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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.

Trans girls banned from U.K. Girl Guides following Supreme Court ruling
Justice

Trans girls banned from U.K. Girl Guides following Supreme Court ruling

The U.K. Women’s Institute also announced it will ban trans women from membership

December 3, 2025
Why is everyone obsessed with this gay Canadian hockey TV show?
TV & Film

Why is everyone obsessed with this gay Canadian hockey TV show?

“Heated Rivalry” has been a breakout hit. What’s the special sauce that’s making everyone so excited?

December 2, 2025
The lies Danielle Smith is telling to overturn trans kids’ rights
Politics

The lies Danielle Smith is telling to overturn trans kids’ rights

The Alberta government is invoking the Notwithstanding Clause to protect its three anti-trans laws from being challenged in the courts

November 18, 2025
Human Rights Campaign drops weapons manufacturers as corporate sponsors
Activism

Human Rights Campaign drops weapons manufacturers as corporate sponsors

HRC’s divestment was a result of “unrelenting organizing happening within LGBT2SQ+ communities”

November 14, 2025
Alberta UCP to consider policy proposal banning Pride flags on public property
Politics

Alberta UCP to consider policy proposal banning Pride flags on public property

Danielle Smith’s party will also consider changes to DEI in schools and the disclosure of students’ participation in gay-straight alliances at their annual convention

November 12, 2025
Will the IOC ban trans women from the Olympics?
Sports

Will the IOC ban trans women from the Olympics?

While reports claim a ban on trans women athletes could take shape before the Winter Games in Milan, the decision likely won’t be made until next summer

November 10, 2025
Advertisement

Jonathan Bailey is the first openly gay ‘Sexiest Man Alive’
Celebrity

Jonathan Bailey is the first openly gay ‘Sexiest Man Alive’

The tight pants wearing “Wicked” star earned the honour this year. But what other sexy queers should get the nod one day?

November 4, 2025
Why are cis women suddenly into taking testosterone?
Love & Sex

Why are cis women suddenly into taking testosterone?

An emerging trend in wellness has women seeking out T to improve their sex lives or energy levels

October 29, 2025
Calgary elects first openly queer mayor
Politics

Calgary elects first openly queer mayor

Jeromy Farkas, who is bisexual, came up politically in the same Wildrose Party that birthed Danielle Smith

October 24, 2025
Alabama looks to ban library books that ‘positively’ depict trans people
Censorship

Alabama looks to ban library books that ‘positively’ depict trans people

A new rule would see any books positively depicting trans people banned from children’s sections at public libraries in the state

October 22, 2025
U.S. airlines told to ignore ‘X’ gender markers
Politics

U.S. airlines told to ignore ‘X’ gender markers

Travellers will have to be listed under “M” or “F” under a new rule stemming from Trump’s executive order on gender

October 21, 2025
How far-right groups brought the culture war to Alberta schools
Education

How far-right groups brought the culture war to Alberta schools

Many of the most vocal groups in developing Alberta’s school policies have no affiliation to kids or the education system

October 17, 2025
Advertisement

Poilievre and the Conservatives are going after DEI again
Politics

Poilievre and the Conservatives are going after DEI again

In a new petition, the party is calling for a return of “merit”

October 15, 2025
Why the U.S. Supreme Court case on Colorado conversion therapy ban matters
Justice

Why the U.S. Supreme Court case on Colorado conversion therapy ban matters

How the U.S. Supreme Court rules on Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors will have massive implications for queer people in the U.S.

October 8, 2025
Advocates slam surge of arrests at known New York City gay cruising spot
Cruising

Advocates slam surge of arrests at known New York City gay cruising spot

Twenty people were reportedly arrested at a cruising hot spot in Penn Station in a single day—and others have reportedly been taken into ICE custody

October 6, 2025
Why is Elon Musk raging against a Netflix cartoon?
TV & Film

Why is Elon Musk raging against a Netflix cartoon?

Elon Musk and Libs of TikTok are calling for a Netflix boycott because of a trans character in “Dead End: Paranormal Park”

October 3, 2025
Canada warns travellers with ‘X’ gender markers about going to the U.S.
Politics

Canada warns travellers with ‘X’ gender markers about going to the U.S.

The updated advisory states that citizens with an “X” gender marker on their passport could face restrictions when entering the U.S. 

October 2, 2025
Alberta professor put on leave amid harassment over Charlie Kirk posts
Censorship

Alberta professor put on leave amid harassment over Charlie Kirk posts

University of Alberta law professor Florence Ashley was temporarily put on non-disciplinary leave following social media posts they made about Charlie Kirk’s death

September 30, 2025
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