Fiona Coyne: She Was Always A Lesbian – How Her Making Peace With It Was The Catalyst To Her Growth As A Person

In the midst of all the chaos that unfolded between Clare and Eli and Holly J. and Sav in Degrassi’s season 10 two part finale, who were the main subject matters in my previous blog entry on the dumbfounded phrase that is “In sickness and in health”, there was Fiona Coyne. She was Holly J.’s best friend. By that point, she was in love with Holly J., and very much confused about her feelings. She’d developed feelings for her after she kissed Holly J. In court following her domestic violence win against her ex-boyfriend.

This confusion led to Fiona’s struggles with alcoholism and anxiety, leading to rehab. She eventually came to terms with being a lesbian, exploring her sexuality and having a significant relationship with Imogen. She and Holly J. were never a couple, but they continued to be best friends, even after Holly J. found out about Fiona’s feelings. Thereafter, she dated Charlie, a college student Fiona met in an art class, but the relationship didn’t work out due to Fiona’s drinking.

Fiona went through a lot of growth and character development during her time at Degrassi. She went from being a spoiled, entitled, rich kid to a caring, loving and kind human being. In essence, all Fiona ever wanted was to be loved. As the twin sister to Declan, Holly J.’s ex-boyfriend, she always felt like she was in his shadow and not good enough. Alcohol was her way of coping with that fact. Her drinking escalated after traumatic experiences, especially abuse from her ex-boyfriend Bobby, and a deep-seated loneliness. She was known for her specific preference for champagne, often drinking heavily and provocatively. Her alcoholism led to blackouts, impaired judgment (like losing a cat or making inappropriate advances), pushing loved ones away, and acting out due to jealousy and entitlement issues.

Navigating her life as an alcoholic wasn’t easy for Fiona. Even admitting she had a problem was hard, but with the help of good people around her, particularly Holly J., she did. Then, as Holly J.’s graduation approached, the feeling of loneliness began to wane in yet again. She couldn’t handle that feeling of being left behind, with Holly J. leaving for Yale University in a matter of months. At graduation, before Holly J.’s big speech, Fiona angrily blamed Holly J. for her problems, calling her life perfect. Little did Fiona know that Holly J. was missing prom because she was having her kidney transplant that same day. All she wanted was to feel like she could talk to her best friend to feel better, but she couldn’t because her best friend was too busy being selfish and self-centred.

Feeling guilty, lost, and alone, Fiona turned to alcohol for comfort. It was a moment of weakness when she saw alcohol at Charlie’s art show. She initially came there in hopes to reconcile with Charlie, but those hopes came crashing down when she realized Charlie had a new girlfriend. In a moment of complete shock and sadness, she let go of Charlie’s cat, who was staying with her, and let him out to the streets. When she went back to Charlie’s gallery to tell her what she’d done and why she drank. Charlie, in turn, scolded her and told her exactly how it was; why everyone around her was pushing her away.

Instead of fighting it, Fiona agreed with Charlie. She took every single word Charlie said to her to heart; because she knew she was right. She decided to take matters into her own hands and make it up to Holly J. She planned a pre-prob extravaganza in her honour, alongside her friends. She also decided to skip prom to go to rehab. It was a major step for her. It marked to be a major milestone for her character growth. She didn’t need anyone to push her to make the decision to get clean. It was solely her choice. Before she left, she went to see Charlie at her gallery. She wanted to thank her for helping her make that choice.

Not only was Fiona’s alcoholism storyline interesting, it was the most realistic portrayal of addiction and mental illness. The storyline humanized Fiona, transforming her from a potentially one-dimensional “rich girl” character into a complex, relatable individual battling internal demons, a narrative that resonated with those struggling with similar challenges. To break it down more thoroughly:

Key Reasons the Storyline was Important

• Exploration of Mental Health and Loneliness: Fiona’s drinking was a coping mechanism for her severe anxiety, isolation, and a deep fear of being alone after her family’s financial troubles left her without her usual support systems and lifestyle. The show highlighted how addiction can stem from underlying mental health struggles, not just recreational use.

