Mae Martin ‘thrilled’ queer Canadian stories are embraced as ‘Wayward,’ ‘Heated Rivalry’ earn GLAAD nods

Mae Martin is photographed in Toronto on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

TORONTO — Mae Martin says they’re grateful Canada has reached a point where queer stories no longer have to live in the margins.

It’s a shift underscored by the Toronto-born comedian’s Netflix thriller “Wayward” earning a GLAAD Media Award nomination for outstanding limited series on Wednesday.

“I’m thrilled. It’s always nice to be recognized within your community,” says Martin, who is non-binary.

The GLAAD Awards honour film, TV, music and other media that offer fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBTQ+ community.

Martin’s podcast, “Handsome,” also got a nod for outstanding podcast.

“Wayward” stars Martin as a trans cop who investigates a shady reform school for troubled teens in the unsettlingly idyllic town of Tall Pines.

The comedian says the series — which they created and co-wrote — treats their character’s queer identity as part of who they are, rather than the focus of the story.

“We tried to sort of sneakily break down some barriers by not overtly talking about some of those things. And I think we managed to sneak into the minds of some people,” says Martin during an interview in Toronto.

“I’m being really inarticulate. Basically, I’m thrilled I’m able to go to the awards show and wear a suit and look at all the celebs.”

Other Canadian nominees include “Cactus Pears,” a co-production of Canada, India and the U.K., and “The Queen of My Dreams,” the debut feature by Canadian filmmaker Fawzia Mirza, both in the category for outstanding film with a limited release.

Canadian series “Heated Rivalry” also earned a GLAAD nod for outstanding new TV series. The hit Crave show, which airs on HBO Max in the U.S., follows two duelling male hockey players who engage in a secret romance.

“I just love how it feels like in Canada, you can do a queer story without being relegated to a fringe or marginal pocket of the industry. It can be just a story about being a person,” says Martin, reflecting on the nods.

While Martin hasn’t yet watched “Heated Rivalry,” they say they can’t wait to.

“Everyone says it’s so hot and great and dramatic and about secret, forbidden love. But also, when you’ve lived that, when you have been in secret relationships, it might be triggering too,” says Martin.

“But it’s about hot hockey boys, so I’m going to love it.”

The 37th annual GLAAD Media Awards will be held in Los Angeles on March 5.

• RELATED: ‘Heated Rivalry’ stars break the ice with U.S. late-night appearances

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2026.

Alex Nino Gheciu, The Canadian Press