Volume 51 Issue 17

The Independent Student Newspaper of the University of Toronto Mississauga since 1974

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Issue 17 Volume 51 February 10 2025

Photo by Sara Li

02

NEWS

Editor | Samuel Kamalendran news@themedium.ca

What You Need to Know UTMSU hosts about the 2025 Ontario “Love Week” to Provincial Election for celebrate February 27, 2025 Valentine’s Day Roy Su Contributor Ontario Premier Doug Ford argues that a snap election is necessary to combat US President Trump’s tariff threats, while his opponents have decried the early polls.

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fter weeks of speculation, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has officially called a snap provincial election for February 27.

ment, there is clear condemnation of the choice to call an early election, especially as the PCs already had a strong majority, with 79 of 124 seats, in the recentlydissolved provincial legislature, giving them a solid mandate to combat tariffs from the US. The New Democratic Party (NDP) Leader Marit Stiles stated in a speech to the Rural Ontario Municipal Association, “I haven’t heard a single person say, ‘You know what we need on top of this economic bombshell coming our way and this political upheaval and chaos in Ottawa? Yeah, we need a provincial election.’” Crombie echoed such concerns, stating that Trump’s tariffs should not be “an excuse to call an unnecessary early election.”

Crombie also criticized the decision as wasteful, noting that the C$175 million that will be used to facilitate the election could have been employed to improve the province’s healthcare system.

Illustration by Ramiya Sureshkumar According to conventional electoral proceedings, the province’s parliament has been dissolved at Ford’s request to LLieutenant Governor t.-Gov. Edith Dumont. After only four weeks of campaigning, Ontario voters across 124 of the province’s ridings will head to the polls and cast their votes. According to a new survey, Ford’s Progressive Conservatives (PC) are 24 points ahead of the Liberals, pointing them closer to a win.

Why the election was called While some say that a snap election has been in the talks for some time, it was triggered by the uncertainty of who will hold power in Ottawa next and tariff threats, specifically from US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods.

Ford argued that he needed a new mandate to protect Ontario’s economy, especially the manufacturing sector, from the potential fallout of the trade dilemma.

This snap election heavily favours Ford’s Conservatives as “we haven’t seen much from the opposition in terms of being able to really define themselves,” according to Andrew Brander, former campaign manager for the Ontario Conservatives and federal Conservative candidates.

Among his opponents, who have launched their campaigns in the days following the election announce-

Who is in the running?

Ford will lead the PCsProgressive Conservative Party into the election for a third time, having won majorities in both 2018 and 2022, while Marit Stiles will represent the Ontario NDP, hoping to expand the party’s presence in the legislature.

Bonnie Crombie, who became Liberal leader in December 2023, has gained ground in the polls and will lead her party into the election, while Mike Schreiner of Guelph takes the helm of the Green Party.

What are the latest results?

As of January 27, Ontario PC takes the lead, according to a recent poll from Liaison at 39 per cent, with Ontario Liberal in second place with 33 per cent.

The Ontario NDP is third at 18 er cent, with Ontario Greens at five per cent tied with other parties also at five per cent.

Aqeel Shahid Ullah Contributor

The week will feature a rose-delivery program, a cookie decorating workshop, a social, and a romantic gala.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, the University of Toronto Mississauga Student Union (UTMSU) is holding several events from February 7 to 14 to celebrate the love-filled day. Dubbed “Love Week,” the event will feature four events: A Rose for You, Cupid’s Cookie Corner, Sweetheart Social, and Under the Moonlight: a Bridgerton Ball.

Starting the festivities is A Rose for You, which will take place on February 10. By filling out a form and paying C$5 through Eventbrite, students can order a rose for whomever they want. Participants can also choose to let the receivers know their identity or to remain anonymous. Each form will cover one rose, meaning those interested in sending multiple roses will have to fill out more than one form.

Once the forms have been filled and the price paid, the recipients will receive an email on February 8 informing them of their package, which can be acquired on February 10 from the Presentation room between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The secret admirers would have had to act fast though, as the deadline to order a rose was last Friday, February 7.

The second event, which will be held on February 11 in the Student Centre Presentation Room, is Cupid’s Cookie Corner. This event consists of a workshop where participants can decorate cookies free of charge. Unlike A Rose For You, this program does not involve any registration. Instead, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

The third scheduled event is the Sweetheart Social, which is set to be held on February 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and according to a UTMSU Instagram post, it will be “a night of fun, food, and maybe even a new connection!” The social will consist of two parts: “Love Gone Wrong,” which invites participants to share failed date stories anonymously and bond over bad experiences together, and “Quick Connects,” which engages participants in lively speed-friending. A raffle will also be held and the winner will score a C$100 restaurant gift card.

The fourth and final event of the event-filled week is Under the Moonlight, which will take place on February 14, or Valentine’s Day. Called the “Town’s most enchanting soirée” in the Union’s Instagram post, the week finale will feature a gala held at The Blind Duck from 8 p.m. to midnight, with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. Appetizers will be served from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. after which the night will begin with music, dancing, and even a bar. Tickets to the gala will depend on how early you buy them, with early birds paying C$5, late birds paying C$10 and those at the door paying C$15. Since this is a formal event, attendees are encouraged to wear formal attire.

How to vote and who can vote Those eligible to vote can confirm, update, or add their information to register online at RegisterToVoteON.ca where they will receive their voter information card in the mail with information on when, where, and how to vote. The deadline to register is February 17.

Those who wish to vote must meet the following criteria: a Canadian citizen, 18 or older on election day, and a resident of Ontario.

Photo by April Roy

U of T to receive four million dollars for research commercialization Emma Catarino Staff Writer The grant, which is a part of larger funding to Dalhousie University, will serve to help establish a healthcare venture incubator at U of T’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine.

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n January 15, U of T News announced that the University of Toronto (U of T) and its partners are receiving C$4.25 million to develop a national hub dedicated to commercializing life science research.

merty, stated, “There is an incredible wealth of important science happening at Temerty Medicine and we are committed to seeing as much of it as possible incorporated into new diagnostics, therapies, and other technologies that can be scaled and distributed globally.”

Lab2Market was originally founded in 2020 as by a joint partnership between Dalhousie University and Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). The organization’s goal is to bridge the gap between research and entrepreneurship among students. It does this through program-

research institutions.

The organization is led by representatives from universities including Dalhousie, TMU, Simon Fraser, McMaster, Concordia, and Memorial, and the Universities of British Columbia, Alberta, Calgary, Manitoba, and Laval.

Part of the government’s funding to Lab2Market is built on contributions from Canadian innovation organization Mitacs, which “connects businesses with researchers, providing skilled talent, resources, and funding to transform academic breakthroughs into real-world impact.”

According to conventional elecThe grant comes from a C$32 million funding package awarded to Dalhousie University by the Government of Canada as part of a five-year C$95.3 million grant through Lab2Market to support four networks of post-secondary institutions and organizations from various sectors, including private, public, not-for-profit, and health services.

According to a recent article on the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) website, the network aims to “foster the development of entrepreneurship skills and commercialization capacity across the academic community.”

This larger grant was announced on January 15 by the Honourable Terry Duguid, Canada’s Minister of Sport and the Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, and was administered by the NSERC, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

U of T will employ this grant to establish a hub hosted at the university’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s Health Innovation Hub, an entrepreneurship accelerator that has supported the commercialization of over 750 ventures, which have collectively generated more than C$520 million in investment, sales, and other revenue sources.

Concerning the funding and the potential it supports at U of T, Justin Nodwell, the Vice Dean of research and health science education at Te-

Illustration by Sara Li

ming in six regional hubs across the nation: the Pacific, Alberta, Prairies, Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic.

The organization works with students through cohorts associated with post-secondary institutions across the country, including universities, colleges, and research facilities. During its four-year pilot period, the program served over 1,000 participants from more than 40 academic institutions across every Canadian province, resulting in over 125 companies being created.

Lab2Market’s latest grant will allow the program to expand its already far-reaching impact, which involves over 150 collaborators and 50 core

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Nabanita Nawar, a U of T PhD graduate, was highlighted as one of Lab2Market’s successful students.

