Heated Rivalry has captured audiences not simply because it is a sports drama, but because it unsettles what sport is “supposed” to look like. The series places intimacy, vulnerability, rivalry, and desire at the centre of athletic culture, spaces that have historically been framed as hyper-masculine, heteronormative, and emotionally restrained.
This event brings together scholars, athletes, creatives, and community members to explore what happens when those norms are disrupted, building on the work of sport scholars like Brian Pronger, who argued that athletic spaces—locker rooms, training facilities, the rink, the field—are deeply relational, emotionally charged, and saturated with desire.
The panel discussion will explore how sport media shapes ideas about masculinity, sexuality, and belonging. What does it mean for students and athletes today to see themselves reflected in sport narratives that allow for softness, ambiguity, and care, without sacrificing competitiveness or excellence?
Join us for a unique evening of conversation, culture, and community at the intersection of sport, bodies, and belonging. Whether you come as a fan of Heated Rivalry, a student-athlete, a scholar, or someone curious about how sport can be reimagined, this event promises a vibrant and meaningful exchange.
Event Details
- Thursday March 12, 2026 from 6 - 8 p.m. in the Dance Studio at the Athletic Centre
- Evening includes dance performance, music by DJ Demi and panel discussion, plus Q&A with actor Brandon Ash-Mohamed (Heated Rivalry)
- Light refreshments will be served
- No cost to attend but space is limited
Featured Speakers
Caroline Fusco is a professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. A recipient of multiple Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council awards, Caroline’s published research draws on feminist, queer, anti-colonial, cultural geography, and critical animal studies perspectives to advance social, ethical, and ecological justice. Caroline is a co-author of Play, Physical Activity and Public Health by Routledge and has published in a range of journals (e.g., Columbia Journal of Gender and Law, ACME: An International Journal for Critical Geographies, Sociology of Sport Journal and more). Caroline has created and instructed undergraduate and graduate courses in gender/s, sexualities, and desire, supervises graduate students whose research spans queer and trans studies, and is a contributing member to the Mark S. Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies.
Sabrina Razack is the Canada Senior Project Lead for the project “Promoting the Rights of Children in the 2026 FIFA World Cup", working collaboratively with host cities to develop and implement opportunities for active child citizenship. She is also an assistant professor at the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, and has previously worked with Canadian Women & Sport and the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games. Her PhD thesis involved a case study of the Black Girl Hockey Club and examined the intersections of physical activity, sport, social movements, media, race, gender, class and culture. Sabrina is an award-winning curriculum writer, and developed “Beyond a Boundary”, a web-platform aimed to engage educators, parents and organizations seeking curriculum designed to provide diverse perspectives and understandings of the world.
Brandon Ash-Mohammed is a rising force in comedy. A JFL Montreal New Face and four-time Canadian Screen Award winner, he made his mark as Head Writer on Canada’s Drag Race. In 2018, he created The Ethnic Rainbow, Canada’s first comedy show dedicated to LGBTQ comedians of colour. His debut album Capricornication made history as the first comedy album released by a gay, Black Canadian, debuting at #1 on the iTunes Canada Comedy Charts. NPR’s Bullseye named it one of the best comedy albums of 2020. He also appeared on the Amazon Original series Last One Laughing: Canada and stars as Shawn in Crave/HBO's hit series Heated Rivalry. Brandon is currently a Consulting Producer and Head Writer on the reboot of Project Runway Canada, and a regular panelist on CBC’s Because News.
Maxwell Gyimah graduated from the University of Toronto in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in business. During his time at the university, he played for the Varsity Football team as a running back, helping bring the Varsity Blues to their first playoff appearance in 30 years. He also organized a student team to help run the Engineering Alumni mentorship program (AMP) which continues to connect U of T engineering alumni with current undergraduates. He was awarded the U of T Student Leadership Award in his final year which recognizes leadership, service and commitment to the university. Maxwell is currently employed with Suncor Energy as a Maintenance Engineering Associate and continues to engage with and support the engineering alumni community.
Terry Gardiner is the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, leading collaborative equity awareness and implementation efforts across the wide ranging KPE community. He is an educator and social worker whose first career was as a professional ballet dancer. Terry has actively supported 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion and visibility on campus and was chair of the Queer U of T Employees group as well as a member of the University’s Positive Space Committee. He has developed and facilitates wellness programming on campus and in community spaces.