Student dreams of amplifying 2SLGBTQ+ voices after finding his own: Meet Theodore
Self-discovery and resilience
From a young age, 28-year-old Radio Television Journalism (RTJ) student Theodore Misseri was always drawn to the world of film and television, but he wasn’t sure where he fit. After high school, he moved to Toronto for university to study film, but after facing mental health challenges, he returned to Halifax in 2017 to be closer to his support system. It was also when he began to realize and fully embrace his identity as a trans-man, starting his social and medical transition in 2018. "As I became more at home in my body, I began to imagine a future again."
While pursuing his gender-affirming care, he took university classes part-time in various subjects. But once his biggest procedure was scheduled, he felt ready to commit full-time to a new program, leading him to Ivany Campus’s RTJ program with a dream of amplifying underrepresented voices, particularly within the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Becoming a storyteller
Before figuring out his direction, Theodore volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross, doing friendly phone check-ins and responding to local disasters. He also got involved with the queer community through Totally OutRight, the AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia’s queer leadership program. These experiences opened his eyes and ignited his passion for storytelling and social impact.
“All of these experiences helped shape the kind of storyteller I want to be: someone who amplifies underrepresented voices, challenges assumptions and creates space for reflection, education and connection through documentary film,” says Theodore.
Finding community and purpose at NSCC
What sets Theodore's NSCC experience apart isn't just the hands-on learning – it's the sense of belonging he's found. "It's been meaningful not to be the only trans person in my class," he shares. "I don't feel like I have to represent all trans people or constantly preface my perspectives."
“My identity still informs my work, but I don’t feel confined by it,” says Theodore, as the supportive environment has allowed him to focus on his craft. His favourite project so far was a 60-second documentary about a local queer artist and her collage collective, where they use collage art to connect young people and create safer spaces for queer creativity.
The difference between college and university is night and day to Theodore, saying, "NSCC is career-focused from day one. The teachers are approachable, the content is practical, and I get real feedback that helps me grow. College meets you where you are and gives you the tools to succeed."
Financial support for 2SLGBTQ+ students
When returning to school, student awards were life-changing for Theodore. Receiving three student awards, including the 2SLGBTQ+ Bursary, they covered nearly his entire tuition, allowing him to focus solely on his studies for the first time in years.
“For years, I attended school part-time while working because I couldn’t afford to do otherwise,” says Theodore. “As a disabled and trans student, that freedom made all the difference. It gave me the space to actually thrive, not just survive. Without the awards, I simply wouldn't be here."
Theodore believes such support is crucial because 2SLGBTQ+ students often face additional barriers, from medical costs related to transition to family rejection and financial instability. "These awards say: your life matters, your path matters and we want you here," he emphasizes.
Pursuing his dreams
Now, Theodore has just his work placement at Clerisy Entertainment, and is already working on a short documentary that’s a part of a bigger vision for him. That bigger vision is directing and producing a documentary about gender-affirming care and the diverse experiences of trans, non-binary, intersex and 2-Spirit people accessing care in Canada. “What once felt like a pipe dream now feels possible," he says.
Supporting 2SLGBTQ+ students at NSCC
Donors and supporters like you are making an impact that inspires and ignites dreams in students like Theodore. "These awards didn’t just help me stay in school; they helped me see a future for myself. As a trans person, that’s something I haven’t always been able to imagine,” says Theodore. “But now, I’m thriving in a way I never thought was attainable. Your generosity made that possible, and I'll carry that forward into the work I create and the communities I uplift."
Learn more about ways to give to the NSCC Foundation, or contact us to discuss how you can support 2SLGBTQ+ students at NSCC:
By phone (toll-free): 1-866-745-7919 | Fax: (902) 491-4828
Email:
To see options for giving online:
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