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Arts & Entertainment, Film and TV

‘Universal Language:’ A frostbitten Canadian comedy

by Amelia McCluskey on

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If you’re from Winnipeg, you may be familiar with the Rod Peeler bench. For the uninitiated, Rod Peeler is a real estate agent whose distinctive bench ads—plastered with the phrase “I never sleep”—are considered a local legend. When the bench made its cameo appearance in Universal Language, several audience members at the Quebec premiere let out excited gasps of recognition. 

“A little narcotic synapse kind of explodes in every Winnipeg brain when they see Rod Peeler,” said director Matthew Rankin in a Q&A after the film. 

Details like these are scattered throughout, littering Rankin’s sophomore feature with delightful Canadian in-jokes. 

Universal Language is an absurdist fairytale wrapped in ice and snow. The film takes place in a fictional city that blends Winnipeg with Tehran, where two young girls find 500 rials frozen on the sidewalk, embarking on a journey to find an axe to chip it out. Its premise is inspired by beloved Iranian ‘child quest’ films like Where Is the Friend’s House?, which Rankin said he first saw at Cinéma du Parc as a McGill student. 

What begins as a simple story, however, quickly evolves into something far more disorienting and surreal, where turkeys are treated like celebrities, Kleenex are a valuable commodity, and characters swap identities. Three disparate stories become interwoven: As the girls attempt to uncover the money, Massoud leads walking tours around the city, and Matthew returns home from Quebec to visit his mother. 

“We think of the film as a little bit like the Salvador Dalí lobster telephone, or you could think of it as a Venn diagram, or you could think of it as a Hawaiian pizza. It’s sort of a blending of spheres, and it emerges out of a confluence of three cinematic languages,” said Rankin, citing the influence of Iranian, Winnipeg, and Quebec cinemas on the film. 

It seems surprising that such a whimsical narrative would play out against Winnipeg’s brutalist architecture and frigid climate, but the film treats these elements with great affection. Shooting on 16mm, cinematographer Isabelle Stachtchenko draws viewers into the details of the landscape. The soft grain makes corrugated concrete look like pleated velvet and banal details like a streak of black graffiti on a brick wall or a car exiting a spiral parkade become visually engrossing spectacles. Early in the film, one character establishes that the city is divided into the beige district, the grey district, and the brown district. While the film may poke fun at the city’s muted shades, it also reveals how the more carefully you look, the more idiosyncrasies can be found. 

The film’s ensemble is made up of friends and family, who each collaboratively shaped the film in their own ways. “I’m a big believer that you should make films with your friends,” said Rankin. 

In the first scene, a temperamental school teacher (Mani Soleymanlou) reminds his students that he isn’t like other authority figures—He wears an earring! He’s played the electric guitar for them more than once!—establishing a comically earnest tone that is threaded consistently throughout. The two young girls, Negin (Rojina Esmaeili) and Nazgol (Saba Vahedyousefi), also stand out, both charmingly deadpan and sincere. Their high-stakes quest is absorbing and nostalgic, so I was slightly disappointed that the parallel story of Matthew ended up dominating the narrative. 

Played by Rankin himself, Matthew’s storyline introduces an intriguing semi-autobiographical element to the film, but his characterization lacks the same compelling, idiosyncratic qualities the young cast members share. At times, the melancholic tone of Matthew’s journey home seems to be in conflict with the rest of the narrative, tonally inhabiting a different world from the children. Although the film’s central theme is convergence, this shift suggests that generational divides might be more difficult to reconcile. Regardless, Rankin’s blending of disparate elements has created a world that is entirely singular and unique. Through the howling wind and crunching snow, Universal Language bridges impossible-seeming gaps between ideas and places.

Universal Language is in theatres across the country.

Arts & Entertainment, Theatre

AUTS’ ‘Company’—is marriage “till death do us part” or “death please do us part?” 

by Bianca Sugunasiri on

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Ah, romance of the 21st century: Dates have been replaced by “chill sessions,” careful affections have been eclipsed by convenient and meaningless interactions, and the world spins backwards on its axis. But is it really that simple? Has a general pandemic of apathy infected us, or is there something deeper driving this fear of commitment? 

Company investigates the emotional messiness of affection, commitment, and marriage with emotionally-evocative musical numbers and rapid, thought-provoking dialogue. Audiences journey alongside Robert (Frank Willer, U0 Science) as he vicariously experiences the joys and tribulations of marriage through dinners with his married friends. 

“[Company] is what it means to love and be loved,” Director Anna Brosowsky said in an interview with The Tribune.

Robert’s rose-coloured glasses are smashed as every one of his friends seems frustrated and discontent with their partners. By the end, it is up to Robert to determine if marriage is something he wants—or if he’s better off unattached and unfettered forever. 

Each department collaborated seamlessly to create an immersive audience experience from entry to exit: Théâtre Plaza was a beautiful blend of a château and a modern-day speakeasy; the balcony and floor were filled with folding chairs and bar stools, and audiences were provided with an array of drinks on both levels. The audience was as entertained as they were comfortable, evident from the uproarious laughter and applause after each number.