• Addressing Privilege and Dependency: The storyline uniquely addressed how someone from an extremely wealthy background might struggle when their privilege is stripped away. Fiona was hyper-dependent on her brother, Declan, and money to manage her life, and when those were compromised, she lacked basic self-reliance skills, which contributed to her spiral into alcoholism.

• Challenging Taboos: Degrassi is known for tackling controversial subjects, and Fiona’s arc, which included a moment of kissing her brother while drunk, pushed boundaries and reminded viewers that the show wouldn’t shy away from complex, uncomfortable topics like emotional issues that border on co-dependency or unhealthy attachments.

• Catalyst for Character Development: The addiction was a turning point for Fiona. Going to rehab was a crucial step in her journey toward self-acceptance and independence. It forced her to confront her issues, leading to significant personal growth, the realization of her lesbian identity, and the formation of healthier, genuine friendships with characters like Holly J. Sinclair and Imogen Moreno.

• Realistic Portrayal of Recovery and Relapse: The show depicted the challenges of dealing with the aftermath of addiction, including guilt and the possibility of relapse, presenting a more complete and realistic picture of recovery than simply resolving the issue in one episode. 

Senior year marked a new beginning for Fiona. She came to Degrassi a whole new person. With Holly J. having gone to university, with the exception of Eli, who, by the way was the biggest LGBTQ ally, she didn’t know anyone, and she preferred it that way. She wanted to fit in. She wanted to feel like she belonged. She wanted to start a new. She wanted to focus on the future; not her past. That said, she started the year off right. She had friends in Katie and Marisol, the school’s new President and Vice-President. They managed to get her to agree to host a party at her place where there was alcohol. When she was put in a place where her peers pressured her to drink, she didn’t cave. She refused to intake.

Aside from Eli, Imogen was Fiona’s one true friend and confidant at this point in her time at Degrassi. Fiona, however, failed to see that. She was so desperate to fit in that she didn’t see the true colours that were standing right in front of her, which were Katie and Marisol. They ended up turning against her when she least expected it. They still wanted to be friends with her, but after seeing their true colours, she declined their invitation. Instead, she mended things with Imogen and made up for her mistreatment of her.

As the two connected on a deeper level, Fiona developed romantic feelings for Imogen. Because of her past experiences, particularly with Holly J., she was afraid to admit them. She was afraid to lose the friendship they’d built, and she was afraid to be rejected yet again. Imogen, however, felt the same way, and when Fiona got the courage to admit her feelings to her face-to-face, they became an official couple. They had one of the, if not the most, solid relationships seen on the show. It was almost boring to see such a drama-free relationship between two people who deeply love each other. Fiona deeply cared for Imogen. She supported her through her father’s illness and reconciliation with her estranged mother.

Alas, the relationship ended by Fiona’s graduation. Their main struggle was aligning their dreams, with Fiona’s fashion career pulling her to Europe while Imogen preferred to stay in Toronto. This made a long-distance relationship difficult. Impossible would be a better suited word. Imogen briefly interfered with Fiona’s plans (like faking a call to rehab), leading to a temporary breakup before they reconciled, but the core conflict remained. Imogen, realizing her mistake, made things right in the end. They chose to end things on good terms so Fiona could pursue her dream, with Imogen realizing she didn’t want to hold Fiona back, ending with a final kiss at graduation. 

Fiona and Imogen’s relationship was revolutionary for lesbian and bisexual visibility in lots of ways. They weren’t Degrassi‘s first LGBTQ couple. That honor falls to Paige Michalchuk and Alex Nuñez, as well as Marco Del Rossi and Dylan Michalchuk, Paige’s brother. There was something much different about Fiona and Imogen. But even more so, there was something much different about Fiona and her coming out story.

Maybe it had to do with the fact that we saw a lot of Fiona’s story. By season 10, Degrassi changed its format and had 45 episodes per season instead of the typical 20, which gave characters more time to evolve. Fiona’s particular arc was compelling because it presented a realistic and complex arc of a privileged individual forced to confront severe hardships, leading to significant personal growth and self-discovery. Her narrative tackled multiple sensitive and evolving themes, making her a dynamic and relatable character for many viewers. To break it down more thoroughly:

Key elements that made her journey compelling include:

• Rags-to-Riches (and Back Again) Arc: Fiona started as a wealthy, somewhat spoiled Manhattan transfer who relied on money to solve her problems. Her family’s financial troubles, which eventually led to her mother’s house arrest for fraud, forced her to adapt to a vastly different reality, manage with less, and even get a job. This fall from grace provided a strong catalyst for character development.

