Episodes 98 & 99: Math in Drag with Kyne Santos
In these conversations, Gabriel Hesch interviews Kyne Santos, an online creator who combines art, music, and performance in math education. They discuss the intersection of math and music, the controversy surrounding math and drag, and the creative side of math. They also explore topics such as topology, mathematical shapes, and influential books in math. The conversation highlights the importance of challenging traditional definitions and finding new and innovative ways to engage with math education.
Born in Manila, Kyne was raised with the songs of divas on his tongue. That would later become the inspiration to his drag persona bearing his given name, and channeling all his love for old school glamour.
Kyne grew up in Kitchener, Ontario where he moved with his family in 2003. With his eyes set on the stars, Kyne took to the camera and launched the YouTube channel “onlinekyne” in 2013, where he posted vlogs, makeup tutorials, and the musings of a high school boy. He graduated high school with the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarship to study at the University of Waterloo, from which he has since graduated with a Bachelor of Mathematics with a major in Mathematical Finance.
Kyne began her drag career while at university, and became known for her drag tutorials on YouTube. In 2020, she appeared on the first season of Canada’s Drag Race.
Afterwards, she took to TikTok (“onlinekyne”) to make short-form math videos where she tells riddles, gives math lessons, history lessons, and teaches her followers how to spot misleading statistics in media, all while dressed in high-glamour drag.
Her list of partnerships include Maplesoft, Yahoo, L’Oreal, MAC Cosmetics, Loblaw, Proactiv, Taco Bell, TikTok, Pinterest, Wealthsimple, Ontario Power Generation, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, eOne, and more. You can find her off-screen delivering high-energy lipsync performances and inspiring keynote speeches.
With an audience of over 2 million followers across platforms, Kyne spreads her passion for math education and scientific literacy, and brings STEM education to the queer community and queerness to STEM.
How to Support Us
Stay Connected: Follow Kyne Santos on his latest adventures on TikTok at @OnlineKyne. Go check out his latest book “Math in Drag” at all major retailers.
Support Breaking Math Podcast: Join our Patreon at patreon.com/breakingmath, follow Breaking Math @breakingmathpod on Twitter, and @breakingmathmedia on Instagram. If you also want to follow our hosts on Twitter you can find Gabe at @techpodgabe and Autumn @1autumn_leaf. Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us five stars!
