Confusion around federal powers is holding LGBTQ2S+ advocacy back

Getting the Canadian government’s attention means being strategic in our demands

The Canadian government’s curious silence on the crackdown on LGBTQ+ people in Türkiye

Several European countries and numerous organizations have spoken up, but Canada has neither joined in nor issued a statement of their own

By Dale Smith

Violence against LGBTQ2S+

The Philippine military killed a 26-year-old trans woman from Seattle. Her death reveals how social movements are intertwined

Filipina-American activist Kai Sorem went to the Philippines to defend the environment. Her death is a chilling reminder of the increased dangers faced by LGBTQ2S+ advocates abroad

By Alessandra Bergamin

Media

The lesbian bar discourse should have never left the group chat

A mainstream publication making queer and disabled people the butt of the joke isn’t just poor taste—it’s harmful journalism

By Oliver Haug

Sports

Why the WPBL partnering with a lesbian travel company matters

Support from lesbian brands and bars harks back to the queer history of women’s sport leagues

By Frankie de la Cretaz

Proud Lives

Remembering barbara findlay

The trailblazing lawyer and activist died on Aug. 22. Her connection to Xtra runs deep

By Mel Woods

Books

‘Unsafe’ challenges us to handle anti-trans backlash differently

S. Lamble’s debut argues that punishment makes anti-trans activists double down on their hate

By Eli Erlick

Media

Transphobia is rotting women’s sports media

Sports media is perpetuating a problem that doesn’t actually exist

By Mel Woods

Activism

Canadian senator debuts largest queer picture-book collection in the world

Alberta senator Kristopher Wells partnered with IBBY Canada to launch a publicly available collection of more than 300 LGBTQ2S+ picture books

By Jeffrey Canton

Proud Lives

Remembering the life and activism of Michael Hendricks

Hendricks, who died this month at 84, left an indelible mark on Canadian queer history

By Matthew Hays

Pride

Pride organizers to ‘strengthen’ security following attack in Berlin

Pride organizations in Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa are assuring patrons they will be able to celebrate safely at upcoming Pride events

By Mel Woods

Activism

What will Hanlan’s Point look like if Billy Bishop Airport expands?

The Toronto beach is Canada’s oldest surviving LGBTQ2S+ space, but a plan to build up a nearby airport has advocates on edge

By Denio Lourenco

Justice

The Supreme Court’s ruling on trans athletes opens the door to all kinds of horrors

In the face of a government that wants to legislate us out of everyday life, we must continue to show up for one another—and commit to outliving the bastards

By Katelyn Burns

Sports

Are Pride Nights at sports games worth the controversy?

They might be superficial money grabs—but Pride Nights can help maintain visibility in a moment of escalating queer repression

By Katelyn Burns

We've Been Here

The bleak history of the Toronto bathhouse raids

In 1981, Toronto police arrested nearly 300 gay men as part of a six-month undercover operation called “Operation Soap”

By Cody Corrall

Religion

The Anglican Church is an imperfect place, but I still found my way back

As a trans woman, I’ve returned to the church on my own terms; I’m working with others to tear down the barriers that drive difference away

By Charlotte Sheasby

Pride

Canada Post just debuted four new stamps honouring queer historic sites

Places of Pride features four new postage stamps commemorating places and events that are pivotal to the country’s queer history

By Cody Corrall, Mel Woods

Activism

Toronto is making an ambitious bid to return the Village to its roots

From eliminating cars to bringing back queer organizations, advocates are fighting to protect the gaybourhood’s identity

By Denio Lourenco