Elena Massing

Features Editor

Elena is The Ubyssey’s current features editor and 2023–2025 culture editor, and a fourth-year student in opera and information studies. She won the Canadian University Press's 2024 Arts and Culture Writing Award and 2025 Community Service Reporting Award. She's most interested in reporting on the performing arts, queerness and health. Send tips to e.massing@ubyssey.ca and features-related pitches or inquiries to features@ubyssey.ca.

I had no idea what the word “gay” meant until I saw the third episode of Glee.

Upon entering the Neville Scarfe building last Saturday, we were shocked to see singers decked out in bright colours, fun textures and donning elaborate accessories for extra flair. It’s important to note that in most classical music performances — which is what we’re most familiar with — concert black dress is always required.

I didn’t believe I had anything to say that would spark someone’s genuine interest in getting to know me, so I relied on my outfits to do the heavy lifting. Then I discovered a new social skill to add to my toolbox: Compliments.

Fourth-year biology student and UBC Running Club president Ryan Bajaj was initially “one of the slowest” members of his high school cross-country team. It only pushed him to train harder, so he stuck with cross-country and has continued running in university.

“Madness in the Masses” is the theme for this year’s ARTIVISM, an annual visual and performing arts festival that centres around topics in social justice and amplifies the voices of marginalized artists.

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