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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.

Is Labubu a gay icon?
Culture

Is Labubu a gay icon?

The Pop Mart blind box doll fits into a long history of the gay obsession

June 19, 2025
U.S. Supreme Court upholds ban on gender-affirming care for minors
Justice

U.S. Supreme Court upholds ban on gender-affirming care for minors

ANALYSIS: The ruling in the “U.S. vs. Skrmetti” case sets a new precedent for restrictions on trans rights in America

June 18, 2025
Cole Escola won a Tony. But why are acting awards still so gendered?
Identity

Cole Escola won a Tony. But why are acting awards still so gendered?

The “Oh, Mary!” star became the first non-binary actor to win a lead acting Tony Award

June 12, 2025
Lorde’s “Man of the Year” and the permission to want
Music

Lorde’s “Man of the Year” and the permission to want

Even before I could bring myself to want to be a man, I suddenly found myself as one

June 5, 2025
2025 Pride collections lean heavily into jorts
Pride

2025 Pride collections lean heavily into jorts

ANALYSIS: From American Eagle to Target, many of this year’s Pride offerings are bland on bland

June 3, 2025
Activist groups reportedly gave Alberta list of LGBTQ2S+ books to investigate
Censorship

Activist groups reportedly gave Alberta list of LGBTQ2S+ books to investigate

ANALYSIS: Action4Canada is calling Alberta’s move to investigate “inappropriate” school library books a “massive win”

May 30, 2025
Advertisement

Alberta to create standards for ‘age-appropriate’ school library books
Censorship

Alberta to create standards for ‘age-appropriate’ school library books

Maia Kobabe’s “Gender Queer” and Alison Bechdel’s “Fun Home” are among the books flagged as “extremely graphic”

May 26, 2025
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
Advertisement

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
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
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