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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.

Pride flag returns to Stonewall after sudden removal
Politics

Pride flag returns to Stonewall after sudden removal

The Pride flag at Stonewall National Monument was taken down after a crackdown on “improper partisan ideology” in federal landmarks

April 14, 2026
How a Canadian social media age ban would impact trans people of all ages
Social Media

How a Canadian social media age ban would impact trans people of all ages

Whether it’s requiring government ID or scanning users’ faces, digital age-verification tools pose a host of problems for queer and trans people

April 13, 2026
Alberta law aims to ban ‘ideology,’ non-government flags in schools
Education

Alberta law aims to ban ‘ideology,’ non-government flags in schools

Bill 25, introduced in the legislature this week, will prohibit teachers and school districts from promoting or taking stances “social or ideological” issues

April 1, 2026
U.S. Supreme Court rules against Colorado conversion therapy ban
Justice

U.S. Supreme Court rules against Colorado conversion therapy ban

The landmark 8-1 decision could have sweeping repercussions on LGBTQ2S+ rights and health care regulation across America

March 31, 2026
Trans visibility promises a better world. That’s why it’s under attack
Transphobia

Trans visibility promises a better world. That’s why it’s under attack

Trans Day of Visibility is a call to action reminding us that other things in our world can change for the better too

March 31, 2026
Ten years after its debut, hockey still needs Pride Tape
Sports

Ten years after its debut, hockey still needs Pride Tape

As the rainbow hockey stick tape turns 10 years old, reaction to “Heated Rivalry” shows it is more vital than ever

March 30, 2026
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IOC fairness in women’s sports policy makes sports less fair for women
Sports

IOC fairness in women’s sports policy makes sports less fair for women

In banning trans women from the Olympics and mandating strict gender testing, the IOC just set women’s rights overall back

March 26, 2026
There’s no excuse for ‘The Last of Us’ casting a cis actor to play trans
TV & Film

There’s no excuse for ‘The Last of Us’ casting a cis actor to play trans

Putting the care into casting a young trans actor might be a challenge. It’s also an opportunity

March 23, 2026
U.S. Supreme Court blocks California policy protecting students from forced outing
Justice

U.S. Supreme Court blocks California policy protecting students from forced outing

The ruling is the latest case to tackle parental rights and religion in public schools

March 3, 2026
What the Barry Neufeld tribunal ruling means for trans rights in Canada
Justice

What the Barry Neufeld tribunal ruling means for trans rights in Canada

A former Chilliwack school trustee has been ordered to pay $750,000 after years of anti-LGBTQ2S+ posts

February 24, 2026
NBC apologizes after misgendering Olympic skier
Sports

NBC apologizes after misgendering Olympic skier

Swedish freestyle skier Elis Lundholm made history as the first openly trans Winter Olympian

February 17, 2026
The Tumbler Ridge shooting is already fuelling anti-trans hate in Canada
Politics

The Tumbler Ridge shooting is already fuelling anti-trans hate in Canada

Bad actors on the right are leaping to connect the shooter’s trans identity to the violence

February 11, 2026
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Skate Canada showed they don’t have to play by non-inclusive rules
Sports

Skate Canada showed they don’t have to play by non-inclusive rules

The sports organization pulling out of Alberta is unique. But it sets a standard

February 11, 2026
Book ban lists from Edmonton, Calgary school districts released
Censorship

Book ban lists from Edmonton, Calgary school districts released

The Alberta government has mandated that school libraries remove titles with “inappropriate” content

February 2, 2026
Close vote on conversion therapy ban shows divided Conservative Party
Politics

Close vote on conversion therapy ban shows divided Conservative Party

While Pierre Poilievre decisively won his leadership review, his party remains muddled on where to go next

February 2, 2026
Advocates mount new challenge to Alberta anti-trans law
Justice

Advocates mount new challenge to Alberta anti-trans law

Skipping Stone and Egale Canada are headed back to court to try and overturn Alberta’s youth gender-affirming-care ban

January 27, 2026
Publishers are acquiring fewer queer books due to U.S. book bans: Report
Censorship

Publishers are acquiring fewer queer books due to U.S. book bans: Report

LGBTQ2S+ authors say they are seeing increases in rejections from publishers and significant decreases in royalties

January 14, 2026
Trans people in the U.S. are moving out-of-state for their safety
Politics

Trans people in the U.S. are moving out-of-state for their safety

A new study from the Movement Advancement Project illustrates the rising uncertainty faced by queer and trans people in the U.S.

January 12, 2026
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