Through her research, she created a mechanism that enhances the properties of drugs for patient benefit. Lab2Market’s influence helped Nawar raise C$5.6 million in funding for her work and has launched her entrepreneurial career, ultimately resulting in her being named one of Forbes’ 30 under 30 in Toronto. Though it’s not commonly thought of this way, research does have massive business potential. Scientists are constantly working on new technology, new drugs, and new ways of improving the quality of life of the population.

Cutting-edge technology, especially in healthcare, is crucial.

After the grant was announced, John MacRitchie, assistant vice president of Zone Learning and Strategic Initiatives at Toronto Metropolitan University and Chair of the Executive Committee for Lab2Market said, “By supporting the expansion of the Lab2Market program, we aim to empower a new generation of researchers in transforming their innovations into solutions for some of the world’s most urgent challenges, while also creating a pipeline of talent and economic opportunities for Canada.” CT scans, which were only invented in the late 1960s, have since evolved to produce clearer imaging, which allows for early patient diagnosis. Prenatal ultrasounds have matured from grainy pictures that can’t accurately tell you the sex of a baby before 20 weeks, to internal 3D images that allow parents to see their child’s face before they’re even born.

Valentine’s Day retail surveys reveal key consumer trends in Canada and the US Aqeel Shahid Ullah Contributor While Americans prefer online shopping for Valentine’s Day, Canadians are sticking to in-store shopping at local or independent retailers.

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n February 3, the Retail Council of Canada published its annual Valentine’s Day 2025 Shopping in Canada Survey. The report, based on research powered by the survey panel Caddle, revealed shopping trends and spending habits of Canadians during the season of love.

Conducted in January 2025, the survey involved two representative randomized samples of nearly 9,500 Canadian adults each.

The survey found a slight decline in Canadians planning to celebrate the holiday but a slight increase in people willing to spend the same or more compared to last year. The report also showed that while fewer people are celebrating Valentine’s Day, those who do are prepared to spend the same or more. An increase in last-minute shopping trips was also noted, alongside a rise in dedicated shopping trips, at 56 per cent compared to last year’s 51 per cent.

The most popular categories of spending were restaurants, followed by food, alcohol and candies, flowers and decorations, and entertainment and activities. The love-struck spenders of these goods will make up 37 per cent of shoppers in Canada, a drop from 48 per cent in 2023.

While 28 per cent of shoppers seek out sustainable products, 42 per cent do not consider “purchasing eco-friendly packaging or sustainable items important.” Moreover, despite the prominence of online shopping, the vast majority of shoppers prefer in-store shopping for Valentine’s Day, with 54 per cent preferring to shop at a local or independent retailer.

average of US$188.81 spent per person—a figure which increased from 2024. An increase in the number of people planning to celebrate was also reported, as well as the number of men choosing to celebrate.

In regards to the results, NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen stated, “Consumers are looking for special ways to treat their loved ones and can expect retailers to provide the best gift options and deals.”

The report also noted that men were more likely to participate in Valentine’s Day shopping than women and that most Canadians obtain inspiration for purchases from products seen in stores.

Additionally, the NRF survey reported that the most popular gift categories included candy, flowIllustration by Sara Li ers, greeting cards, an evening out, and jewelry. Furthermore, the amount spent on significant Illustration

by Sara Li others is expected to reach a record high of US$14.6 billion, with spending on family members predicted to be US$4.3 billion, lining up South of the border, the National Retail Federation (NRF) published with earlier figures. Online shopping continues to be the top shopping its yearly Valentine’s Day survey on January 28 and reported consumer method, with department stores coming in second and discount stores data specific to the US. at third.

Conducted in early January and featuring around 8,000 adults, the survey expected consumers to spend a record US$27.5 billion, breaking the previous record of US$27.4 billion in 2020, with an expected

The survey also considered the various recipients of Valentine’s Day purchases, including significant others, family members, co-workers, friend groups, and buyers themselves.

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04

OPINION

Editor | Mashiyat Ahmed opinion@themedium.ca

Cupid is overrated: a case for celebrating Aphrodite instead Debbie Wong Staff Writer Forget Cupid’s random arrows—let’s celebrate Aphrodite, the goddess of self-love, empowerment, and authentic connection.

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eriously, why are we still trusting a baby with a bow and arrow to take charge of Valentine’s Day? Cupid shows up uninvited every February, shooting arrows at random people and calling it romance.

It’s time for us to ditch the chubby toddler playing matchmaker. Instead of letting a winged infant take control of our love lives, why not celebrate someone who actually knows a thing or two about love? Make way for Aphrodite, goddess of beauty, passion, and self-love. Unlike Cupid, who thrives on chaos and unrealistic romantic ideals, Aphrodite symbolizes confidence, beauty, and empowerment. And in a world where relationships are unpredictable and self-love is finally getting the recognition it deserves, she’s exactly the kind of energy we want.

Aphrodite’s ideas make more sense for university students swiping through dating apps, navigating situationships, and the occasional identity crisis. It’s time to say byebye to Cupid’s stupid arrows and celebrate love on our own terms.

Cupid, despite his sweet and lovable appearance: a chubby baby with a bow in his hand, has a more chaotic than charming history. In Roman mythology, Cupid shoots arrows that cause uncontrollable desire, often leading to unpredictable and sometimes unwanted romantic affairs. It is said that his power was more associated with punishment than a gift. Cupid’s mischievous behaviours do not stop there: on top of that, he has been known to stir up trouble among the gods themselves, igniting unwanted romance that could lead to rivalry.

Cupid vs Aphrodite: our evolving notions of love Cupid’s symbolism of love is often portrayed as random and involuntary, which contrasts and undermines the modern understanding of relationships, where mutual respect and consent are emphasized.

In addition, the ugly sides of love, like jealousy and betrayal, are often associated with many myths related to Cupid. Intentional connection is becoming increasingly popular among young adults, especially university students. Relying on Cupid’s outdated narrative suggests that love is just a random occasion, pulling us away from personal agency.

On the other hand, Aphrodite makes herself a much more compelling figure to be associated with Valentine’s Day. It is time we give her more credit and spotlight. Unlike her son, Aphrodite embodies intentional love and personal choice.

and authenticity. As the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite embodies self-acceptance and the celebration of one’s unique form.

Her message is clear: love, whether romantic, platonic, or self-directed, should be intentional.

In mythology, Aphrodite’s relationships highlight themes of choice and agency. Despite being forced into an unhappy marriage with Hephaestus by Zeus, Aphrodite wasn’t going to let the gods dictate her love life; she found herself bound to a man chosen for her, not by her. And while Hephaestus was kind and skilled, their marriage was convenient, not passionate. Ares, the god of war, was the man Aphrodite truly wanted.

Body positivity movements, like the viral Aphrodite Girl Summer trend on TikTok, encourage people to embrace their natural beauty rather than chase unrealistic ideals.

Meanwhile, mental health advocacy has emphasized self-care, aligning with Aphrodite’s indulgence and self-worth teachings. Students today face overwhelming academic and social pressures, but Aphrodite offers a refreshing alternative: love should not be performative or commercialized but deeply personal and fulfilling.

Unlike the mischievous Cupid, who plays a matchmaker with no regard for consent, Aphrodite chose love on her terms, refusing to be confined to a marriage that didn’t fulfil her, embodying the belief that love should be about connection.

To this day, Aphrodite’s story resonates deeply in a world that still pressures people, especially women, to “settle” for stability over passion. Her story is not about scandal but about self-determination, and it continues to encourage us to celebrate our individuality and recognize our inner beauty.

On a deeper level, why should we villainize a goddess for rejecting a forced marriage when we praise people today for leaving relationships that don’t serve them? By channelling Aphrodite’s energy, we can learn a thing or two about approaching relationships confidently and clearly, prioritizing genuine connections over fleeing infatuations.

