Aliya-Jasmine Sovani is a television host & producer. She anchors MTV News , and hosts the new hit talk show 1g5g on MTV Networks (in the USA & Canada). Also recognized for her work as the Whistler Reporter for CTV's Olympic Morning show during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic games. Aliya-Jasmine received international recognition including CNN, The View, Jay Leno, and Good Morning America for a Breast Cancer Awareness video she wrote, created, and starred in that went viral called "Save the Boobs."

In addition to working on a Gemini Award winning show, and interviewing everyone from Tom Cruise to Motley Crue, her favorite experience thus far was traveling to Africa for an MTV documentary on girls rights in Sudan called "Girls of Lattitude." She also works as a daily correspondent for Toronto's local 24-hour News station CP24.

Before working at MTV, "AJ" was a producer at MuchMusic , and has worked in front & behind the camera at BPM:TV, Star! and Fashion Television as well as a freelance writer and professional speaker. She was recently selected as one of HELLO! Magazine's 50 most beautiful Canadians, and the National Post newspaper's Worthy-30 to watch lists.

Follow her updates at:
http://www.twitter.com/AliyaJasmine
http://www.facebook.com/AliyaJasmine

Hometown: Richmond Hill, Ontario

Sign: Scorpio

Favourite food: Sour Candy & Cream Soda

First CD you bought with your own cash: Spice Girls

Why did you audition for the show: I wanted to be rich and famous... NOT! I thought the guys on the show already were a skewed depiction of gay men in Toronto. I thought it would be fun to get in there and stir things up with my sometime less than 'popular' views on life, love and of course SEX.

What's one thing someone might find surprising about you? I'm a big relationship guy. I think sex is better when it's with someone you care about. I spent the first 5 years of my gay life in a monogamous relationship.  

What did your parents want you to be when you grew up? Happy and passionate. My parents never pushed one specific career on me. They've always been big proponents of self discovery

First person you came out to: My Dad's girlfriend at the time, Mandy

Most embarrassing track on your iPod: KCI and JoJo, All my life

One thing you can't live without: Converse shoes

Favourite movie: Magnolia

Memorable quote: "No one in the world would believe you're straight. You fell out of the gay tree, hitting every gay branch on the way down. And you landed on a gay guy... and you did him." - Karen Walker

Coming out story: I had a really mediocre 'come out' story. I mean everyone always knew. My father figured it out when he put me in soccer and I'd sit in the field making crowns out of the dandelions. I told my close friends and family when I was 16 and then by the time I was 17 EVERYONE had received confirmation that Andrew Charles likes boys.  

Follow Andrew on Twitter here!

Hometown: Oshawa, Ontario

Sign: Taurus

Favourite food: Thanksgiving dinner

First CD you bought with your own cash: Britney Spears - Baby One More Time

Why did you audition for the show: I knew the potential impact it could have on young people, gay and straight.

What's one thing someone might find surprising about you? In the 1920s, my great-grandmother was a model and I have her tattooed on my left arm!

What did your parents want you to be when you grew up? A pro tennis player!

First person you came out to:My grandpa, Robert.

Most embarrassing track on your iPod: Avril Lavigne - Sk8tr Boi

One thing you can't live without: Showers - I shower between 2-5 times a day, I'm a freak !

Favourite movie: Hocus Pocus

Memorable quote:Don't worry, be happy - Bobby McFerrin

Coming out story: I was 14, "in love" with my first boyfriend and thought, "My parents don't understand me." I was at my cottage and after a fight between me and my parents my grandpa asked "What's really the matter David?" and I just blurted out "I think I'm gay and I'm kinda scared." He hugged me and said "We love you."

Follow David on Twitter here!