• Mental Health and Addiction Struggles: The show explored Fiona’s serious mental health issues, including anxiety and alcoholism, in a raw way. Her addiction storyline was considered well-done by fans, showing her struggle and eventual path to recovery through rehab, which added depth and vulnerability to her character.

• Abusive Relationship and Justice: Fiona’s experience in an abusive relationship with Bobby Beckonridge and her subsequent fight for justice was a powerful storyline. The process of her gathering the strength to go to court and eventually winning her case with an unlikely ally’s testimony demonstrated significant resilience.

• Sexual Identity Exploration: A major part of her journey was the realization and acceptance of her lesbian identity. Initially, she displayed a complex, emotionally dependent attachment to her twin brother Declan, which later led to her having feelings for her best friend, Holly J. Sinclair. This exploration of sexuality was seen as realistic and helped many viewers feel “seen” during their own vulnerable years.

• Strong Character Development: Over several seasons, Fiona transformed from a self-absorbed, dependent rich girl into a more selfless, independent, and supportive friend. Her growth, integrity, and big heart in later seasons earned her a place as a fan favorite and valedictorian, culminating in a satisfying character arc. 

When Fiona first came to Degrassi, it seemed like she hated everyone; particularly anyone who ever got close to her brother. At first, it seemed as though it was because she was a self-centred, spoiled, obnoxious little bitch. But then, as her story progressed, you started to realize that the behaviour seen in the very beginning was all a regression. She was always gay. She just didn’t know it. And because of it, she was taking all her anger out on others.

Many fans of the show said that Fiona being a lesbian came out of complete nowhere and out of the blue. It didn’t. It was ALWAYS there. There were always hunts, such as a lack of physical intimacy with the boys she dated, like Riley, Steve and Jimmy, as well as her dating Adam, who was transgender female-to-male, and wanting to have sex with him because he had female anatomy. All this foreshadowed Fiona’s attraction to women, suggesting her relationships with men were more about companionship or survival in tough circumstances rather than genuine romance. Her character’s story, especially with the introduction of Adam, solidified her lesbian identity, but it wasn’t a sudden plot point, rather a development.

Fiona’s sexuality wasn’t initially set in stone, allowing for character development, but writers built a foundation for her eventual coming out. In my opinion, this very fact made her story that much more interesting. In hindsight, Fiona’s coming out story was similar to that of Willow from Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Subtle hints, like Willow’s vampire self being “kinda gay,” pointed to her inherent attraction to women. The introduction of Tara in Season 4 made Willow’s feelings for women undeniable, allowing her to fully embrace her identity and declare, “I think I’m kinda gay”. Willow eventually embraced the label “lesbian,” a definitive step in her journey, signifying a deep, powerful connection with Tara that surpassed previous relationships. 

Many of Willow’s explicit statements and choices pointed to her identifying as a lesbian, with her deep connection to Tara being the catalyst for realizing and expressing that part of herself. Seeing her journey to coming out as a lesbian made me understand my own sexuality. It made me feel like it was okay for me to love and be attracted to both men and women. More importantly, however, it made me see that I COULD be accepted by my peers in spite of, and for, my sexuality. That particular scene where Willow told Buffy of her feelings for Tara was unforgettable.

The very same thing could be said about Fiona and Holly J.’s acceptance of her sexuality. How Holly J. accepted her best friend’s sexuality was different than Buffy did. Fiona was in love with Holly J., and when Holly J. found out, it made the friendship dynamic weird for a whole minute or two. Not because Holly J. didn’t accept Fiona’s sexuality, but rather because she didn’t know how let her friend down gently. When she did, however, things between them went back to normal; maybe it got them to be even closer.