On TikTok, people share their Aphrodite affirmations, daily offerings, and self-love rituals, proving that her influence is not just mythological. Instead of celebrating love with mass-produced roses and overpriced chocolates, why not embrace love the Aphrodite way? Through self-confidence and self-care, she reminds students that real love, whether for oneself or another, starts from within.

Valentine’s Day has become a capitalist dream: stuffed bears, overpriced chocolates, and awkward date nights. But what if we ditched Cupid’s outdated love lottery and embraced Aphrodite’s vision instead?

Reimagining Valentine’s Day through her lens means celebrating love in all its forms: romantic, platonic, and, most importantly, self-love.

Instead of stressing over last-minute gift shopping, why not make the day about indulgence and empowerment?

Host a Galentine’s-style Aphrodite night with friends, with luxurious food (think honey, figs, and dark chocolate: Aphroditeapproved party food).

Swap your Dollar Store greeting cards with handwritten love letters to yourself or affirmations about what makes you feel beautiful and powerful. Even TikTok has Illustration by Ramiya Sureshkumar caught on, with creators showcasing their Aphrodite-inspired Beyond the mythological: what Aphro- self-care ritual, from rose petal baths to dite can teach us about the real world confidence-boosting mirror work.

In an age where social media defines beauty standards and relationship ideals, and romantic ordeals are increasingly commodified by dating apps, aesthetics, and the cost of living, students face issues like low selfesteem, body image concerns, and selfdoubt. We need a new Valentine’s Day icon, one who embodies self-love, empowerment,

And let’s be honest, Aphrodite wouldn’t waste time over a ghosted Tinder date. Take a page from her book this Valentine’s Day: prioritize passion, confidence and meaningful connections. Love should feel genuine. So, skip Cupid’s chaos and embrace the Aphrodite effect.

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From shame to satisfaction Milica Samardzic Staff Writer Overcoming the orgasm gap in straight relationships.

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recent study revealed a striking discrepancy in sexual satisfaction: 82 per cent of men report climaxing during sex, compared to just 32 per cent of women. Additionally, 20 per cent of men, but only 5 per cent of women, “always” orgasm during sexual encounters. This “orgasm gap” is not attributed to biology, but rooted in the gender dynamics between men and women, including societal norms, communication barriers, and unrealistic expectations surrounding female sexuality.

This “gap” is not just a reflection of inequality that appears in the bedroom, but also a manifestation of how history, culture and gender roles mold women’s sexual experiences. To bridge this gap, we need to confront how expectations suppress women’s desires, emphasize the importance of open communication between partners, and destroy the shame connected to female pleasure.

As I grow older, I notice that women are conditioned to be “people pleasers” from a young age. Whether through history, culture, or movies, women are made to prioritize the needs of others, whether as daughters, mothers, girlfriends, or even friends. History shows that the expectations placed on women are completely different than those of men. Women are expected to be motherly: nurturing, caring, and self-sacrificial. This conditioning extends to the bedroom, as it creates an inequality between men’s pleasure and women’s satisfaction. Women’s pleasure is put aside while the men’s is valued.

However, when a woman is conditioned to be compliant, it is difficult to express dissatisfaction or correct their partner during intimacy. This dynamic creates a harsh boundary between partners that make open communication difficult between partners. Whether it is due to fear of rejection, humiliation, or a feeling that their pleasure does not matter, these issues are internalized if a man does not climax during sex; but is the same self-scrutiny internalized by men too? This also creates a cycle of shame, as many believe it is their fault for not being satisfied.

The shame is worsened by comparison, as I’ve heard so many

Illustration by Sehajleen Wander

women wonder, “if everyone else can do it, why can’t I?” An interesting aspect of the comparison leads to the porn’s industry impact on both male and female sexuality. In porn, women are shown reaching climax easily (sometimes even multiple times in a row) even in unnatural settings or scenarios. Although these performances are scripted and not reflective of real intimacy, I noticed that, the majority of the time, women who compare themselves to an ideal also regularly consume porn. It is difficult to distance ourselves and distinguish between fantasy and reality when the two seem to be synonyms of one another. The problem with porn is that these scenes highlight sex as a performance, rather than an intimate experience between partners. While this pressure also affects men in certain ways, it still benefits men by reducing a woman’s pleasure to an act for the male gaze. This makes it easy to dismiss sex as a means to an end, and not for mutual enjoyment.

Another factor adding onto the orgasm gap is the societal and cultural pressure on men to measure their worth by how many women they have slept with. This focus on sexual conquests distracts from creating an experience centered around mutual pleasure. While not all men hold this view, many of the women I know have complained that they would find themselves uncomfortable after the act and felt as if they were objects rather than individuals seeking mutual satisfaction.

around the restricting sexual expectations men face to “perform” or know what they are doing at all times, which leads to performance anxiety and decreased libido (and could lead to erectile dysfunction). Society has created an environment where men are encouraged to focus on numbers (or “body count”) and heightened pleasure, which further reduces a woman to her body—rather than ensuring her comfort and satisfaction— and subconsciously signals to men that they are entitled to certain experiences and bodies. This societal expectation, alongside the expectation of women to keep quiet about their desires, leads to very unsuccessful couplings. This silence increases female inadequacy, making it difficult for women to advocate for themselves or seek help.

Interestingly, women in same-sex relationships tend to have more fulfilling sexual experiences. This can be credited to the communication and understanding between partners. Both partners are more attuned to each other’s needs and are willing to have open discussions on what feels good and what does not. This empathy creates a more balanced sexual dynamic rather than conforming to gendered expectations.

The absence of gender norms allows women to communicate more openly about their desires without the fear of rejection or being called out as “too demanding.”

Some may argue that the orgasm gap is a result of physical differences between men and women. After all, men experience orgasm through penetrative sex, while women’s bodies are more complex than that. Although that is true to some extent, societal and cultural differences are shown to be the result of the gap, not biological differences. Cultural norms, unrealistic expectations, and lack of communication is the triple threat.

While others may argue that the gap only affects certain types of heterosexual relationships, I believe that to be untrue. After all, so many straight women are in different types of relationships and yet they share a common trait which is feeling inadequate in their bodies’ lack of reaction. This issue requires a cultural movement, where a woman’s pleasure is taken as seriously as a man, and where open communication is encouraged.

Moreover, I’ve had numerous discussions with my male friends

The online dating experience for queer people Jia Bawa Associate Opinion Editor Do queer people have better luck in the black hole of endless swipes, or are dating apps still built for the heterosexual audience?

Sure, I want to be in a lovey-dovey relationship with a green flag and do cute things with them as much as the next girl, but the reality is, I don’t have time, and where would I even meet someone like that? A lot of students usually meet their SO in a club, class, or something university-related. Naturally, a lot of

Difficulties of online dating for queers

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recent study revealed a striking discrepancy in sexual satisfaction: 82 per cent of men report climaxing during sex, compared to just 32 per cent of women. Additionally, 20 per cent of men, but only 5 per cent of women, “always” orgasm during sexual encounters. This “orgasm gap” is not attributed to biology, but rooted in the gender dynamics between men and women, including societal norms, communication barriers, and unrealistic expectations surrounding female sexuality.

The moment the pandemic was declared to no longer be a threat, everyone was eager to get back to normal.

But the reality is, there is no getting back to what once was. For folks our age, the pandemic years were formative, necessary for building social skills and seeking opportunities.

In my opinion, that is one of the main reasons why our generation is so reliant on dating apps. Coupled with our almost non-existent work-life balance (at least for most of us), dating is something that doesn’t come easily to a lot of people.

Take me, for example: I’m a third-year university student with a very hectic work schedule, and it takes all of my time and energy to manage school alongside seeing friends, family, and maintaining my health. Dating is the last thing on my mind.

meeting “the one.” Maybe this is hypocritical of me, but I don’t want my story to be “yeah, I met my partner on a dating app”. I want it to be organic: maybe we bumped into each other in the hallways, or we were partners in a group project. Or maybe we met at a dingy bar playing pool and took a liking to each other.

I want my cheesy 2000’s romcom moment.