Hometown: Ajax, Ontario

Sign: Cancer

Favourite food: A damn fine cup of coffee/nectarine desserts

First CD you bought with your own cash: Aerosmith's Get a Grip

Why did you audition for the show: I didn't, dinks

What's one thing someone might find surprising about you? I think My So-Called Life ended exactly when it should have

What did your parents want you to be when you grew up? They didn't care but there was a lot of forced hockey

First person you came out to: A girl in high school, it was the most surprising thing she'd ever heard

Most embarrassing track on your iPod: "Find a Way" by Young Love, which was the theme for MTV's Dance Life

One thing you can't live without: Michael Yerxa

Favourite movie: Shawshank Redemption, bro (jk)

Memorable quote: "My business head? Ten times better than my beauty" - Ramona Singer

Coming out story:
Coming out happened in baby steps over a few years but the real "coming out" moment for me was telling my parents. During my first year away at university I had a friend who was experimenting with her sexuality and while home for reading week I told my mom all about this, baiting my poor mom to ask if I was gay. Mom took the bait and asked, I said "yes". I wish I had done it earlier and in a braver way but I was too terrified. It was very surreal to have finally have the conversation I'd been waiting to have for basically as long as I could remember. Like a lot of people, I can't over exaggerate how much coming out did for my self-esteem or for giving me a better perspective on my sexuality and the world in general.  It's the healthiest thing I've ever done.  

Follow Dean on Twitter here!

Name: Gerry King

Hometown: Chilliwack, British Columbia

Sign: Taurus

Favourite food: Carbs!!!

First CD you bought with your own cash: Britney Spears

Why did you audition for the show: I auditioned for the show because my best friend Angie thought I was perfect for the job and because I wanted to sleep with half the cast ;)

What's one thing someone might find surprising about you? I don't drink or do drugs

What did your parents want you to be when you grew up? My parents always said that I should be whatever I want to be when I grow up. I think that's because they are to lazy to think of something for me lol

First person you came out to: I first came out to my mom only because she outed me.

Most embarrassing track on your iPod: Part of your world/The Little Mermaid soundtrack

One thing you can't live without: The ability to perform

Favourite movie: Death Becomes Her

Memorable quote: Showgirls: "I don't know what it is you do, or what it is your good at, but if it's at the Cheetah it ain't dancin darlin I know that much"

Hometown: London, Ontario

Sign: Gemini

Favourite food: Anything served with Beer

First CD you bought with your own cash: Dookie by Green Day

Why did you audition for the show:  So I could represent tough gay boys and the Christian queer community

What's one thing someone might find surprising about you? I always have nightmares about guinea pigs

What did your parents want you to be when you grew up?  Strong, brave and independent

First person you came out to: My homegirl  Ashley

Most embarrassing track on your iPod: "You belong with Me" by Taylor Swift (I can't believe I just admitted that)

One thing you can't live without: My twin brother

Favourite movie: Not Another Teen Movie

Memorable quote: "A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for."

Coming out story: On Mother's Day I thought it would be a good idea to tell my Irish parents that I'm gay. They told me to get out of the house. Then they told me to get back in the house, show them how to work the DVD player and then get back out of the house. Don't worry, everything is great now.

Follow Ian on Twitter here!

Hometown: Scarborough, Ontario

Sign: Leo

Favourite food: Anything ethnic with lots of meat... LOVE meat mmm

First CD you bought with your own cash: Ludacris Chicken and Beer

Why did you audition for the show: As a teen, I would sneak out of my bed at some ungodly hour to watch "Queer as Folk". I would listen to the show on a low volume, scared shitless that my mother would catch me and try to find the connection I knew I had with those characters. I know that somewhere there is someone else doing that with 1 Girl 5 Gays and I want to be that connection.

What's one thing someone might find surprising about you? Most people are surprised by how deep I am (take that as you may).

What did your parents want you to be when you grew up? Happy and rich; not necessarily in that order.

First person you came out to: I did the official, "Sit down, there is something I need to tell you" coming out with my sisters Fazia and Safiyyah

Most embarrassing track on your iPod: Barbie Girl, Aqua

One thing you can't live without: My life consuming Craa- BlackBerry

Favourite movie: Forrest Gump, Pretty Woman, Dirty Dancing, anything with the 80's Brat Pack

Memorable quote: "I guess we ain't strangers any more." Forest Gump

<p><strong>Coming out story: </strong> For me, coming out was truly done when I was ready to tell my mother. You have to understand that when you grow up in a West Indian/Caribbean family with strong religious and cultural ties it's not so much, "Coming out of the closet' as it is, 'blowing the closet to smithereens."

