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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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Mel Woods

Senior editor Mel Woods is an English-speaking Vancouver-based writer, editor and audio producer and a former associate editor with HuffPost Canada. A proud prairie queer and ranch dressing expert, their work has also appeared in Vice, Slate, the Tyee, the CBC, the Globe and Mail and the Walrus.

Rechie Valdez named Women and Gender Equality and Youth minister
Video

Rechie Valdez named Women and Gender Equality and Youth minister

Valdez will handle gender in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new cabinet

May 13, 2025
Aaron Gunn, Andrew Lawton among controversial MPs headed to Ottawa
Rainbow Votes 2025

Aaron Gunn, Andrew Lawton among controversial MPs headed to Ottawa

ANALYSIS: The 2025 federal election winners include multiple people with concerning pasts around LGBTQ2S+ issues

April 30, 2025
Mark Carney’s Liberals projected to win Canadian federal election
Rainbow Votes 2025

Mark Carney’s Liberals projected to win Canadian federal election

What does the 2025 Canadian federal election result mean for LGBTQ2S+ people in Canada?

April 29, 2025
Conservative platform pledges ban on trans women in women’s prisons
Rainbow Votes 2025

Conservative platform pledges ban on trans women in women’s prisons

ANALYSIS: The Conservative Party of Canada’s 2025 federal election platform also hints at possible future anti-trans policies

April 22, 2025
Quinn’s inaugural NSL goal is a big deal for trans sports
Video

Quinn’s inaugural NSL goal is a big deal for trans sports

ANALYSIS: The Vancouver Rise midfielder ensured that trans people will play a starring role in the new era of sports in Canada

April 17, 2025
Canadian musicians pull U.S. tour dates in wake of visa restrictions
Video

Canadian musicians pull U.S. tour dates in wake of visa restrictions

Bells Larsen and T. Thomason are among trans travellers impacted by Trump’s immigration policies

April 15, 2025
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What John Oliver’s trans sports episode got right
Video

What John Oliver’s trans sports episode got right

ANALYSIS: The “Last Week Tonight” host tackled fairness in sports with a pitch-perfect blend of facts and empathy

April 10, 2025
We must be ready to counter the right’s obsession with trans people
Rainbow Votes 2025

We must be ready to counter the right’s obsession with trans people

ANALYSIS: Conservatives have shown they’re willing to make trans rights a wedge issue. Progressives can’t just stand by and watch

April 10, 2025
Mark Carney calls LGBTQ2S+ rights ‘fundamental’
Rainbow Votes 2025

Mark Carney calls LGBTQ2S+ rights ‘fundamental’

The Liberal leader made his first public comments about LGBTQ2S+ issues of the campaign at a stop in Alberta

April 9, 2025
5 things to know about Jonathan Pedneault
Rainbow Votes 2025

5 things to know about Jonathan Pedneault

What you need to know about Canada’s only openly queer federal political party leader

March 26, 2025
2025 Canadian federal election: What you need to know
Rainbow Votes 2025

2025 Canadian federal election: What you need to know

From how and when to register to vote, to the big narratives we’re watching

March 24, 2025
Rainbow Votes returns for the 2025 Canadian federal election
Rainbow Votes 2025

Rainbow Votes returns for the 2025 Canadian federal election

Subscribe now to Xtra’s free pop-up election newsletter and stay looped into all things election 2025

March 20, 2025
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Carney cabinet cuts Minister for Women and Gender Equality
Video

Carney cabinet cuts Minister for Women and Gender Equality

ANALYSIS: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new cabinet is down several roles focused on diversity, equity and inclusion

March 17, 2025
Where does Mark Carney stand on queer and trans issues?
Video

Where does Mark Carney stand on queer and trans issues?

ANALYSIS: The new Liberal leader and prime minister-designate should affirm his party’s stance before going toe to toe with Pierre Poilievre

March 10, 2025
Trans sports ban fails in U.S. Senate
Video

Trans sports ban fails in U.S. Senate

In a welcome win amidst Trump’s anti-trans onslaught, a national ban on trans women and girls from women’s sports died on the Senate floor this week

March 4, 2025
Multiple Toronto Pride sponsors back out amid DEI backlash
Video

Multiple Toronto Pride sponsors back out amid DEI backlash

Three large corporate sponsors, including Nissan Canada, have walked back support of this year’s festival

March 3, 2025
Explaining the new U.S. visa restrictions on trans travellers
Video

Explaining the new U.S. visa restrictions on trans travellers

ANALYSIS: If you’re a Canadian travelling to the U.S. for a vacation, should you worry? What about trans athletes?

February 27, 2025
We can do better than lazy Trump/Musk gay memes
Politics

We can do better than lazy Trump/Musk gay memes

OPINION: There are plenty of ways to troll the president and his right-hand man without resorting to casual homophobia

February 26, 2025
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