Dating is already difficult for straight people, but what if you’re queer? Here’s why it’s harder for queer people like me to jump into the dating scene with confidence and emerge victorious: There’s a severe drought of dedicated queer spaces where queer people can be themselves and feel safe in their own skin. While Toronto does boast a reputation as a queer-friendly city, recent shutdowns of queer or lesbian bars such as Lavender Menace and Peaches have forced many to resort to dating apps.

Online platforms specifically geared towards queer women can be intimidating, not to mention the initial lack of queer dating apps in the first place. There’s a lot of terminology and unwritten etiquette that comes Photo by Maya De Oliveira with being on a queer dating app, which works against many queer people questioning their queerness and people turn to dating apps in hopes of bypassing the mounting identity—especially if you’re a baby gay. inconveniences of post-pandemic modern living.

Now, I’ll admit, I have always been a dating app skeptic. It feels all too performative and artificial for me, slaving away and stressing over perfectly curating a profile in hopes that people will swipe right. Add in limited profile information, and it gets exhausting constantly swiping through profiles in hopes of

There’s a host of other inconveniences and structural barriers that queer people experience on dating apps. As a bisexual woman, I had only used apps like Tinder and Bumble, and even that was more of a game with my friends rather than a serious option to find love. In writing this article, I wanted to personally experiment with apps designed specifically for queer folks

6 and those with a heterosexual audience in mind. So, I downloaded HER—a dating platform specifically designed for 2SLGBTQIA+ women—and Bumble.

My online dating experience: Bumble and HER Straight off the bat, the app interfaces differed. Bumble’s profile customization options were a bit more surface-level and typical, with the same pre-set prompts like, “We’ll get along if…”, “Two truths and a lie…”, “The quickest way to my heart is…” and the option to add in a couple of pictures. and maybe a link to your Spotify profile. HER’s customization options, on the other hand, had prompts that poked under the surface, with common ones being, “What’s your coming out story?”, “What are you passionate about?”, “What does community mean to you?”. Of course, they had a few fun ones as well, but it seemed to be a good mix of both serious and lighter questions.

Additionally, Bumble’s prompt answers were usually one-liners, whereas HER’s prompt answers were more open-ended and didn’t have much of a limit. When it comes to adding badges, Bumble had the usual ones: something for hobbies (writing/ singing, etc), interests, social issues, and then the typical demographic ones (gender/age/job/height, etc). HER seemed to go a step further, by including identity specific badges and stickers, such as masc/femme/pillow princess/chapstick lesbian/lipstick lesbian/butch, etc. I felt this allowed for a more detailed idea of the person and how they identified. Another difference I noticed is that HER seemed more sex-positive, as they offered specific badges that allowed people to add their sex preferences if they felt comfortable.

The next thing I thought differed was the matching policies.

On Bumble, when you match with someone, you have 24 hours to start a conversation with them or your match will expire, and women initiate the conversation. Once the initial text has been sent, the other person has 24 hours to respond, or the chat

disappears. On HER, you have a bit more of a leeway: you get 3 days to make a move, and once you start a conversation, you get 7 days before it gets archived.

As for actual experience on the apps, I noticed that on HER women seemed to put more effort into trying to showcase their personality on their profile. They included more pictures of themselves engaging in various hobbies and settings. This allowed me to get a glimpse into what kind of person they might be. With Bumble, the men seemed to make less of an effort.

They posted less pictures, and some of them would just be pictures of their car or nature landscapes. A lot of them didn’t have any solo photos of themselves, making it a bit difficult at times to figure out whose profile it was.

The men on Bumble also seemed to be more into casual relationships or hook-ups, rather than a serious, long-term relationships. On HER, women seemed more open to building a queer community or for a serious relationship. Though some were looking for casual flings, I noticed that they made that very clear in their profile and didn’t try to lead anyone on. Of course, there were some straight couples looking for a third, but I feel like there’s hardly any dating apps where you won’t encounter some weirdness. On Bumble, there were a lot of men who put on a façade of wanting something serious, when, in reality, they just wanted someone to take home with them— which is completely fine, if they didn’t lie about it!

In terms of the actual conversations I had, I noticed most of the women on HER started off with a genuine compliment and then segued into a conversation that wasn’t just “hi, how was your day, where did you go to school”. I ended up having deeper, more meaningful conversations with the women on HER, and there were very few dry texters. On Bumble, I got a handful of compliments that were more sexual than their initial text, which left me feeling uncomfortable and a bit creeped out. I also encountered a lot more dry texters, with one-word questions and answers, and a lot of abbreviations like “wyd”, “wbu” and “k”. I was more bored texting on Bumble, because

talking to some of the men was like pulling teeth, and it got real old real fast.

Creepy people and unsolicited pictures are, sadly, almost a given on all dating apps. On HER, there were a few questionable profiles that made me cover my eyes immediately, but generally, people were normal. When texting my matches on HER, none of them really made me feel unsafe or like I was being disrespected. On Bumble, there were more creeps, and I experienced a lot more nonconsensual objectification than I would’ve liked.

Major takeaways: choose an app that’s designed for your desires Overall, after almost two weeks on both these apps, I concluded that if you want something casual and easy, Bumble might be for you, although be sure to keep an eye out for creeps. If you are a queer woman who is looking for a potential longterm partner, HER might be a nice place to dip your toes in.

Although I am still not a big fan of dating apps and am still holding out hope for a book worthy meet-cute, my experience on HER has made me a little bit more receptive to the idea of dating apps.

I won’t be becoming a dating app enthusiast anytime soon though, that’s for sure. I prefer talking in-person, and feel like that allows you to register a lot of things like body language and tone of voice, which can sometimes get lost in translation when you’re behind a screen. Still, if we go back to the question: are queer and straight dating apps both equally bad? This time around, I would answer, as a bisexual woman, I enjoyed my experience on HER a lot more than I did on Bumble, and based on my observations, I would say that queer dating apps may be a teensy bit better and more genuine than straight dating apps. But this goes both ways: stay cautious when meeting people on dating apps, and be prepared for the worst!

Lessons in love, limbo, and limerence Keira Johannson Arts & Entertainment Editor So, your imagination is ruining your love life? Well, you’re not alone.

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ne of my first memories of falling in love was in the second grade. Let’s call him Jack. During recess, I would sit on the playground slide and watch him kick a ball around the gravel court. He had a British accent and wore the soccer jerseys of his favourite players. Occasionally, in between plays, he’d look over at me with a toothy grin.

I fell in love with him then.

ness—that over time, it would work against me and, perhaps more notably, against my love life.

Now, I’m not saying that Jack was the love of my life or anything—he was just a boy on the playground, and I likely had a new crush by recess the next day—but I do know that I fell in love with the idea of what he could be. I fell in love with the version of him I created in my mind.

So, what in the world is limerence?

Well, to put it short, it’s just that. Limerence is the state of fantasizing about a relationship with someone who is almost impossible to have a relationship with. Emphasis on almost.

People experiencing limerence tend to hold on to the “almostness” of it all—imagining what it could look like to be with someone but not proactively doing anything about it. I like to think of it as being in limbo between what you’ve created in your mind about the other person and what’s actually real.

Later, I’d go home and write about him in the pages of my hot pink diary that I begged my mom to buy me from Justice, even though I had a growing pile of half-filled notebooks on my bedroom floor.

My love for him existed within those pages Illustration by Ramiya Sureshkumar And how is that different from of sloppy grade school a crush? cursive in a way that was sacred to me and me only. I’d write my first name with his last. I’d predict what he’d wear to school the next day and plan A crush is often defined as a fleeting feeling of admiration toan outfit that would match. I’d dissect his longing stares from wards another person. You see someone attractive at a café— across the classroom, which I’d later learn was just him needing maybe you think about them for a bit afterwards—but you to get an eyeglass prescription. But at the time, in my eyes, he forget about them in time. They just become someone you stumbled upon in passing. On the other hand, limerence is a was completely and irrevocably mine. much more intense, obsessive, and all-consuming state of infatuation. There is no passing. You take the café run-in and Until I realized I made it all up. turn it into something that it’s not.

