In the world of Degrassi Community School, being a teenager can be rough, but imagine trying to navigate the world of adolescence while feeling like you've been given the wrong body.

Degrassi's newest character, Adam, encounters this as the first transgender character on the show.

Played by 15-year-old Jordan Todosey, previously seen on Life with Derek, Adam deals with being a transgender teen and normal teen issues, like just struggling to be himself, said writer Michael Grassi. Not every episode will focus on Adam being transgender. "He's just a part of the school," said Grassi, adding that Adam will be facing the same situations other characters do, like possibly some family drama and action in the love life department.

Todosey, who has always been attracted to interesting characters, did as much research as she could to prepare for the role, including watching Boys Don't Cry and YouTube videos by transgender teens. She also underwent physical changes, like cutting her hair. "That was a lot harder than I thought it'd be," she said.

To get into character, she tapes down her breasts and embraces the many layers of boy clothing. Throughout it all, her goal is about respect for the character. "I just want to keep playing Adam to the best of my ability without mocking him," she said.

She's also been pleased with feedback the character has gotten from the trans community. She often receives messages on her Twitter account from teens. "The character speaks to anyone who's an outcast."

On the Degrassi message boards, there's been an outpouring of support for the character. "People from the trans community are saying they went through the same thing," said Grassi.

The writers of Degrassi decided on approaching a trans character after reading about high schools across Canada and the United States having teens coming out sooner. Having a character like Adam shows kids "it's happening on TV now, shows those kids they're not alone," said Grassi.

It was also a great time to introduce the character with the new show format of over 40 episodes instead of 24.

As for when the show starts again this fall?

"I think the fans will have a lot to chew on once the season starts," said Grassi.