The set was equally impressive, with minimal props serving multiple functions and a balcony for the musicians. The cast’s undeniable chemistry manifested in perfect harmonies and well-practiced physical dynamics. 

Each actor displayed particular talents that deserve mention, so I will now present a round of “senior superlatives” that best reflect the theatrics displayed. Frank Willer, as the charming lead Robert, is crowned most likely to be Chandler Bing. He was witty and charming, yet realistic in his inability to commit and his general mid-life crisis. His quips were inserted tactfully into conversation, providing that sardonic saltiness that is equal parts annoying and captivating. A particularly effective touch was his facial and physical reactions to dialogues occurring between fellow actors, reflecting little glimpses of his character’s view on the subject. Frank managed to express the struggles of Robert’s suppressed affection in both his musical and dialogic deliveries.

Kaya D’aigle Edwards, playing the lovely but frantic Jenny, is deemed most likely to shatter glass with her voice. Her powerful voice reached registers that would be the envy of any opera singer, and that I had yet to see in anyone so young. Her singing was unmistakable in every ensemble number, a harmonic which elevated the pieces to something attuned to a hymn. 

Miranda de Luca, U2 Education, as the saltine-level flaky Amy, is awarded most likely to be a revolutionary Frenchman, for her astonishing quick-rap solo “Getting Married Today.” In an interview, she told The Tribune that her preparation involved starting at 75 bpm and gradually increasing the tempo until she reached the true pace of the song. She noted the challenge of hitting every beat whilst tracking the chaotic shifts of Amy’s thoughts. 

Our final superlative goes to Jeremy Green, U1 Arts, who served as both the Music Director and keyboardist in the band; he is presented with most likely to be an octopus (in another life). Throughout the two and a half hours of production, he kept a watchful eye on the actors in order to cue the orchestra, all whilst playing the piano. It was remarkable to see the rapport between the musicians and the actors, flawlessly in sync, particularly for a student production. 

In an interview with The Tribune, Sam Snyders, Associate Director, describes the production as “alive.” I would agree. From the dedicated cast to the impassioned audience, the room was filled with life, love, and company. 

Company played from Jan 25 to Feb 1 at Théâtre Plaza.

Features

FOMO and the path toward knowing oneself

by Auxane Bussac on

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Taking back control over my decisions

When I travelled back home during the winter break, I had been longing to slow down the rapid pace of life that characterizes my semesters, but winter break never offers enough time to rest. Those two weeks go by in the blink of an eye, and between celebrating Christmas, trying to find time for both family and friends from home, struggling to register for classes for the coming semester, and figuring out goals for the new year, rest is usually not a part of the schedule. This time, scheduling New Year’s plans sent me over the edge.

While my heart wanted to start 2025 with the person I love the most on Earth—my mom—my brain knew that missing my friend’s huge celebration was not an option. I didn’t want to skip the party and neglect the opportunity to see my peers during the few moments I would be back on the same continent. Plus, I was afraid to miss what was always expected to be “the best party of the year.” Anxiety quickly kicked in, making it hard to rationally evaluate the actual pros and cons of my options. As it turns out, that uncontrollable feeling has a name: FOMO—the fear of missing out. 

This experience made me reflect on what I take into consideration when making choices. FOMO appeared to be at the core of every decision I made, leading me to wonder why this social concern is such a powerful force. The fear of missing out on an experience or losing an option has been especially prevalent in my life over the past few years—between majors and classes and preparing for future careers, students are constantly asked life-changing questions and expected to make choices. Some major life choices—like moving to Canada for university instead of staying in France—felt so simple, while some inconsequential decisions troubled me. It got me thinking: Why do I always feel like I’m about to make the wrong choice? How does the fear of missing out and leaving opportunities behind affect our development as young people? What can we do to help ourselves take back control of our decisions?

First, it’s important to consider how FOMO can both negatively influence decisions through social pressure, and override our better instincts. When considering whether to stay home and rest or go out with a bunch of people you may or may not know, I bet everyone has thought at least once that they //had// to go out or people would think they were weird or boring. In that sense, your life becomes dictated by the imagined expectations of others, and you end up not taking your own needs and desires into account. 

While attending high school in France, I met a boarding student named Elisa Quelen. While I was going home every day after school, she spent the whole week there and only went home for the weekends, making our high school experiences very different. As a boarding school student—where peer pressure and group dynamics often run wild making it hard to say “no” when your entire class is going out—she highlighted that FOMO can even have an impact on your health.

“When you’re tired [and you still go out], you’re not respecting the signals your body is sending you,” she wrote. 

Psychology offers an explanation for this. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, directly after our basic needs—including our physiological and safety needs that are crucial for survival—comes our need for love and belonging. No wonder, then, that we experience FOMO: Not attending events could mean the erosion of friendship ties and intimacy in the long run, undermining our basic survival needs. Kristina Tchalova, lecturer in McGill’s Department of Psychology, expanded on the potential evolutionary roots of FOMO in a written statement to //The Tribune//.