One day I was in the car with my mother and we were arguing about what I was going to wear to a wedding. She asked me point blank, "Are you trying to tell me you're gay?" I responded with a resounding, "Yes!" She told me that my life would never be normal and she was going to her room when she got home.

As supportive as she is, my mother is still getting comfortable with my sexuality three years later. But, I figure it took me the better part of my life to get comfortable with myself so she can take her time.

Name: Nurse Jake

Hometown: Newmarket, ON

Sign: Capricorn (the best)

Favourite Food: Italian and Sweets

First CD: 'One in a Million' - Aaliyah

Why did you audition for the show: I wanted to bring some balance to the panel and do my best to bring a health and safety perspective when possible to the gamet of topics covered by the show.

What's one thing someone might find surprising about you? I have never had a threesome.

What did your parents want you to be when you grew up: Anything I wanted. They taught me to 'never give up' on my aspirations.

First person you came out to: Jenny N. She was my first friend in residence at university. I made her guess what I was about to tell her. She guessed it second to finally losing my v-card to a girl. Jenny also introduced me to the show when it first aired.

Most embarassing track on your iPod: "Say You'll be There" - The Spice Girls

One thing you can't live without: My family and friends.

Favourite movie: I'll let you know when I watch it.

Memorbale quote: "Our highest truths are but half-truths; think not to settle down for ever in any truth. Make use of it as a tent in which to pass a summer's night, but build no house of it, or it will be your tomb." George T.

Please tell your coming out story: There was once the hottest gay in residence at university. I knew if I wanted to get with him I would have to come out and tell my friends I was gay because he was out. However, in the end I dated his much better ex-boyfriend instead. I told my parents in the summer when I came home from school. With a lesbian Grandma and gay older brother it was not that difficult

Hometown: Toronto

Sign: Capricorn

Favourite food: Burger and fries

First CD you bought with your own cash: Spice (Spice Girls)

Why did you audition for the show: Fame, sex and to make a difference

What's one thing someone might find surprising about you? I really don't like the taste or smell of fish.  Is that surprising?

What did your parents want you to be when you grew up? Myself

First person you came out to: Myself

Most embarrassing track on your iPod: The 11 Different Versions of "Don't Rain on My Parade"

One thing you can't live without: Big-voiced female singers

Favourite movie: The Hours

Memorable quote: "It's the hunger: the hunger for an alternative and the refusal to accept a life of unhappiness."  ---Little Children

Coming out story: Wrote a mass e-mail to family and friends.  Pressed send.  Awaited responses while sweating profusely.

Hometown: I was born and raised in Brampton, but Toronto is definitely where I'd call 'home'.

Sign: I'm a Taurus.

Favourite food: Mmm...it's a tie between lasagna and spaghetti Bolognese

First CD you bought with your own cash: It was Spice Girls' debut album 'Spice' with that iconic cover and booklet I must've read over a million times

Why did you audition for the show: I auditioned because it was an opportunity so 'up my alley', that it'd be something I'd regret if I hadn't. It's a program, so progressive that virtually anyone can benefit from and one I wish was available to me as a 'young gay'

What's one thing someone might find surprising about you? I'm not one to 'put out'. I'll wait until we've exhausted every 'date' option possible before I even consider having sex with you. It's something I put on a pedestal and enjoy keeping sacred. Plus, I think it makes for better sex when you have a cosmic connection with someone you know, love and truly care about

What did your parents want you to be when you grew up? I was raised by both of my Grandmother's and they've always wanted me to be an accomplished and acclaimed pianist

First person you came out to: The first person I came out to was Rob, my straight, male friend whom I'd met while working as a sales associate at The GAP. Thank you, Robert

Most embarrassing track on your iPod: Oh, God! 'One Way Or Another' by Melissa Joan Hart off of 'The Sabrina The Teenage Witch Soundtrack'...please don't ask

One thing you can't live without: OMG, My house keys!

Favourite movie: Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971)

Memorable quote: 'I thought I knew, but I had no idea'

Coming out story: It was Spring. I was nineteen. Packed up my stuff and, on my own, left home. Like everyone else, I was in search of new beginnings, freedom and self-discovery. Moved and settled into an apartment downtown. Spent a couple hours setting up IKEA furniture. Unpacked every box and suitcase. Feng Shui'd...then realized something was missing.