My parents always told me that my imagination would be my superpower. “Your creative mind is going to change the world,” they’d tell me. However, what they didn’t warn me about was that my superpower would also become my greatest weak-

Since the second grade, I have had handfuls of innocent crushes on boys like Jack. But as I got older, they became something more than just a playground crush or someone to write about

in my journal. These select few took up residence in my mind.

They became the blueprint from which everything else builds.

They’d unpack their bags in my imagination and never leave.

That is the difference. Crushes come and go, but limerence lingers like an uninvited ghost.

Limerence typically follows three stages: Infatuation: The initial phase where you become completely obsessed with the object of your affection. You notice them in every situation, from the way they speak to the way they walk.

Your thoughts become dominated by them. Every interaction, no matter how small, feels like a sign that you’re meant to be together. You might find yourself daydreaming about them constantly or imagining scenarios where you’re the main character in their love story.

Crystallization: This stage occurs when you start to believe that the person you’re infatuated with is flawless and the solution to all your problems. You idealize them to such an extent that you put them on a pedestal, convinced that they are perfect in every way. You begin to think that everything about them, from their quirks to their flaws, is a part of their charm. You become so absorbed in your fantasy of them that it becomes hard to distinguish where the person ends and where your imagination begins.

Deterioration: Eventually, reality starts to intrude. The cracks in the idealized image you’ve created begin to show. You might notice that the person doesn’t live up to the expectations you’ve placed on them, or that they’re not as perfect as you imagined.

Disappointment sets in as the fantasy world you’ve built starts to crumble. The emotional highs that come with imagining a perfect future with them are replaced by frustration, as you realize that they aren’t the person you thought they were.

Despite acknowledging that my limerent object isn’t who I imagined them to be, I often find myself stuck in the third stage, waiting on the day that they could change my mind. Just like a drug, limerence gives you these intense, euphoric highs that are often fleeting. Afterward, you’re left craving more, constantly chasing the next moment where you feel validated by the person you’re infatuated with.

07 So, how do you get over limerence?

The first step is recognizing that you’re in it. Once you understand that you’re experiencing limerence, it becomes easier to see the disconnect between the person you’re fixated on and the fantasy you’ve built around them. Acknowledging that the relationship exists primarily in your mind can be a powerful realization. From there, you can begin the process of grounding yourself back in reality.

A good place to start is by distancing yourself from the limerent object. While it may feel difficult at first, limiting contact with the person allows you to stop feeding the fantasy. When

07

you remove access, you can more easily assess whether or not the feelings you have are genuine or simply projections of your desires. Once you focus on your own well-being, whether through personal hobbies, friendships, or therapy, you’ll start to realize that your happiness doesn’t have to be tied to another person.

Now, I’m not one to admit that this process will be easy. Over the years, I’ve found myself in countless situations where a harmless crush has transformed into intense limerence. And with these situations come many lessons.

I’ve learned that it’s easier to look at things through the rosecoloured glasses of fantasy (especially if you’re anything like me and red is your favourite colour). But getting over limer-

ence is about taking those glasses off and accepting that no one is going to fit that perfect mould that you’ve sculpted in your head.

The most torturous part about being a hopeless romantic with an extensive imagination is that in the end, everything is always better in your mind. Recognizing that we are all human, with flaws and complexities, can help us shift away from the idea of “the perfect person” and toward an appreciation of real, authentic connections. Eventually, after losing an emotional attachment to someone, you’ll realize how ordinary the person was—that it was your love and energy that made them so perfect, not them.

features

Editor | Madhav Ajayamohan features@themedium.ca

Professor Liza Blake discusses the A-spectrum and academia Ramiya Sureshkumar Theatre Erindale Correspondent Liza Blake hosts discussion regarding asexuality and aromanticism as both queer identities and fields of academic study.

In the second part of her talk, Professor Blake delved into how asexual and aromantic identities filter into academic research and the growing field of asexuality studies. She mentions that key concepts in academic ace studies include compulsory sexuality, desexualization or hypersexualization, and amatonormativity.

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n January 30, Professor Liza Blake held a wwtalk about “asexuality and aromanticism as queer identities and as areas of academic study,” according to the University of Toronto’s (U of T) Sexual and Gender Diversity Office’s website.

In the final section of her talk, Professor Blake provided practical strategies for supporting asexual and aromantic students. Given how critical university is as both a time and space for students to clarify their sexual identities, incorporating asexual and aromantic awareness into campus culture is crucial.

Professor Blake made some key recommendations for educators, starting with incorporating asexuality content into curricula. This will help normalize asexuality and anormality by proactively addressing them rather than only when students raise questions.

The second tip is to increase the academic articulation of asexuality and have more attentiveness to the A-spectrum in studies. Lastly, Professor Blake argued the importance of challenging the ‘touch and relationship escalators’. The touch and relationship escalators are metaphors for a ‘normal heterosexual’ relationship for the progression of physical and emotional intimacy. By challenging these concepts, the university can help support students in constructing alternative relationship models.

Asexuality and Aromanticism 101

Professor Blake then explains that an aromantic person is someone who does not experience romantic attraction or only experiences it under a specific set of circumstances.

As with asexuality, the aromantic spectrum includes a variety of experiences that resist simple categorization. The talk also delved into the concept of aphobia, an umbrella term encompassing acephobia and arophobia, and its manifestation in a myriad of different ways: invisibility or erasure, invalidation, exclusion, dehumanization, pathologization or conversion, and violence.

Asexuality studies as an academic field

Amatonormativity refers to the assumption that a central, exclusive, romantic relationship is both a normal and desirable goal for all humans. The assumption not only privileges romantic love and marriage but also marginalizes other forms of connection by rendering them culturally invisible.

Tips for inclusion and support

Professor Blake’s talk was divided into three parts. First, she introduced asexuality and aromanticism and provided a nuanced framework for understanding them. Then, she explored asexuality and aromanticism as academic fields. Finally, Professor Blake concluded by giving concrete strategies for supporting aromantic and asexual students at U of T.

Professor Blake defines an asexual person as “a person who does not experience sexual attraction, or only experiences it rarely, or under a specific set of circumstances.” She goes on to specify that asexuality is not about sex drive or libido.

Asexuality refers to patterns of sexual attraction, not sex drive.

gardless of their actual feelings.

Provided by Dr. Liza Blake

Compulsory sexuality refers to social norms and practices that marginalize various forms of nonsexuality and compel individuals to perceive themselves as sexual subjects, take on sexual identities, and engage in sexual activity.

This social structure also overlaps with, and reinforces, rape culture.

Desexualization refers to taking sexual capacity away from people. In other words, it is the process of assuming that people don’t have sexual desires or attraction. Hypersexuality is the opposite end of the spectrum, where you assume people have high sexual desire and attraction, re-

A key resource for academic and community engagement shared during the talk was the Asexuality and Aromanticism Bibliography, which can be found at (acearobiblio. com—a project led by Professor Blake and PhD student Jenna McKellips. This resource curates a comprehensive collection of scholarly and community-based materials on asexuality and aromanticism. The website offers essential support for both academic inquiry and personal exploration.

The talk ultimately emphasized the need for greater recognition of asexuality and aromanticism in university spaces—not only in specialized research but also in how educators and faculty support diverse identities.

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A student’s guide to the city’s best libraries, hidden gems, and easy recipes Vedika Awtani Contributor This guide contains everything you need to help make the most out of your student experience.

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hether you’re plowing through the snow or studying for midterms, we all need some motivation to get through our day. Here’s a guide to make learning fun and adventurous with hidden gems in Mississauga, cozy study spaces, and the best delicious and easy recipes to try.

What are some of the best libraries in Mississauga?

During midterm season, your favourite study spot on campus might be occupied. Luckily, Mississauga has many libraries where you can find a good read and endless motivation.

If you prefer a secluded area with individual desks and some much-needed light, head over to Hazel McCallion Central Library. Only a 10-minute drive or a 26-minute bus trip away from campus, this library can provide you with rental devices, study help, and even the latest leisure reads.

