Yusuf Zine, 21, student

Zine lives in Scarborough and was born in Canada to parents of Moroccan and Pakistani backgrounds. He plans to attend Wilfrid Laurier University in the fall to do his masters in social justice and community engagement.

How would you describe yourself?

I would describe myself as an outgoing person who loves being creative and keeping busy. Art or performance is my main way of expressing myself.

What’s your favourite way to spend a Saturday afternoon in the city?

Take a walk down Bathurst St. or Queen St. W., visit local stores like BMV, comic book stores and old movie shops. Maybe grab a bite at Hero Burger. Then walk down to Dundas Square to see what’s happening there and maybe catch a late night flick at the Yonge & Dundas theatre.

What’s your favourite thing about living in the GTA?

The diversity of places you can go to. Each street has its own vibe and feel.

Have you ever faced discrimination?

When I was younger I worked as a professional actor. As time went on, I noticed a pattern in the roles I would be sent out for. Many of my auditions were for racially stereotypical roles, such as the “Arab terrorist” or the “typical Indian guy,” even though I’m not Indian. I went to them because I didn’t want to turn down an audition, but I never felt good about it. Yet I was not able to move forward as an actor in the industry without giving in. Finally, I told my agent I would not go out for those roles anymore.

What do you think people misunderstand most about Islam/Muslims?

There are a number of unfortunate stereotypes that have existed about Muslims for decades, including the idea that a majority of Muslims are violent extremists, women are oppressed and must be liberated, our Qur’an instructs us to kill all non-Muslims . . . People seem to think Islam is an outdated, barbaric religion, when in fact it has been able to survive so long because it has adapted to the changing times.