“From an evolutionary perspective, FOMO could be related to emotions that served an adaptive function for our ancestors,” Tchalova wrote. “Humans are thought to be wired to seek out social connection opportunities and to be vigilant for cues of social exclusion. These tendencies would have served our evolutionary ancestors well, given that they would have been highly vulnerable in their hostile environment unless they stuck together with a social group.” 

The nature of the “hostile environment” has changed, but our reliance on membership in a group remains vital. Living in a hyper-connected society that values the appearance of having lots of social relationships also exacerbates our existing fear of being excluded by the group. Having a lot of followers on social media is synonymous with popularity, and to be popular, you must go out and put yourself in a position where you’re likely to meet new people.

FOMO’s scope expands as we create new friendships, join student groups, and attend an increasing number of events each week. Juliette Soma, U3 Arts, explained to //The Tribune// how her fear of feeling excluded commands the way she makes decisions. Not attending an event means missing an opportunity to meet new people and extend your network—students are always craving LinkedIn connections—which could also mean missing out on the “true university experience.” FOMO thus makes deciding not to go out feel like the obviously wrong choice.

FOMO can also be ever-present for those who are not as financially privileged as McGill student life can demand. I didn’t do Frosh because of the cost, and in first year, I often felt like I needed to compensate for missing that opportunity to create friendships. Feeling like you’re not experiencing the undergraduate life you expected is frustrating, especially when you see others enjoying it to the fullest. As a consequence, every cheaper event becomes unmissable, even when you’re super tired, busy with school, or simply not in the mood.

Beyond impacting decision-making, FOMO is also a source of anxiety. When my phone buzzes with group chat messages from my hometown friends planning their next outing, I can’t help but think about all the little moments and private jokes I might be missing. As an international student, it’s difficult to accept that there are some events that would simply be impossible to go to. This hit me especially hard when I realized I would have to be absent for my little brother’s 18th birthday. 

This feeling is only worsened by social media. As soon as I open Instagram, BeReal, Snapchat, TikTok, or even Facebook for that matter, I’m immediately confronted with my absence in the photos on my feed. But social media is a playground for curation: What is shown on those apps are carefully chosen, ostentatious moments that can easily make you believe that you missed out on something extraordinary. It creates a vicious circle in which our FOMO is reinforced when we are faced with the idea that we //actually// missed something great, leading to increased fear of missing out again.

Alexandre Tedesco, a student at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), a research university in Switzerland, wrote in a statement to //The Tribune// that he discovered the concept of FOMO recently on social media, and it resonated with him immediately.

“The whole issue lies in the fact that I’m comparing two things that shouldn’t be compared: My regular life and the highlights of others’ lives,” Tedesco wrote. “Social media doesn’t just trigger FOMO—it makes it addictive. Even if talking about the broader sense of the term, I feel like, being of curious nature, sometimes I find myself checking my phone to see the [latest] sports result or headline in the newspaper just because I NEED TO KNOW.”

The hyper-exposure created by social media also means that your presence, or lack thereof, at events, could theoretically be noticed by anyone you know. This in turn reinforces anxiety as you start wondering what people will think of you for staying in, whatever the reason. 

We must also consider why FOMO affects some people more than others and potential ways to work with the feeling. First off, there is an obvious generational gap. I feel like my parents don’t experience that feeling at all; I don’t hear them complain about their friends throwing an event and them not being there, or at least not to the point that they become anxious about it. My own mother says she used to feel that way, but as an adult who is more settled and secure in herself and her social circle, she doesn’t rely on this as much. 

“As we get older, we get tired of this agitation—always more! Finally, the gaze of others is less significant,” she explained. “But even without mentioning age, a certain fatigue arises over the years and many people realize that they are tired of this overdose of information.”*

Social media is also a key reason for generational differences in experiencing FOMO, given our generation’s record levels of social media use, although Tchalova emphasized that it can be detrimental for users of any age.  

“Some research has shown that FOMO is related to loneliness, lower self-compassion, and lower self-esteem across different age cohorts. So, if you feel disconnected from others, or if you tend to take a more critical view of yourself and struggle with feelings [of] self-worth, you may be more susceptible to FOMO regardless of your age,” Tchalova wrote. “Similarly, that link between social media use and FOMO is present across different age cohorts, so if you’re an older adult who spends a lot of time on social media you could be vulnerable as well.”

Prior to doing the research for this article, I had always assumed that FOMO affects everyone the same way, but I started to realize that personality actually plays a big role. It makes sense; personality influences each person’s confidence in their priorities, desires, and facility with making friends. But that doesn’t mean all is lost if you’re prone to attacks of FOMO: 

Consciously reflecting on what you think is most important in your life—your whole life, not just Friday nights—can help you evaluate which choices align with your values. Although it may feel silly, taking a few moments to write down your priorities can make a big difference in terms of feeling secure about your decisions. This intentional decision-making process can, in turn, help mitigate the anxiety and doubt that come along with saying no to an invitation. If going out is only at the top of your list because you’re afraid that others won’t like you if you don’t, maybe that means it doesn’t have to be as high-priority. Confidence also comes from being true to oneself. 