Newly renovated, the library offers an entire floor dedicated to open focus spaces and large study rooms, where you can lounge, read, or enjoy a view of Celebration Square. Library cards are also free for University of Toronto Mississauga students, so when you need a break, you can always borrow a book or watch a movie from their online and offline shelves.

Another option is the Meadowvale Library. With an open floor plan, this library is quiet and offers private study spaces. If you want to avoid the crowds, take the 18-minute drive and 45-minute bus trip from campus early in the day, especially on weekdays. Their quiet study cubicles and study spaces do not disappoint.

store is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and buildings that give you a small-town feel. If you want to connect with writing, they also have monthly book discussions and signings with Canadian authors.

If you want a warm cup of coffee, try Studio 89, a coffeehouse only an 8-minute drive or 30-minute bus ride away from campus. Eco-friendly and generously decorated, this cafe has the perfect homey vibe to enjoy a conversation or study.

If you’re looking for a more caffeine-filled adventure, though, try Back Road Coffee Roasters. Perfect for those interested in motor culture, this cafe offers a thrilling experience that combines ethically sourced coffee beans with motorcycles.

If it’s not the coffee you’re craving, Mississauga offers lots of natural experiences as well. For a taste of Japan’s gorgeous cherry blossom trees, explore Kariya Park. Only a 31-minute bus trip and a 13-minute drive away, this park displays wonderful foliage and offers a colourful escape. It’s also close to the wellloved Square One, so you can appreciate a picnic or a shopping trip.

If you’re looking for some fun, physical activities, try Glow Zone 360, an arcade 22 minutes by drive and 52 minutes by bus. Affordable and collaborative, this arcade offers your favourite games, mini golf, and laser tag. If you want to challenge your friend group, this is the place to go.

For those who want a more stimulating challenge, see if you and your friends can survive an exhilarating escape room at Escape From The 6. Only an 11-minute drive and 36-minute bus trip away, this escape room offers multiple experiences, from the intellectual to the most horrifying. With an afternoon to spare, you can test the bounds of your friendship here.

What are some good and affordable recipes for students?

What are some hidden gem locations in Mississauga?

When you’re stressed with university work, the best way to destress is with comfort food. It can lift your spirits and drive you to keep going, especially during midterms and finals.

If you’re looking for a cozy, welcoming bookstore, check out The Book Wardrobe. Tucked away into Queen St., this book-

This quick and easy Mac and Cheese recipe is sure to give you

the feeling of a warm hug. With a 25-minute cooking time, this cheesy mac and cheese only requires a single pot and a stove.

First, boil your macaroni and then make the roux, a thickening agent made with one part fat and one part flour, making up the base of the meal. To make the roux, melt butter in a pan and add flour, salt and pepper and still until smooth. Then add in milk, your cheese, and the macaroni. When you’re craving a late-night snack, this is the perfect, effortless home-cooked meal.

If it’s a filling and nutritional breakfast that you crave, try Peanut Butter Overnight Oats. With a meal prepped the night before, you won’t have to worry about breakfast before you rush to class. First, combine rolled oats, peanut butter, chia seeds, maple syrup, almond milk, nonfat plain Greek yogurt, and if you like, protein powder in a bowl and stir until combined.

Then, refrigerate for at least two hours, and you’ve got an easy breakfast. It is the perfect blend of healthy fruits and a sweet kick that will give you the energy to start your day.

For light and quick meals, you should consider buying tortillas, which come in considerable packs. You can create different wraps, especially with healthy ingredients. One such recipe is the Buffalo Chicken Wrap, a beneficial and filling meal for busy days.

This buffalo chicken wrap recipe combines shredded chicken with a tangy mixture of buffalo sauce, Greek yogurt, and honey. Minced celery and red onion add crunch, while matchstick carrots, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and blue cheese crumbles bring freshness and flavour. The mixture is evenly distributed onto flour tortillas, then tightly wrapped into burritos. Enjoy immediately or store for later, serving with blue cheese dressing for dipping. With only a 20-minute prep time and a handful of ingredients, this wrap is a go-to meal that is completely customizable and affordable.

It can be hard to prioritize comfort, enjoyment, and even fulfillment during stressful times as a student. Even with a demanding schedule, these tips and recipes will help you save time while exploring what the city has to offer.

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9

Arts

Editor | Keira Johannson arts@themedium.ca

Romantic tropes in the real world: The Manic Pixie Dream Girl

“The Walls Must Come Down”: Theatre Erindale’s glorious ca-caw-phony Ramiya Sureshkumar Theatre Erindale Correspondent Theatre Erindale’s production of Yvette Nolan’s The Birds blends the carnivalesque with the contemplative in a profoundly poignant exploration of Indigenous sovereignty and ethical land use.

A smooth-talking populist leader rises to power under false pretenses and insists on building a wall. Though an apt description of contemporary politics, what I’m really referring to here is the plot of Theatre Erindale’s latest production of Yvette Nolan’s The Birds, a 2013 reimagining of Aristophanes’ ancient comedy.

Illustration by Sehajleen Wander

Skyler Piskoroski, Associate Arts & Entertainment Editor Who is the manic pixie dream girl, and why is she a problem?

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anic pixie dream girl (MPDG) is a term coined by film critic Nathan Rabin, which refers to female characters who exist only to enhance the lives of the male protagonist. MPDGs are typically quirky and eccentric. They usually have experienced some sort of trauma or overlooked issue that is rarely addressed. They are “not like other girls” and, as a result, they change the male protagonist’s life in one way or another.

The male character is often infatuated with his own idea of the girl. He loves her quirks but does not recognize her faults. She may even warn him of her baggage, but he will not take her seriously. A good example of this is Tom from 500 Days of Summer (2009). Summer tells him that she does not want a serious relationship with him, but he still gets upset with her later on for that exact reason. It is only after Summer leaves that Tom realizes the issues in their relationship: issues he had not noticed earlier because he was blinded by his ideas of her.

Overall, the dream girl is made for the sole purpose of enhancing a male protagonist’s life. She is not autonomous nor a fully fleshed-out character. She exists only to benefit the man, without receiving anything in return. Despite the clear misogyny, what is the real-world problem with this if it is simply a fictional trope?

According to journalist Laurie Penny, the MPDG has real-life consequences. Similar to movies where the man is the main character and the woman is the support, relationship dynamics between men and women can reflect this when viewers internalize these stories. Men believe they are entitled to a girl who will transform them. Women then take on the role of “fixing” the men they are in relationships with.

Women are also affected by this trope differently; because they are expected to be the “supporting character” to a man, they turn to the idea of being “not like other girls.” Most girls fall victim to this at some point, and while it is often viewed as just a tomboy phase of girlhood, there is a deeper reason for this. Women are taught, explicitly or implicitly, that they are nothing before they are a man’s love interest. They are taught that to be that love interest, they cannot be like other, stereotypically feminine girls. This is problematic as it teaches girls that it is wrong to be girly and to reject femininity. While a woman not being feminine is not inherently a bad thing, the focus on gaining male validation is. This leads to internalized misogyny and disdain for “other” girls, all in the hopes of becoming a man’s love interest.

The play follows two explorers, Jack and Gulliver, who flee an unnamed city to escape the grind of urban life, civic responsibility, and legal consequences in search of “freedom.” When the birds attempt to drive them away, Jack convinces them to build a “utopian empire” in the sky—a wall separating earth and the heavens— positioning the birds as intermediaries between gods and humans (totally for the birds’ sake and not at all a self-serving commercial scheme). At its heart, The Birds grapples with rejecting capitalist and colonial values in favor of communal systems grounded in collective approval rather than hierarchy.

Theatre Erindale’s use of contemporary references and witty one-liners offers comic relief at just the right moments, balancing comic levity with the play’s heavy philosophy. The play’s political ideology reverberates in ways that feel invitational rather than confrontational, encouraging constructive dialogue surrounding land dispossession and settler colonialism. This is reflected by a rather thoughtful land acknowledgement that moves beyond superficial gestures, inviting the audience to contemplate Indigenous land-use reclamation and how to engage ethically with the world.

