If you’re a fan of the iconic teen drama show Degrassi like me, you know that it tackles important topics. However, there’s one relationship in the show that I found really problematic: Miles and Tristan. Let’s dive into why I feel this way.
When they first got together, I was actually supportive of the pairing. It was great to see the show exploring Miles’s sexuality and bringing LGBTQ representation to the forefront. But their initial relationship had its flaws. Miles, dealing with abuse from his father and struggling with lingering feelings for Maya, wasn’t always the kindest person. I love Miles, but I have to acknowledge when he’s in the wrong. And to his credit, he did apologize for his behavior.
However, my biggest issue with Miles and Tristan as a couple starts in the first episode of “Next Class.” They had broken up but recently kissed. Then, at the school presidential debate, Tristan sees Miles flirting with another girl. Now, I understand Tristan feeling hurt, but what he says during the debate is just not cool.
Throughout their relationship, Tristan invalidates Miles’s sexuality repeatedly, even after they get back together. The writers never address this as wrong, which is concerning. The worst example of this is when Tristan discovers Miles slept with five girls before they were together and gets extremely upset about it. Shaming your partner for their past is never okay, especially considering the harmful stereotypes bisexual people face.
Miles certainly makes his fair share of mistakes, but he’s the only one held accountable and forced to apologize. This doesn’t sit right with me, especially since bisexual characters are often portrayed negatively in media.
The bus crash that leaves Tristan in a coma at the end of Season 2 is a weird plot twist that seems to rewrite their relationship as some perfect romance. In reality, we never even witness them going on a date or having a genuine conversation to understand why they liked each other.
After three months of Tristan being in a coma, Miles has an affair with Lola, who truly accepts his identity. While it could be seen as “bisexual cheats on their partner” trope, I’m just glad to see Miles with someone who embraces him for who he is, considering Tristan’s disregard for his identity.
I’ll give Tristan credit for how he handled the affair revelation after waking up, but it doesn’t undo the damage done in earlier seasons. If anything, it made me feel sad and frustrated that they stayed together.
Thankfully, they eventually break up at the end of the series. This messy relationship is far from being my favorite OTP.
Let me clarify that Miles and Tristan having issues isn’t the problem. Queer couples should be allowed to experience ups and downs, just like any other TV relationship. However, it’s crucial for shows to be conscious of how they depict these relationships and acknowledge when something is harmful.
If Degrassi had addressed these issues and had Tristan learn from his mistakes, my viewpoint would have been different. Sadly, this never happens.
In conclusion, Miles’s character arc means a lot to me, but I can’t support the only canonically confirmed bisexual character on the show being with someone who repeatedly disrespects his identity. If Degrassi ever makes a comeback, I hope they create storylines where bisexual characters can date people who truly love and accept them for who they are.
For now, I won’t be shipping #Triles. Thank you for listening to my thoughts on this matter.
