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Xtra is an online magazine and community platform covering LGBTQ2S+ culture, politics and health. We aim to break boundaries, think outside of binaries and build bridges within our communities and beyond.

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Max Gao hedshot

Max Gao

Contributing editor Max Gao (he/him) is a freelance sports, arts and entertainment journalist based out of Toronto and Montreal. He has written for The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, NBC News, Sports Illustrated, The Daily Beast, Harper's Bazaar, ELLE, Men's Health, Teen Vogue and other publications. He has also worked as a writer and photographer for the National Bank Open tennis tournament. He speaks six languages: four fluently (English, French, Spanish, Mandarin) and two conversationally (Italian, German).

  • MaxJGao
‘Golden Delicious’ offers a sweet, fresh take on the classic coming-of-age sports story
TV & Film

‘Golden Delicious’ offers a sweet, fresh take on the classic coming-of-age sports story

Young intimacy is rarely portrayed so beautifully—plus there’s a meet-cute moment for the ages. Xtra talks with the film’s director and star

September 14, 2023
Zane Phillips on ‘Fire Island,’ ‘Legacies’ and educating co-stars about himbos
TV & Film

Zane Phillips on ‘Fire Island,’ ‘Legacies’ and educating co-stars about himbos

Concurrent roles in TV and film have led to a break-out year for the actor

June 30, 2022
After ‘Pose,’ Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is ready to delve into something new
TV & Film

After ‘Pose,’ Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is ready to delve into something new

Rodriguez stars in the new Apple TV+ comedy “Loot” alongside Maya Rudolph

June 24, 2022
Walking a fine line with Rick Mercer
Books

Walking a fine line with Rick Mercer

The comedian’s new memoir explores how he rose to fame by honing in on political satire

January 17, 2022
‘The Bravest Knight’ star T.R. Knight talks about toxic Hollywood culture and his multistaged coming out
TV & Film

‘The Bravest Knight’ star T.R. Knight talks about toxic Hollywood culture and his multistaged coming out

Knight also shares his experience returning to “Grey’s Anatomy” a decade after he quit

September 29, 2021
How this straight actor prepared to play gay in The CW’s ‘Kung Fu’
TV & Film

How this straight actor prepared to play gay in The CW’s ‘Kung Fu’

Aussie Jon Prasida talks about being an ally and about Asian representation on screen

July 16, 2021
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Indie Canadian drag film ‘Jump, Darling’ nabs a major Hollywood star and spawns a surprising love affair
TV & Film

Indie Canadian drag film ‘Jump, Darling’ nabs a major Hollywood star and spawns a surprising love affair

The film’s director and lead actor discuss how they connected on set and the wonder of working with a legend like Cloris Leachman in her final role

March 16, 2021
Sarah McBride’s inclusive America
Politics

Sarah McBride’s inclusive America

Two months into her role, the new state senator wants to make Delaware a better, safer place—not just for LGBTQ2S+ people but all of its residents

March 1, 2021
Javicia Leslie is a new Batwoman for a new era
TV & Film

Javicia Leslie is a new Batwoman for a new era

The bisexual star leads the charge for a diverse DC universe

January 15, 2021
Saving queer Latinx representation on screen with Isabella Gomez
TV & Film

Saving queer Latinx representation on screen with Isabella Gomez

The ‘One Day at a Time’ actress reflects on the show’s near cancellation, her character’s queer relationship and her first-ever series regular role on TV

October 23, 2020
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