Yet, FOMO can have come with some positives for those who wouldn’t otherwise feel motivated to exit their comfort zone. As Allison Garden, U3 Arts, put it: “[FOMO] can be beneficial—especially when you’re new—to explore new things, and maybe meet new people that you would not have met if you [hadn’t stepped] out of your comfort zone—so in a way, it can help you grow sometimes. 

Between the ages of 4 and 16, I did ballet, and I always used to tell my mom that I didn’t want to go. But I knew my friends were going to have fun without me, and that would force me to get up and join the class. Every single time, I came home with a huge smile on my face. 

I don’t regret going to my friend’s New Year’s party. But I also know that I would have been at least as happy—and probably even more—if I had spent that night with my mom. Being able to listen to my desires and appreciate what I //am// doing instead of what I //might be// missing is an ongoing learning process and an uphill battle in our age of constant exposure to curated highlights from everyone’s lives on social media. FOMO is an important part of growing up and can even help you know yourself and your priorities better. If you treat FOMO as an opportunity to pause, evaluate your priorities, and make a decision that aligns with your underlying values, each instance of FOMO can help you understand how you want to spend your time in the future. And as you get older, and the constantly-shifting landscape of university social life switches out for an established rhythm, social pressure to attend events at the expense of what you want to be doing becomes less impactful. After all, my mother wasn’t worried about partying with her friends on New Year’s, because she already knew what was most important to her: Spending time with me.
//*This interview was translated from the French.//

Commentary, Opinion

Where knowledge becomes community

by Monique Kasonga on

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This Black History Month, Montreal’s public libraries are doing what they do best: Creating space for learning, reflection, and community. Across the city, library programming—from interactive workshops introducing children to important Black historical figures, to film screenings exploring Black art, culture, and politics—highlights the richness of Black history. Standing alongside bilingual reading lists created to highlight Black authors and texts, these events are a reminder that libraries are more than archives of knowledge; they are living, breathing spaces where history is preserved, stories are shared, and communities come together.

Libraries don’t just help people navigate the present—they anchor us to the past. In a city where Black communities have been pushed to the margins time and again, Montreal’s libraries safeguard and revive histories that might otherwise be erased. Their collections document the city’s Black heritage, their programming celebrates Black voices, and their spaces offer room for Black conversation, organizing, and connection. In Montréal-Nord, Bibliothèque Julio-Jean-Pierre is hosting an art exhibit featuring a diverse range of Black artists, celebrating their foundational contribution to the city’s rich artistic heritage. Beyond the city’s public library system, archives documenting Black history in Montreal continue to expand at Concordia’s Vanier Library, while other municipalities across Quebec have also hosted exhibits in their libraries highlighting significant Black figures in the province’s history. Libraries are one of the few places left where one can exist without expectation, and where the simple act of gathering can be an act of resistance.

As students, libraries are so deeply embedded in our daily lives, and so connected to our rigorous academic schedules, that we often forget what a privilege it is to access them. With the stress of academic life, many of us move through our routines on autopilot, focused on the tasks we complete while in the library rather than the library-visiting experience itself. It mustn’t be forgotten that libraries remain the cornerstones of the communities we come from and enter, offering space for knowledge acquisition and open access to information beyond the classroom. While library engagement in Quebec has been on the rise during recent years, the public library system has yet to return to its pre-pandemic levels of visits and document loans. A major issue is the constant shortage of staff: In 2022, over 1,300 full-time positions remained unfilled across Quebec’s library network. In an era of digital transformation, libraries are being asked to do more with less. And yet, they persist, steadfast in ensuring knowledge remains accessible to all. 

More than anything, libraries offer something that can’t be measured: The simple dignity of access. They are one of the few remaining third places in urban life, providing a space for community interaction without requiring a transaction. As Montreal becomes increasingly unaffordable and inhospitable to marginalized populations, libraries stand as an unwavering force of inclusion. For many, a library is one of the first places where they feel a sense of belonging. These spaces also provide essential services: Job search assistance, free Wi-Fi and computers, French and English language classes, and workshops on everything from financial literacy to tenant rights. For those navigating Canada’s complex legal system, many libraries house legal aid clinics. Libraries’ commitment to access extends even further, offering support for marginalized communities through providing undocumented residents proof-of-identity cards to ensure that those without legal status can still participate in the city’s cultural and intellectual life without fear. This is a radical act in a city that so often excludes its most vulnerable. 

Libraries are active sites of preservation, empowerment, and resistance. While online access to e-books and archives has its advantages, physical libraries offer something digital platforms cannot: tangible, community-centred spaces that actively break down barriers. They are where erased histories find a voice, where stories are reclaimed and shared. As Black communities continue to fight for equality and justice through education and community-based activism, libraries remain one of the few places where all are welcome—proving, time and again, that survival and knowledge are deeply intertwined.

