever.
Gambling advertisements affirm the mentality of most problem gamblers, as many flaunt the idea that gambling and winning big is one of the best feelings in the world. For example, one FanDuel advertisement compares normal good feelings to the so-called number one feeling of winning big.
One FanDuel advertisement compares normal good feelings to the so-called number one feeling of winning big.
One could draw a parallel with vaping and online gambling. Even with regulation, vaping has increased significantly in minors and young adults. With gambling, it is no different.
Companies can still use celebrities to promote their app that is not directly tied to entertaining minors, while making the process to sign up take no more than 30 minutes. The consequence? Increased rates of online gambling in university and high school students alike in Canada since 2020.
Students have been found to have higher rates of problem gambling, and this rate has only increased in recent years. The chances of seeing someone betting on sports with their phone continues to rise. Not to mention the limitless ways to bet that exist, including the parlay, which seems to be among the most popular forms of betting among young people.
The parlay allows people to string multiple bets along in different games, substantially increasing their potential winnings while further building dependency.
Why is this increase in online gambling among students and young adults concerning? The reason is that people who bet on sports are much more likely to delve into casino gambling and develop addictions later in life.
Now, I do not believe that a ban on sports gambling would be the most effective way to combat this concerning trend. However, increased regulations on gambling advertisements should be implemented. Gambling, especially online and on sports, is on the rise, and if we do nothing, this trend could significantly impact members of our generation in the future as it opens doors to other, more dangerous forms of gambling.
If we do nothing, this trend could significantly impact members of our generation in the future.
Two 4th-year students tackle barriers and spark conversations about inclusion in the arts through their thesis project comedy show
For their thesis project, Isabella Stravropolous and Sofia Smith, two theatre and film students, have co-written and co-directed a live comedy show titled Disabled People Are Funny, Too! The production is having showings at 7:30 p.m. on March 19, 21 and 23 and at 1:30 p.m. on March 20 and 22 in the Lyons Family Studio. Admission is free of charge and tickets can be found on their Showpass website.
Smith and Stravropolous prioritized the show's accessibility for all audiences in creating it. They organized all performances to include audio descriptions and captioning. Certain days will incorporate ASL interpretation or relaxed performances which include increased light for visibility, reduced sound levels and in-and-out access whenever audience members require, as seen on their website.
The show explores the journey of a disabled writer working for a late night comedy show that feels excluded from the rest of the production due to the workplace being inaccessible and the crew’s unwillingness to accommodate. Through standup and sketch comedy, this show navigates creating accessible spaces for everyone.
The title of the show itself came after a thoughtful process. Initially, Stravropolous and Smith had chosen the title Your Late Night Trip, which ended up being the title of the late night comedy show within the story.
“But then we were like, ‘Okay, this title doesn’t represent the main character as much,’” Stravropolous explained. They knew they needed a new title that better aligned with the show’s core message of fighting against stereotypes surrounding people with disabilities.
“It was a late night after a rehearsal and we're like, disabled people can be liars, disabled people can be horny, disabled people can be mean, disabled people can be evil. And then we were like, disabled people are funny,” said Stravropolous.
Disabled people can be liars, disabled people can be horny, disabled people can be mean, disabled people can be evil. And then we were like, disabled people are funny.
Isabella Stravropolous, Co-Director and Co-Writer
Disabled People Are Funny, Too!
Stravropolous and Smith were careful to authentically portray characters with disabilities.
“Our main focus was the main character was a person with a disability,” said Stravropolous. “It's important to represent the actors within the show and not just cast able-bodied individuals in roles that are meant to be played by people with disabilities.”
Within the script, Smith and Stravropolous wanted to highlight all aspects of inaccessibility in theatre.
“A big part of what we wanted to focus on too was accessibility within production spaces,” said Stravropolous, noting that people often associate inaccessibility with the audience but not the actual production crew and cast.
Stravropolous and Smith drew from both personal and community experiences throughout their writing process to highlight the subtle ableism that people may not even recognize in their everyday lives.
“We also did a lot of interviews with folks within disabled communities . . . We interviewed a friend who is low vision and he referenced a lot of stories where we were like, this would be really interesting to incorporate in our show,” shared Stravropolous.
By exaggerating ableist behaviours in comedic sketches, the show encourages the audience to reflect on their own actions and question whether they’ve ever acted in ways that may have been inadvertently discriminatory.
Their work takes on additional significance in light of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, which aims for Ontario to be fully accessible by 2025.
“The Robinson Memorial Theatre in Chester New Hall is not accessible for actors on stage or production crew . . . It’s 2025 . . . that’s what AODA said, that Ontario would be fully accessible by [now] and it’s not,” noted Stravropolous, emphasizing that despite the AODA’s clear goals, many venues remain inaccessible for many.
Through Disabled People Are Funny, Too!, Stravropolous and Smith seek to spark essential conversations about accessibility in theatre.
“There’s still so much more that needs to happen,” emphasized Stravropolous, highlighting the ongoing nature of the fight and efforts to create a truly accessible society. Their show aims to entertain while reminding the audience that real change requires constant advocacy and effort.
There’s still so much more that needs to happen.
Isabella Stravropolous, Co-Director and Co-Writer
Disabled People Are Funny, Too!
The Black Student Success Centre welcomes new wellness counsellor to support Black students in overcoming mental health barriers
Foluke Akinboyo, the Black student wellness counsellor at the Black Student Success Centre, recently transitioned into her new role. Previously, she was a wellness counsellor in student affairs in Undergraduate Medical Education.