The ONE piece of luggage I needed the most, which just happened to be the heaviest, fucking piece of luggage; so full of personal shit it could barely zip up...which is probably why I left it behind, was at home.

Everything stopped. I was embarrassed and a long way from suburbia, but couldn't move forward without it and knew it wouldn't be worth the risk. I had come so far.

So, I called my grandmother Edna, who doubled as my legal guardian, and told her...I was gay.

Follow Jonathan on Twitter here!

Hometown: Toronto, ON

Sign: Virgo

Favourite food: Splenda

First CD you bought with your own cash: Salt-N-Peppa "Very Necessary"

Why did you audition for the show: Oprah and Gayle need to know that it's ok

What's one thing someone might find surprising about you? I'm half Jew

What did your parents want you to be when you grew up? Something "artistic." I wasn't fooling anyone back then.

First person you came out to: My best friend Kathryn

Most embarrassing track on your iPod: Track? I have the whole Celine Dion "Taking Chances World Tour" on there. Enough said.

One thing you can't live without: Starbuck's venti, sugar-free, non fat, 13 shot, no whip, cinnamon white mocha with extra white mocha. Stirred, no lid, double cupped. With splenda.

Favourite movie: "Mommy Dearest."

Memorable quote: "My bojangles are my bonjangles."

Please tell your coming out story:
I was 17 and secretly dating a guy who lived two hours away from me. As it started to get more serious I would be gone for long periods of time driving back and forth from his house. My parents started to become suspicious and began to worry. One evening after returning from a long absence away with my bf my dad said, "Ok, what's up? Is it meth, cocaine, or pot?"
I said, "No, I'm ... gay." He said, "Well no shit! I've known that since you were two!"

Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico

Sign:Gemini

Favourite food: Cheese.Cheese.Cheese

First CD you bought with your own cash: The Bodyguard soundtrack

Why did you audition for the show: Drinking with my friends on TV is fun!

What's one thing someone might find surprising about you? I'm gay

What did your parents want you to be when you grew up? A filmmaker

First person you came out to: My cousin

Most embarrassing track on your iPod: I have over 800 Barbra Streisand songs on my iPod - if this doesn't embarrass me, nothing does  

One thing you can't live without: Music, cinema, and friends. And Moisturizer...not necessarily in that order.

Favourite movie: The Umbrellas of Cherbourg

Memorable quote: "We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at the stars"- Oscar Wilde

Follow Juan on Twitter here!

Hometown: Pefferlaw, Ontario

Sign: Pisces

Favourite food: Poutine.... or sausage

First CD you bought with your own cash: It was the Backstreet Boys TAPE!

Why did you audition for the show: To show the world that they aren't alone and being your self should never be censored

What's one thing someone might find surprising about you? I love cuddling and I cry VERY easily

What did your parents want you to be when you grew up? What I wanted. I've always wanted to be an actor

First person you came out to: Matt Sims

Most embarrassing track on your iPod: YMCA

One thing you can't live without: Attention

Favourite movie:  " I should have been a Rockstar but I cant sing" - GIA

Memorable quote: "My friends, there are no friends" - Coco Chanel

Follow Matthew on Twitter here!

Name: Matthew Santos

Hometown: Toronto

Sign: Cancer

Favourite food: Seafood

First CD you bought with your own cash: Mindless Self Indulgence/Frankensine Girls

Why did you audition for the show: To see if I could get on

What's one thing someone might find surprising about you? I'm a hopeless romantic

What did your parents want you to be when you grew up? A graduate of school

First person you came out to: My sister

Most embarrassing track on your iPod: Rupaul

One thing you can't live without: Love, honesty and trust

Favourite movie:  League of their Own

Memorable quote: Always shoot for the moon. If you fall, at least you will land among the stars.

Hometown:  Hampton, New Brunswick

Sign:  LEO!

Favourite food:  Chicken tetrazzini

First CD you bought with your own cash:  The Bodyguard

Why did you audition for the show:  It seemed like something great to be a part of and as a 14 year old, I would have benefited from something like this a lot!