McGill, News

SPHR and Engineering Students for Palestine campaign against companies with ties to Israel’s genocide in Palestine at TechFair 

by Asher Kui on

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On Jan. 29 and Jan. 30, the McGill Engineering Career Centre hosted its annual TechFair at New Residence Hall, with more than 70 companies in attendance. Students for Palestine’s Honour and Resistance (SPHR) at McGill alleged that five of the participating corporations—Airbus, Cisco Inc., Galvion, L’Oreal, and MDA Space—are linked to Israel’s genocide in Palestine.

According to SPHR, these five companies have direct ties with Israel’s military, manufacturing, or surveillance activities. Airbus, Galvion, and MDA Space have produced weapons and war technology that Israel deploys against Palestinians, L’Oreal operates some of its manufacturing plants on Palestinian lands, and Cisco Inc.’s technology is used to support the Israeli military’s surveillance practices.

SPHR, along with Engineering Students for Palestine at McGill, have since initiated a “No Genociders at TechFair” email campaign that started on Jan. 22, urging McGill to immediately terminate its partnerships with these companies. On Jan. 30, SPHR also hosted a rally outside the McConnell Engineering Building, where a couple dozen people assembled to demand McGill remove the companies from the TechFair. 

In an interview with The Tribune, a SPHR representative explained that the five companies have been primary focuses of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement in recent years. BDS, formed in 2005 by a coalition of more than 170 Palestinian unions, professional associations, refugee networks, and other civic groups, aims to challenge international support of Israel.

“As primary targets of the BDS campaign, students have expressed their opinions again and again […] that [they] will not tolerate the presence of weapon manufacturers or otherwise complicit companies on [their] campus,” the representative said. “We will take action against these companies, and I don’t see that changing until McGill […] refuses to allow them on campus.”

A TechFair attendee, U1 Engineering, who wished to remain unnamed, expressed their reluctance to apply to Cisco Inc., one of the five companies, after learning about its involvement with Israel’s surveillance activity in Palestine and McGill’s failure to reprimand this involvement. 

“[McGill is] not taking [the concerns raised by students] into consideration,” they told The Tribune.

The SPHR representative also claimed that McGill has a long history of overlooking student concerns.

“Throughout the last year, students have made themselves clear time and time again,” they said. “McGill has responded […] by ignoring student demands, by brushing them off, and diverting students’ bureaucratic channels, by arresting students, by taking disciplinary cases against students who protest, and by calling private security to brutalize students’ protests on their own campus,” they said.

They referred to the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU)’s 2023 Fall Referendum, where students put forward the Policy Against Genocide in Palestine. 

“What we saw at the time was a voter turnout for that referendum question that was higher than any voter turnout in [recent] McGill history,” the SPHR representative said.

Despite McGill’s warning that it would cut ties with SSMU if they adopted the policy, 78.7 per cent of non-abstaining voters—or 5,974 students—voted in favour of it. However, the policy was never passed as the Superior Court of Québec ordered an interlocutory injunction ordering the SSMU to refrain from its implementation.

In a written statement to The Tribune, the McGill Media Relations Office (MRO) wrote that McGill does not assume responsibility for barring companies involved with Zionist interests from any involvement on campus, so long as their activities remain lawful.

“McGill career fairs tend to reflect market trends, notably industries with many positions open to university graduates,” the MRO wrote. “The University respects the freedom of its diverse students to decide which industries and individual firms are of interest to them as employers.”

The SPHR representative maintained that protestors’ demands should be heard. 

“It’s a majority of McGill students who support this cause,” the SPHR representative said. “It’s time that McGill responds to students with real change.”

McGill, News

The Tribune Explains: Black Students’ Network Community Library 

by Kaitlyn Schramm on

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McGill’s Black Students’ Network (BSN) opened a Community Library on Feb. 28, 2024, for Black History Month. The Community Library is funded by SSMU student fees that uphold the BSN’s budget alongside the Black Equity Fund, which McGill launched as part of its Action Plan to Address Anti-Black Racism in 2020. 

Why was it opened? 

BSN President Nkwanzi Banage, U3 Arts, is responsible for the creation of the Library, and is currently in charge of running it. Banage aims to keep the library accessible and free for the entire student body, relying on the participation of volunteers to spread awareness. 

“The project was born out of my personal frustration from when I was unable to find an Angela Davis book that [McLennan Library Building] claimed to carry,” Banage elaborated. “These libraries house books that are often not prioritized in mainstream academic collections, and they offer an accessible space for underrepresented perspectives in academia.” 

The Community Library is in the BSN office, unit 415 on the fourth floor of the University Centre, and includes a selection of over 400 books curated for Black students. 

Banage elaborated on why she finds community libraries to be important spaces within larger institutions. 

“These student-led libraries often curate collections that reflect the interests and realities of McGill’s student body, while providing a platform for peer-driven engagement with Black literature,” she emphasized. 

What other McGill community libraries exist?

