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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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Ruby Pratka

Ruby Pratka is a freelance journalist based in Montreal. She filed her first stories for Xtra as a 19-year-old Carleton University undergrad, way back when the office was located on Kent St in Ottawa. Since then, she has lived, worked and studied in Russia, Slovenia, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Italy and Burundi. She lived in Kelowna, Winnipeg and Quebec City before deciding on Montreal. She is a queer woman who has never cared much for gender conformity. She most enjoys reporting on immigration and refugee rights as well as housing and food security issues. Her writing has appeared in English and French in Vice Québec, HuffPost Québec, Ricochet, Shareable and the Quebec Chronicle-Telegraph, among others. She enjoys cooking and choral singing.

The challenges of being trans, male and homeless in Montreal
Power

The challenges of being trans, male and homeless in Montreal

Why do so few shelters provide a safe space for trans men?

December 6, 2017
Online activism in North Africa
Opinion

Online activism in North Africa

Moroccan gays and lesbians hope their growing cyber movement is the first step to wider acceptance

November 16, 2013
Quebec City celebrates Pride
Culture

Quebec City celebrates Pride

Fête Arc-en-Ciel attracts thousands to end-of-summer rainbow party

September 3, 2013
Inside Brussels’ lesbian scene
Travel

Inside Brussels’ lesbian scene

Parties for women in the European capital are becoming easier to find

August 4, 2013
Scouting Antwerp’s lesbian nightlife
Travel

Scouting Antwerp’s lesbian nightlife

A couple bars, good fries and nice chocolate

July 8, 2013
Red, white and rainbow?
Power

Red, white and rainbow?

Out gay Republicans help reshape party’s image after election slap

February 28, 2013
Advertisement

Small steps forward in the Balkans
Power

Small steps forward in the Balkans

Toronto Pride international grand marshal Goran Miletic is optimistic

June 21, 2012
A dubious paradise
Power

A dubious paradise

Gay asylum seekers live in fear and uncertainty in Paris

January 24, 2012
Trying not to be afraid in Burundi
Power

Trying not to be afraid in Burundi

A snapshot of life in a country where being gay is illegal

October 25, 2011
Technology links gays in Montreal and Moscow
Culture

Technology links gays in Montreal and Moscow

Queer Concordia reaches out to Moscow Pride half a world away

April 25, 2010
The new Russian queer activism
Power

The new Russian queer activism

Ice thawing on gay issues as activists work to increase visibility, connection

December 1, 2009
Police forces are hiring more gay cops…
Power

Police forces are hiring more gay cops…

But can they keep us?

August 25, 2008
Advertisement

Serving with pride
Power

Serving with pride

Queer cops organize

August 25, 2008
Ontario queers push for stronger police relations
Power

Ontario queers push for stronger police relations

London, Peterborough building liaison committees

August 7, 2008
Police selling out Ottawa’s whores
Power

Police selling out Ottawa’s whores

Complaint-driven response ignores advocates

July 15, 2008
Police policy on park cruising is a mixed bag
Power

Police policy on park cruising is a mixed bag

Summer refresher

June 3, 2008
Dining out: Food forethought
Culture

Dining out: Food forethought

Busy gays say goodbye to frozen pizza

April 1, 2008
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