Akinboyo is a registered psychotherapist with over a decade of experience in community mental health, student support and culturally considerate care. In this new role, she focuses on providing a supportive space where Black students can address their mental health needs and feel understood.
The BSSC is a dedicated space for Black-identifying students, aiming to support and uplift their academic, personal and professional success. It is a space that aims to combat racial isolation and connects Black students to resources, peers, programs and faculty to foster their academic and personal growth.
Akinboyo currently offers individual counselling and group wellness programs for Black-identifying students.
Akinboyo’s motivation to take on this role at the BSSC came from her own experiences as an immigrant student. She reflected on the difficulties she faced, such as feeling isolated, struggling with unfamiliar systems and lacking adequate support. Her own journey led her to realize the importance of creating spaces that help students overcome these barriers.
“Even if I cannot impact everybody, even if it was just one little tear at a time that we could change, let me try,” said Akinboyo.
Even if I cannot impact everybody, even if it was just one little tear at a time that we could change, let me try.
Foluke Akinboyo, Black Student Wellness Counsellor
Black Student Success Centre
Akinboyo discussed the stigma surrounding mental health within the Black community. According to her, mental health concerns are often viewed as a sign of weakness.
“How dare you not have that mental toughness to be able to function? What is really bothering you that you cannot function?” said Akinboyo, describing some of the thought processes behind this stigma.
She explained that these attitudes can discourage individuals from seeking help. She further elaborated that the cultural expectation that Black individuals should remain strong and resilient in the face of adversity often leads to mental health issues being minimized or ignored.
The 2017 Pan-Canadian Health Inequalities Data Tool found that between 2010 and 2013, 64 per cent of young Black women aged 12-17 reported their mental health as excellent or very good. However, this was significantly lower than the 77.2 per cent of young white women who reported excellent or very good mental health.
Akinboyo also pointed to a long-standing mistrust in health care systems among many Black communities, stemming from historical injustices such as unethical medical experimentation.
“When we look at the history of unethical experimentation, the Tuskegee Syphilis Study . . . our parents and our ancestors raised us to be wary of things that are like that because we could be thrown into spaces that we don't understand,” she explained.
When we look at the history of unethical experimentation, the Tuskegee Syphilis Study . . . our parents and our ancestors raised us to be wary of things that are like that because we could be thrown into spaces that we don't understand.
Foluke Akinboyo, Black Student Wellness Counsellor
Black Student Success Centre
In addition to stigma and mistrust, Akinboyo noted that mental health issues in Black individuals are often overlooked or misunderstood, as they may be seen through a lens shaped by
“Some women may show aggression—quote-unquote this ‘aggressive Black woman’ type of talk. However, what if she's actually depressed?” said Akinboyo.
Akinboyo also pointed out that Black men in particular face barriers to seeking therapy and are less inclined to reach out in comparison to Black women. The cultural expectation of Black men to be strong, protective figures can make it difficult for them to embrace vulnerability.
“Black men are supposed to protect, provide, serve, you know, be the person that we women or society could lean on,” said Akinboyo, detailing the cultural and societal expectations of Black men.
This societal pressure leads to emotional challenges being viewed as a sign of weakness, creating additional obstacles to accessing mental health support.
“We’re all emotional beings. So why can't they be emotional?” said Akinboyo, emphasizing that creating safe spaces for Black men to express their emotions and seek support is essential.
Akinboyo emphasized that her role now focusing on Black students is not meant to exclude other students or invalidate the work of other counsellors. Instead, it is aimed at helping Black students who feel vulnerable or misrepresented and combating the unique barriers they face in accessing mental health support.
“The work that we're doing is tapping into the minds who are very vulnerable, who are questioning, who are scared to raise their hand up, who don't have a voice, who are afraid to even use their voice, because their voices have been misrepresented many times,” she said.
Akinboyo has several initiatives in mind to support Black students. One of her upcoming services is titled Power Emotion, a wellness group designed to help Black men connect with their emotions and seek mental health support.
Akinboyo also hopes to introduce a program titled Success Beyond the Degree, which would help upper-year and graduate students transition from academic life to their professional careers, while maintaining a strong sense of self.
“You can still be you beyond that degree that you have,” she said.
Ultimately, Akinboyo believes that the presence of Black wellness counsellors is essential for creating inclusive and supportive environments for students who may feel overlooked. She argued that without adequate representation, universities risk failing to provide the quality of care their students deserve.
“There is a lack of not just representation, [but] a lack of voices on tables that matter . . . And when we continue to remove voices or not create spaces for the voices that are represented in the student body, especially on those types of tables, then we run the risk of pretty much failing our students. We take the money, but we don't give the quality,” said Akinboyo.
There is a lack of not just representation, [but] a lack of voices on tables that matter . . .
Foluke Akinboyo, Wellness Counsellor
Black Student Success Centre
For anyone who connects with Akinboyo, she wants to leave them with the following message:
“Stop bullying yourself . . . Be gentle with yourself as you forgive yourself . . . You have to start forgiving yourself so you can actually love yourself again.”
Akinboyo’s role at the BSSC focuses on supporting Black students’ academic, emotional and mental well-being. Through initiatives aimed at fostering safe and inclusive spaces, she works to help students navigate challenges and build resilience.
To learn more about the work that Akinboyo and the BSSC are doing, visit their Instagram and website. Students interested in booking a session with her can email bss@mcmaster.ca.