The Quebec Public Interest Research Group at McGill (QPIRG-McGill) hosts another student-run community library that focuses on providing anti-oppressive literature. QPIRG-McGill has been operating since the 1980s, providing resources for students such as offering textbook loans and hosting events over the years. 

QPIRG-McGill’s Resource Centre Coordinator, Tatiana Povoroznyuk, reflected on the group’s library space. 

“One of the biggest values of having a community library is that it truly is run by the community and we can make decisions quickly and without a lot of the barriers that, for example, McGill libraries face in trying to improve their collections and add voices that may not be super well-spread,” Povoroznyuk said in an interview with //The Tribune//. 

The Union for Gender Empowerment (UGE) and Queer McGill jointly run the reportedly largest anglophone queer library with over 1,000 titles. The library is located in the UGE’s office—room 413 of the University Centre. 

Behind the Bench, Sports

Black History Month in the big leagues—is it enough?

by Ella Paulin on

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From Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising their fists during the 1968 Olympics to Muhammad Ali’s refusal of the Vietnam draft to Colin Kaepernick taking a knee during the “Star-Spangled Banner,” Black athletes have a storied history of using sporting events as platforms for political statements—and of being punished heavily for it by leagues. Ali, who narrowly avoided prison over his refusal of the draft, was unable to compete professionally for years. Kaepernick hasn’t played an NFL game since 2016. In the midst of struggles for political voice from racialized players, major sporting leagues are increasingly attempting to honour Black History Month with a variety of programming, special games, and initiatives. 

Despite the importance of sporting events as critical opportunities for Black athletes to make political statements to a national—or even international—audience, the NFL has tried to stamp out any hint of political messaging. Its current policy states that players cannot visibly display “personal messages” of any kind on game days, including those of a political nature. While this policy has also been used to prevent pro-Trump symbols, with Nick Bosa having recently incurred an $11,255 USD fine for wearing a Make America Great Again hat, there is a double standard where leagues fine white players for actions that would have ended the careers of Black athletes. The prohibition on political gestures raises questions about how authentically leagues like the NFL can commit to Black History Month celebrations. 

In particular, the implication that it is possible to celebrate Black history in sports without being political is troubling and ignores the fact that Black athletes’ fight for inclusion in professional sports has always been political. The NAACP even went so far as to urge the NFL in a formal resolution from 2015 to officially celebrate Black History Month, referencing the high number of Black players and officials in the league, and the fact that the NFL has historically celebrated both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Hispanic Heritage Month. 

While the NFL has an official Black History Month webpage, containing stories of Black players from the last 50 years, these gestures ring hollow in the context of the league’s silencing of players’ attempts to speak out about racial injustice. 

The NBA, which began celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with an annual game in 1986, has a better track record of allowing players to speak out against racially motivated violence. In 2014, LeBron James wore a shirt reading “I Can’t Breathe” during a warm-up to protest the police killing of Eric Garner. More recently, the Milwaukee Bucks refused to play entirely following the 2020 shooting of Jacob Blake during a Black Lives Matter protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin. 

Alongside the increased openness to political statements comes a more concerted and centralized Black History Month campaign, including both video showcases of important moments in the history of Black players’ involvement in the NBA and special events like the HBCU Classic game. 

The NHL is incorporating celebrations of Black history into many of its scheduled February games. On Feb. 22 and Feb. 27, there are themed “Black Excellence” and “Black Heritage” matches during the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Calgary Flames games, respectively.

Closer to home, the Montreal Canadiens ran a fundraiser during last year’s Black History Month, selling signed items and merch designed by Kezna Dalz, a Montreal-based artist of Haitian descent. While this is a step in the right direction, NHL teams must engage in continued celebration and action during Black History Month, rather than one-off events and partnerships. 

For the NHL, 3.74 per cent of whose employees identified as Black as of a 2022 report, the success or failure of their support of Black players and fans will be found in long-term trends of inclusion and acceptance, not the production value of their Black History Month programming. 
Across the board, leagues—and their fans—must do more to remember, celebrate, and uplift Black players. In the midst of rising backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity programs, it is crucial that leagues remain committed to combatting racism both during Black History Month and beyond. 

McGill, News, SSMU

SSMU announces direct reimbursement program for gender-affirming care health insurance claims

by Mairin Burke on

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The Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU)’s Board of Directors (BoD) announced changes to its Gender Affirming Care (GAC) Plan via email on Jan. 23. Under the new plan, students seeking reimbursement for GAC will now submit requests to SSMU’s internal Gender and Sexuality Commissioner. Previously, these individuals would have submitted their claims to GreenShield, the insurance provider that offers SSMU’s broader Studentcare health and dental plan.

In SSMU’s email, the BoD reported that the Commissioner will anonymize GAC claims for review by their Gender and Sexuality Advocacy Committee. The current Commissioner, Bronwyn Walsh, confirmed in an interview with The Tribune that once the Committee approves these claims, the Commissioner will forward them to SSMU’s Finance Department, who will then distribute reimbursements.

“I hope it’s a comfort to people to know that their applications are going through a group of queer and trans people, rather than some kind of nebulous insurance company,” Walsh said. 