What's one thing someone might find surprising about you?  I would
kill off Gwyneth Paltrow to resurrect Aaliyah.

What did your parents want you to be when you grew up?  Happy, probably

First person you came out to:  I think it was group of people when I
was really drunk.  I thought safety in numbers!

Most embarrassing track on your iPod:  Brand New Day from the musical
The Wiz.  It's really good.

One thing you can't live without: Ja'mie King from Summer Heights
High or my beard.

Favourite movie:  A League of Their Own

Memorable quote: "Hold my Daiquiri" Romy and Michele's High School Reunion

Follow Yerxa on Twitter here!

Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario

Sign: Capriquarius (Capricorn/Aquarius)

Favourite food: All food...clearly

First CD you bought with your own cash: The Evita 2 disc soundtrack

Why did you audition for the show:I have a lot to say about growing up gay, European and overweight; it's a strong, yet relatable mix of awkward circumstance that usually results in uncontrollable embarrassment. Bring it.

What's one thing someone might find surprising about you? I go into department stores to spray on cologne and leave immediately afterwards. And I speak four languages.

What did your parents want you to be when you grew up? Happy

First person you came out to: My best friends, Jaclyn and Jessica (who are twins)

Most embarrassing track on your iPod: Vengaboys /We're going to Ibiza

One thing you can't live without: Carbs

Favourite movie: I refuse to choose any ONE Julia Robert's movie.

Memorable quote: "Express yourself, don't repress yourself."

Coming out story: I was driving home with my mom. She turned the music off (who turns off "Ray of Light" for no reason?!), stared right at me while driving (yes, she's a risk-taker), and asked if I had anything to tell her. I told her that I was quite comfortable not telling her anything right now, and she continued to pester me until I finally screamed "I'M FUCKING GAY, OKAY?!" I proceeded to turn Madonna back on and we sat there without a word to each other all the way home.

Follow Philip on Twitter here!

Hometown: Cambridge, ON

Sign: Pieces

Favourite food: Breakfast

First CD you bought with your own cash:
Monica - The Boy is Mine (1998)

Why did you audition for the show:
My friend asked me to.

What's one thing someone might find surprising about you?
I wet the bed until I was 9.

What did your parents want you to be when you grew up?
A pharmacist. Well, so did I.

First person you came out to:
Myself, which was the hardest.
Then, Thee Bounkeuth, who became my first boyfriend.

Most embarrassing track on your iPod:
Heidi Montag - Look How I'm Doing (I actually bought the single off iTunes)

One thing you can't live without:
Inspiration.

Favourite movie:
The 1964, made for TV movie Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer or, The Little Match Girl...
Holiday traditions!

Memorable quote:
"All that remains is dreammaking and strange remembrance."
<strong>André Aciman</strong> </p>

Hometown:
Toronto

Sign:
Libra, it's all about balance baby

Favourite food:
Cheese. Is that a food? Pasta with cheese on it. 

First CD you bought with your own cash:
98º's first album. I bought it in Florida and was so happy. Nick Lachey looks like a husky dog, and despite the hideous tattoo I would totally make out with him. Hard.

Why did you audition for the show:
Um... I didn't. Can I say that? I was recommended by some of the other guys and the producers called me in for a one on one. I think it went well. 

What's one thing someone might find surprising about you?
I'll often sing out loud in public and not find it weird. I think other people do though.

 

What did your parents want you to be when you grew up?
Anything that made me happy. I don't remember an 'expected' career. I think they were happy I wanted to paint and pushed for me to go to art school.

First person you came out to:
I think Dave Matton. But I wanted it to be my friend Chris the day I knew on our canoe trip in Algonquin Park.

Most embarrassing track on your iPod:
You choose. Celine and Babs 'Tell Him', or anything from any of the High School Musicals.

One thing you can't live without:
Lakes. Thanks Canada.

Favourite movie:
Legends of the Fall. "Tristan I have nowhere to send this letter, and no reason to believe you wish to receive it. I write it only for myself."

Memorable quote:
Of mine? Oh, I know, but I won't tell the story that goes with it; "Something's happening!" (Said in the panicked voice of like an 11 year old.)

Follow Thomas on Twitter here!