The set design is nothing short of innovative. Rather than a consistent spotlighting of center stage, the overhead lighting rotates from different corners of the room. This sort of dynamism is emphasized in crucial moments of the play, where the lighting is used to saturate the space with vivid, enveloping shades of colour.

Sound designer Joseph Tayler’s clever use of directionality expands the sense of space, with sound originating from different areas of the theatre. This auditory element, coupled with amplified stomping and bird calls, adds a layer of spatial depth that makes the experience truly immersive.

I appreciated how the costuming was used to communicate with the audience, a standout example being the use of a synthetic feather duster to act as the hoopoe’s plumage. Equally noteworthy was the cast’s physical and vocal embodiment of the birds. From the perfect recreation of the jittery, skittish energy—constant shoulder shimmies, head tilts, and flittering steps—to the distinct and precise articulation of bird calls, it’s hard to believe these actors were not just briefly possessed by avian ghosts.

While we’re discussing vocals, the singing in the production cannot go unacknowledged. The ensemble’s unblended unison vocals accompanied by simple yet powerful percussive rhythms created a hauntingly beautiful soundscape that lasts with you even after the play ends. Overall, Theatre Erindale’s The Birds is a quintessential example of theater’s ability to facilitate social and political consciousness without being overtly didactic and will undoubtedly keep the Erindale Studio Theatre buzzing with playgoers and birdwatching enthusiasts alike.

The film 500 Days of Summer attempts to deconstruct the idea of the MPDG. It shows the audience how complicated the female lead is, as well as how the male lead refuses to acknowledge it—getting heartbroken when she does not live up to the idea he has created of her in his head. So, if you are looking for a romance movie to watch this Valentine’s Day that does not completely fall into this trope, this is a great place to start.

Photo by Mike Slater

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How our artistic preferences shift with the seasons Aqeel Shahid Ullah Contributor Explaining the correlation between art and the seasons of the planet.

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icture this: it’s Valentine’s Day and you sit down to watch a movie. Naturally, you decide to watch a romantic film due to the occasion. But why? Why is there a large uptick of romantic content during this time? In fact, why do we tie any form of art to a specific season or occasion? This phenomenon occurs as we progress through the year, like during summer when people gravitate towards upbeat pop music and in the autumn when we lean towards horror media for Halloween. But why do our artistic tastes change to fit those seasons?

Each season carries a unique emotional feeling that we tend to connect to specific forms of media. The vibrancy and enthusiasm of summer is why we associate exciting forms of art like the aforementioned upbeat pop music. Or how summer 2024 was dubbed “brat summer” due to the highly regarded pop album going viral. The amount of light that people experience through the seasons also impacts how people perceive art, with the smaller daytime hours during winter likely contributing to

more mellow art forms such as sad music.

emotions of reflection and nostalgia, which correspond with warmer and simpler colours. Lastly, the cold winter months may encourage introspection, leading to a preference for cooler, tranquil tones.

One possible explanation for this could be related to the bouba/kiki effect, where people were presented with the words “bouba” and “kiki” and asked to connect them to a pointy shape and a round shape. Most people linked bouba to the round shape and kiki to the pointy shape. This effect is a form of sound symbolism and is not culture exclusive, but a worldwide occurrence. Like the bouba/ kiki effect, we tend to connect forms of art to how we feel and by extension, we correlate them to specific seasons.

This can be further explained by colour theory, a framework that helps us understand how colours interact and induce specific feelings. We can observe how this connection manifests by noting the changes throughout the seasons. During spring, nature awakens and evokes feelings of hope and renewal, fostering a preference for lighter colours. The vibrancy of summer inspires a sense of happiness and freedom, leading to a liking for bold and energetic hues. Autumn is typically associated with harvest, stirring

Beyond tropes: The raw, unapologetic sensuality in Luca Guadagnino’s films Milica Samardzic Staff Writer

Movies like Challengers and Queer were snubbed by the Oscars when they should have been celebrated.

Luca Guadagnino’s films are memorable for their deep exploration of sensuality, intimacy, and desire. Throughout his work, especially in films like Call Me by Your Name (2017) and Challengers (2024), he has transformed the framework of what constitutes a romantic drama, offering the audience an exciting departure from traditional romantic tropes.

His subtle and raw depictions of love, often involving queer characters, have marked him as a distinctive voice in cinema—a voice that challenges the boundaries of what a romantic drama can be, not just what it is.

At the heart of Guadagnino’s filmmaking is a determination to highlight desire in its most sensitive state. His style is defined by a slow approach that harshly contradicts the usual fast-paced and idealized depictions of romance in mainstream media. In Call Me by Your Name, Guadagnino creates a vulnerable picture of first love and sexual

Overall, the unique relationship between our artistic taste and the seasons can be interpreted in various ways. It might stem from the way our Illustration by April Roy brains function and how we associate specific sounds with shapes, or it could be a result of our innate human desire to find meaning in our lives; in that process, we assign significance to the things around us. Regardless of the cause, this phenomenon has existed for as long as humans have been creating art.

awakening. Elio (Timothee Chalamet) and Oliver (Armie Hammer) explore their emotions during a sun-filled summer in Italy. Sensuality is found not in dramatic gestures but in hesitant touches, longing stares, and unspoken yearning between the characters.

Also, the pacing allows the interactions to develop slowly, as the blossoming intimacy is deeply felt. The use of natural elements, such as its warm setting and soft lighting, enhances the theme of sensuality. This approach removes the film from an overused coming-of-age love story to a story of desire and loss.

Moreover, in Challengers, the sensuality is drawn from a different context, where Tashi (Zendaya), Art (Mike Faist), and Patrick (Josh O’Connor) are involved in a love triangle, highlighting the intense emotions of desire and jealousy. One of the most notable parts of the film is that every glance, touch, and decision holds a deeper meaning, as the attraction is thick in the air.

Unfortunately, despite the credits Guadagnino has earned from his films, it was recently announced that neither Challengers nor Queer (2024) were nominated for the Oscars. This is a significant insult, considering how much his films impacted the romance genre and the community—no matter the sexuality.

His films highlight queer love, sensuality, and desire that is so unapologetic and fearless, and that should be celebrated.

Illustration by Fabiha Ruthmila

This lack of recognition draws attention to the wider problem in the film industry: a hesitation to accept films that reject traditional romantic tropes, especially when queer characters and their relationships are portrayed in an honest and humane rather than perfect or idealized way. However, one aspect of this hesitation could be the “gap between the tastes of Academy voters” and the regular movie enthusiast. It is apparent that Academy voters choose to stick to the traditional tropes they are comfortable with, and Guadagnino’s works are anything but traditional.

However, while Academy voters might have overlooked Guadagnino’s works, his films continue to relate with audiences who are lovers of more delicate, complex portrayals of love and sensuality. His films are a testament to the power of cinema and how the complexity of human desire and emotions could be explored in different ways without turning to traditional Hallmark-type romantic dramas.

11

sports & health

Editor | Joseph Falzata sports@themedium.ca

Understanding the impact of concussions on student life Tyler Medeiros Contributor Noah Csaky-Schwede’s fight to overcome his concussion’s physical, mental, and academic impact on his life as a UTM student-athlete.

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oah Csaky-Schwede is a Geographic Information Systems major in his third year at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) and suffered a concussion in 2023 while playing goalie for the UTM ice hockey team. His injury happened as an opposing player’s hip made contact with his head while making a save. Although hockey players wear protective equipment for these situations, it is often not enough to protect the brain from the immense force.

Noah’s concussion can be categorized as a sports-related concussion (SRC). The term is defined in a study by Mark Halstead, doctor at Washington University, along with Dr. Kevin Walter and Dr. Kody Moffat, from the American Academy of Pediatricians as a “traumatic brain injury induced by biomechanical forces.”

Biological Functioning A traumatic impact to the head results in an outward flow of potassium from the brain, referred to as a potassium efflux.

During this potassium efflux, there is also a calcium and sodium influx. Sodium and calcium’s arrival, paired with potassium’s withdrawal, cause the brain’s neuronal activity to become depressed, resulting in the brain performing much slower than it once did. The calcium influx in the brain can also damage the cytoskeleton, causing axonal injury. Axons are cables that send signals and messages within the brain; and, when they’re damaged, the brain cannot perform what were once basic human functions.