Walsh further clarified that, unlike Studentcare’s GAC, SSMU would not require a gender dysphoria diagnosis for reimbursement.

Alice Postovskiy, representative of the Union for Gender Empowerment (UGE), spoke with The Tribune about how SSMU could be an improvement from Studentcare, which she claimed was a “predatory insurance broker.”

“I trust the Gender and Sexuality Commissioner to not arbitrarily reject claims much more than I do an insurance company,” Postovskiy said.

However, both Walsh and Postovskiy expressed concerns about SSMU’s motivations behind the policy change, and the process through which this shift was made. According to Walsh, they learned of SSMU’s decision to assign their role reimbursement duties only a few weeks before all SSMU members were informed. Prior to this, the BoD had discussed the issue in confidential sessions. Walsh also claimed that the BoD proceeded with the change predominantly for financial reasons, after noticing they were losing money from the Studentcare model.

“I, unfortunately, don’t think that most of the execs […] [had] trans students’ best interests at heart, it was more [about] money,” Walsh said. 

SSMU President Dymetri Taylor told The Tribune that planning publicly would have put the union at risk of being taken advantage of financially.

Rachel Bainbridge-Sedivy, a member of the Trans Patient Union (TPU), reported that the TPU was not consulted, despite their sustained efforts to improve the Studentcare plan. 

“We’ve met with representatives from Studentcare and Greenshield over this: we have valuable expertise on this topic in many ways, and we should have been consulted,” Bainbridge-Sedivy wrote to The Tribune.

Postovskiy also criticized the SSMU’s decision to act in an insurance-provider role without putting proper accountability mechanisms to ensure the longevity of the reimbursement program.

“The SSMU does not have, in the same way an insurance company who signed a contract does, a commitment to [reimburse GAC],” Postovskiy said. “If an insurance company refuses to provide insurance, you can send them a formal demand letter and take legal action [….] [SSMU] could just cancel [the program]. They could just refuse to do it.”

Bainbridge-Sedivy also expressed worries about the program’s long-term stability once Walsh leaves their role.

“We worry that it would be very easy, a few years from now, for this to be either forgotten and underfunded or cut entirely without notifying students,” Bainbridge-Sedivy wrote. 

Taylor stated that SSMU’s status as reimburser will not be “the new norm,” as SSMU is aware that it does not have the infrastructure or expertise to provide GAC reimbursement long-term. 

“Put frankly, this isn’t the position we wanted to be in either”, Taylor wrote. “It’s a stopgap until finances can be properly rectified.”

Despite the changes SSMU has made to its GAC reimbursement structure, GAC will continue to follow the Studentcare plan’s terms of coverage. This means that Studentcare’s maximum reimbursement of $5000 CAD per GAC procedure, and lifetime maximum of $10,000 CAD, remain intact. 

Bainbridge-Sedivy discussed the TPU’s concerns about the policy’s uncertain status.

“This is an improvement if and only if the SSMU has a rigorous plan to fund and manage this, and protections to ensure that keeps happening long term,” Bainbridge-Sedivy wrote. “The problem is that there is currently no evidence that they can do so competently, and if this falls apart, transgender students are worse off than they ever were.”

To submit a GAC claim for procedures happening this semester, fill out the SSMU Form for Gender Affirming Care. To be covered for procedures that occurred before Jan. 1, 2025, submit claims directly to Studentcare.

Campus Spotlight, Student Life, Student of the Week

Spicing up the snack game

by Tamiyana Roemer on

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When hunger strikes between classes or during late-night study sessions, the usual snack options can start to feel repetitive. To change things up, Aram Shayesteh, U2 Arts, launched a website named Allsnack in 2024, offering a curated selection of hard-to-find treats from around the world, and delivering them directly to Canadian customers. Inspired by his ongoing experience as a student, Shayesteh created Allsnack to make international snacking more accessible.

Born and raised in Montreal, Shayesteh is no stranger to the city’s multicultural landscape. Still, when he stepped foot on campus as a first-year student, he was struck by the rich diversity that characterizes the McGill student body. 

“I noticed all the different languages that I hear on campus, all the different backgrounds,” Shayesteh said in an interview with The Tribune. “I told myself it would be very interesting if there was a way [to] taste the snacks of all these places that McGill students come from.”

Shayesteh has also found that international students themselves crave the taste of authentic flavours from back home. 

“Honestly, there’s a lot of food that I miss from home,” Aashna Lakhani, U3 Science, told The Tribune. “Snacks like Kurkure and aloo bhujia, […] you can find them in supermarkets in Canada, but for some reason they just don’t taste the same. So, I feel like that’s worse because you get a taste of it, but it’s not the same, so then you’re just complaining about how bad it is.”

Shayesteh looked for a store in Montreal that carried a wide range of international snacks, but there weren’t many. To him, the dearth of such stores was incongruent with the vast cultural diversity around him—so he saw an opportunity. 

Busy schedules and tight budgets make travelling during the semester difficult for many students, but food offers a way to explore the world without leaving Montreal. It connects people, bridging cultures through shared flavours and experiences. 