Many fans of Buffy The Vampire Slayer would argue that Willow was bisexual rather than a lesbian; just the same as fans of Degrassi were confused by the sudden story arc of Fiona being a lesbian. The thing about identity, though, is that it’s very personal to the person identifying themselves. Sexual identity (orientation) isn’t a simple “choice” but a deeply ingrained part of a person, shaped by complex biological (genes, hormones, brain structure) and developmental factors, though the exact mix isn’t fully understood, with most experts agreeing it’s not a conscious decision but rather an intrinsic aspect of self that often emerges early, even if awareness of attractions shifts over time (fluidity). While acting on attractions or choosing an identity labelcan involve personal decisions, the underlying orientation itself is generally seen as innate and not changeable by will or therapy, according to major scientific bodies like the APA. To break it down more thoroughly:

Why It’s Not Considered a Choice

• Biological Underpinnings: Research points to genetic, hormonal, and neurological factors influencing sexual orientation, suggesting it’s established before or early in life.

• Lack of Control: People don’t choose who they’re attracted to, and conversion therapy to change orientation has been proven ineffective and harmful, states Planned Parenthood and NSCC Pressbooks.

• Early Emergence: Awareness of sexual orientation often starts in childhood or early adolescence, before significant social or environmental factors could dictate a “choice,” notes MentalHealth.com. 

Where “Choice” Comes In (Identity vs. Orientation)

• Sexual Identity Label: Choosing how to label your orientation (e.g., gay, bisexual, straight) or whether to publicly identify with it (coming out) involves personal self-concept and life experiences, making that aspect more of a personal journey, explain SAGE Encyclopedia of Lifespan Human Development and MEGA Magazine.

• Fluidity: While orientation is stable for many, attractions can shift over a lifetime (fluidity), a natural variation in human sexuality, according to Planned Parenthood. 

In essence, you don’t choose your orientation, but you do choose how you understand, express, and identify with it as part of your personal development, say SAGE Encyclopedia of Lifespan Human Development, MEGA Magazine, and MentalHealth.com.  I myself identify as a bisexual woman. I’m married to a man. I have a child with him. I’ve had sex with both men and women. I’ve enjoyed sex with both genders, and I’m not ashamed to say it one bit. My sexuality is a part of me. My friends – my REAL friends – accepted that part of me. Those that didn’t or those that made a mockery out of it were never my friends to begin with.

Making sense of my own sexual identity and accepting it for exactly what it is was key in my own journey; just as it was in Fiona’s journey. Once she made peace with her sexuality, everything changed for her. She became the better version of herself. She became unrecognizable; the exact opposite of the Fiona we met in season 9. Perhaps that was the entire point of Fiona’s journey from beginning to end. In a 2011 interview with Annie Clark, when asked what aspects of Fiona’s character have surprised her the most, and what her favorite thing about playing her was, she said, ‘I’m always surprised by Fiona’s ability to be so many things at once. She has a strong personality but at the same time, she’s vulnerable. She’s a walking oxymoron! I love playing her because I just don’t know what she’ll be up to next!’

Clark was 100% correct. Fiona could be many, many things all at once. She was, at times, unpredictable and very much a good player in a game others didn’t know they playing. But that was exactly what made her character so special. So to highlight Fiona’s journey to becoming the best version of herself, here are some of her best quotes:

On Identity & Coming Out:

• “I like girls. I guess I’m gay or lesbian, I haven’t chosen nomenclature yet.” (Coming out to Holly J. in Underneath It All).

• “I don’t want to be known as Declan’s twin or Holly J.’s shadow, but my own self.” (Expressing her need for individuality). 

On Family & Relationships:

• “I’m flattered, but not interested.” (To Dallas, setting boundaries).

• “Don’t… just leave.” (To Dallas, showing vulnerability).

• “I barely know Clare and don’t really care about her birthday.” (Showing her distinct personality).

• “There’s already a Princess Fiona and I’m not green.” (A witty self-aware comment). 

On Life & Experiences:

• “I want what any princess wants – to live happily ever after… with the ogre I married.” (This is actually from Princess Fiona in Shrek, but fans associate the name).

• “My love’s on the silver screen. She’s always playing make-believe.” (From the song Fiona Coyne, referencing the character).