The brain’s inability to send messages may cause, headaches, vision problems, sleeping difficulties, and many other physical and mental problems. SRCs can be extremely dangerous, especially for younger individuals. According to Walter, Mof-

fat and Halstead, “Findings suggest that the young brain may be more vulnerable to axonal injury because myelination is an ongoing maturational change throughout brain development.”

Myelination, or myelin, is the tissue that surrounds the axons to insulate and protect them and does not fully develop within human beings until the age of 30. Therefore, young adults like Noah are at greater risk of receiving an SRC than someone with fully developed myelin.

mental effort all gave me a bad headache. It lasted for about a month and completely took me out of working on any schoolwork.” Noah’s inability to do schoolwork at the same level as before his concussion provides further evidence for Halstead’s claim stating that the brain struggles to perform previously standard actions after a traumatic impact. Noah suffered both physically and academically due to his injury. The sheer volume of work he missed because of his injury meant falling be-

Preventing SRCs Looking at the research done by Halstead, Walter, and Moffat, along with the Council of Sports Medicine and Fitness, the most optimistic prevention method seems to be education on the topic.

Their article states, “Several studies have demonstrated the benefit of education efforts in improving concussion knowledge, reducing referrals for neuroimaging, and increasing the likelihood of reporting SRCs.” If and when athletes become aware of what SRCs are and their potential symptoms, they may be able to recognize that they have one and can report it to their coach, or trainer immediately. Coaches and staff can pinpoint when and why a player received a concussion, and look into potentially adjusting the rules of the sport or increasing the amount of equipment for players to wear, in the hopes of reducing future SRCs. While this may upset some sporting purists, I think most people would agree that if rule changes or increased protection decreases the number of student-athletes receiving SRCs, then it is definitely worth it.

Back to School Noah eventually returned to the classroom after his concussion but was unable to perform to the best of his ability because of his symptoms. “The symptoms of my concussion were pretty bad. Bright lights, loud sounds, computer screens, and general

Illustration by Sara Li

hind in some classes.

The Future Sports-related concussions are a topic that sports leagues around the world have paid close attention to in recent years.

Even though we still don’t have all the information, we do know that the effects of a concussion can linger long after an athlete retires.

Further research is necessary to effectively and efficiently diagnose SRCs and ensure that student-athletes like Noah are given the necessary resources and affordances to recover physically, mentally, and academically.

Is coffee good for you?

Maram Qarmout Staff Writer Pros and cons of drinking coffee.

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or many UTM students, not a day goes by where they don’t drink one, if not two, cups of coffee. For these students, coffee is an essential part of their morning routine—a sort of “pick-me-up” potion to get their day started.

Caffeine, a chemical stimulant naturally found in coffee, is what helps many students stay alert in both morning lectures and nighttime study sessions. It’s their source of survival in times when staying awake is the only way to guarantee success throughout course assignments and exams.

Harms of coffee

While coffee is capable of keeping students awake, it is just as capable of keeping them anxious. The caffeine within coffee, even in moderate quantities, can cause jitteriness and anxiety.

Therefore, for students with anxiety disorders, it’s best that they be careful with their dosage of caffeine.

Moreover, coffee is proven to increase heart rates and blood pressure and is linked to conditions such as atrial fibrillation.

Symptoms may include dizziness, fatigue, irregular heartbeats, and troubled breathing. A failure to take care of this condition may lead to the development of coronary artery disease and obesity.

Coffee drinkers are also at risk of developing rhabdomyolysis, a pathological condition that damages skeletal muscles. Incurring such a condition may lead to various health complications such as acute renal failure and compartment syndrome. This syndrome forms when dangerous levels of pressure build up

within muscles that can prohibit nourishment and oxygen from reaching nerve and muscle cells.

When sleep is a necessity, coffee may just be the source preventing it. Caffeine, even taken in the early afternoon, can affect the quality of sleep even several hours later. It disturbs regular sleep schedules, throwing off many students from receiving the adequate rest they need at night. Furthermore, it may create difficulties for students who try to sleep routinely and maintain a Circadian Rhythm.

Benefits of coffee Although caffeine intake can lead to many more harmful health conditions, there are surprising benefits. When taken in low doses, coffee can help with depression. For students who often find it difficult to stay focused and motivated, low levels of coffee can stimulate dopamine, which is a brain chemical

12 that affects the motors of pleasure, motivation, and learning.

As such, in times when students need a small source of motivation, there’s no harm to consuming a little caffeine.

associations between caffeine and protective and therapeu-

tic effects on Alzheimer patients, as well as reduced risks of colorectal, endometrial, and hepatocellular cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

Research has also demonstrated that regular coffee drinkers are 15-16 per cent more likely to live longer than nondrinkers. A 30-year study of 200,000 participants found that moderate coffee drinkers (3-5 cups per day) had a longer life expectancy comparison to those who don’t consume coffee, while another 10-year study of 500,000 participants found similar results for those who consumed between 6-7 cups per day.

Although it cannot directly cause weight loss, coffee may aid in decreasing weight gain. As it helps increase regular metabolic rates while suppressing appetite, it becomes easier for those watching their weight to reduce the quantity of food they eat. However, this is only applicable if the coffee consumed is plain black without added sugars or cream; otherwise, it may result in an opposite effect.

Even with all the benefits, excessive coffee drinking may only nullify the positive attributes.

Hence why students should still drink in moderation and be careful to attune their consumption to how their own bodies feel.

Some studies have also proven that coffee consumption is associated with decreased levels of type two diabetic development. Even though these studies are only observational, researchers have witnessed cases in which patients at risk of type two diabetes decrease their risk with increased levels of caffeine. The same study also found strong

Photo by Milica Samardzic

Love and football: The perfect match Amelia Caron Staff Writer

Daniele Poli Staff Writer

UTM soccer stars Amelia Caron and Daniele Poli discuss how their sport has helped grow their relationship.

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occer, or as we Italians call it, football, has always been something that has brought us together. After all, we first met while playing football in front of the MN building with a couple friends over three years ago. From that point forward, we have only grown closer, and for that, we thank football.

Whether it was Sunday mornings watching our favourite team, Fiorentina, to the evenings spent rooting each other on during tri-campus matches, football has always been a common interest that continues to strengthen our relationship.

Despite growing up in two different continents, our lifestyles— with football at their cores—could not have been more similar.

Comparing team retreats and late-night trainings, hard-earned wins and tough losses, we would talk on and on about our shared backgrounds. Beyond the tangible experiences football brought us, we had mindsets and values that were alike thanks to the beautiful game. From our time on the pitch, we learned teamwork, dedication, and accountability: values which we have carried into our relationship… and all things that go straight out the window once the Italian playing cards are on the table.

We don’t know if it’s only football to blame, but our competitive natures often seep their ways into just about every little thing we do together. The occasional Thursday puzzle-making session somehow turns into a “most pieces wins” battle and the loser is punished into making lunch the next day.

Although we’re competitive against each other, believe us when we say it’s even worse when we’re on the same team. Paired up in a pickleball match, there’s no way anyone would want to be standing on the opposite side of that net and be subject to our trash-talking masterclass.

ber one fan.

As two people who didn’t grow up in Canada, football has given us a chance to build a family away from home, meeting likeminded people with the same interests. It’s encouraged us to foster friendships with players on both the men’s and women’s teams. Helping bridge the gap between teams has brought everyone closer off the field and has led to greater success on it as well.

While it might seem excessive to some, we wouldn’t want it any other way. Our competitive nature pushes us to be better and, at the end of the day, there’s no way we’d settle for being anything but each other’s num-

Illustration by April Roy

For over three years, the competition, the encouragement, and the friendships football have gifted us have been core aspects of our relationship.

The game has not only driven our personal desires to be better but has also deepened our love, so much so that the we can confidently say there’s now one thing we love more than our beloved Fiorentina: Each other.

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