“It’s like you’re travelling when you’re tasting different foods,” Shayesteh explained.

While studying abroad in the United States, Shayesteh created a nine-question Google Form assessing University of North Carolina Chapel Hill students’ interest in international snacks. To his surprise, the results indicated that students were eager to try a range of flavour combinations they’d never encountered. Among options like matcha-flavoured KitKats and cola-flavoured Haribo, the Snickers Kesta Pista—a saffron and pistachio version of the candy found in India— emerged as students’ most popular choice. Having found that there was enthusiasm for international snack foods, he decided to try and bring Allsnack to life.

In the fall, Shayesteh spent months developing his website, which offers what he calls “The essential C’s”: Candy, Chips, Chocolate, Cookies, and Crackers. Snacks featured on the website are personally tested by his 12-year-old brother, ensuring a stamp of approval before making it to customers. 

Unlike existing brick-and-mortar snack stores in Montreal, Allsnack focuses on limited-edition international food collaborations, such as Hubba Bubba x Skittles gum from the United States. While the website currently carries major brands like Oreo, Doritos, and KitKat, Shayesteh hopes to expand his selection to include regionally popular treats from lesser-known brands. Looking ahead, he envisions adding snacks from even more countries and one day launching an Allsnack pop-up store.

For students ordering from Allsnack for the first time, Shayesteh recommends trying American Wings-flavoured Doritos from Taiwan or coffee-flavoured Doritos from Australia. 

When asked about his favourite part of running Allsnack, Shayesteh’s answer was simple: “It’s a fun business. People are very happy when they eat. I love eating. I love trying new food.”

Student Life

The landscape of clubs and initiatives supporting Black students at McGill

by Malika Logossou on

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In light of Black History Month, The Tribune spoke with Black students at McGill about their experiences and perspectives on the university’s efforts to foster inclusivity. 

The role of Black student organizations

Across both international and local perspectives, students emphasized how Black student-led organizations were key to their sense of belonging by offering professional support and safe spaces.

“Clubs like [Black Student Network] BSN and [McGill African Students’ Society] MASS provide a great support system, and clubs like [McGill Social Business Network] MSBN do their best at making sure Black people are also exposed to opportunities that may help them professionally,” Hakim Mokwena, U2 Desautels, shared.

Noemi Milca Nouala, U2 Arts, credited these organizations with easing her transition to McGill as an international student adapting to Montreal’s culture, weather, and lifestyle. 

“It is not unusual for me to be the only Black person in the room,” she said. “Being able to have this sense of community and not feel alone or like the odd one out is good. All the friends that I consider close to me, I met them at MASS or BSN during my first week at McGill. ”

Similarly, Emma-Sheryl Nana, U2 Science, told the The Tribune:  “I do think I have been able to build a sense of community throughout my time at McGill, but not because of the initiative McGill takes, but because of people like Antoine [-Samuel Mauffette Alavo, McGill’s Black Student Affairs Liaison], and MASS doing many things where we get to meet our people and build a sense of community.”

Student social life

When asked about their social integration at McGill, student experiences varied, with international students, especially those who came from countries where they were not racial minorities, reporting more positive experiences. 

“I have made friends and I haven’t really had any bad experiences,” shared Makhtar Andre Keny Ndoye, a U1 Science student.

Mokwena echoed similar sentiments: “Given that McGill is a historically white institution, it’s no secret that Black people are underrepresented in many of the faculties. However, with the multiple clubs it has catered to Black students, and Montreal being the diverse city it is, my experience has been mostly pleasant.”

Karen Nguewou, U2 Engineering, described McGill as a supportive environment. 

“It’s been a good [experience] because I feel like we have a community and a lot of spaces for Black students as well as funding for diversity and anti-racism initiatives,” she said. 

Nouala has also had a positive experience and made many friends given her involvement in numerous extracurriculars. 

“I was able to find a sense of community [during my time here], and not only was I able to meet Black people but also international students,” she added.

Black History Month: Meaningful or performative?

While many students feel a sense of belonging at McGill, some were skeptical about the university’s role in committing to supporting Black students beyond its Black History Month initiatives.

“It feels very performative because it’s one month out of the year where we get bombarded and then there’s nothing else,” Nana shared. “[If it were not performative], our history and struggles would be advertised more during Black History Month but also be integrated more seamlessly. These stories should be highlighted every single day.” 

Others acknowledged that, while some initiatives may feel performative, having events dedicated to Black students organized by student groups is better than having none at all, as those efforts seem meaningful.

“I can’t lie—where I’m from, there are absolutely no initiatives for black students,” Nguewou wrote. “Some [initiatives] are performative for sure but the ones organized by [Mauffette Alavo] seem more inclusive.”

The general consensus is that students overwhelmingly credit Black student organizations—not McGill—in creating a lasting community. McGill provides space, but students argue true inclusivity must extend beyond February. Many hope the university will offer lasting support and increase Black faculty representation to ensure real inclusion, every day.

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