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.

Queer Culture Catch-Up

Holidays got you blue? Here’s some joy and fight and warm hugs

Our culture maven S. Bear Bergman has some terrific suggestions on navigating family drama and crafting your own traditions

December 1, 2023

Queer Culture Catch-Up

Miss Chief’s memoirs, ‘Next Goal Wins,’ drag kings, gay bar history and more

Looking for a happy cry? S. Bear Bergman has you covered

November 17, 2023

Queer Culture Catch-Up

Hot thrills from João Dall’Stella and a sexy musical with Baby Tate

Plus Kareem Khubchandani, W.A.W. Parker and a queer theatre series online

November 8, 2023

Queer Culture Catch-Up

A corporate podcast and a science fiction novel among Bear’s latest recommendations?

Plus a short film on Ukraine, “Girlfriends” by Emily Zhou and I Put A Spell On You Broadway fundraiser

October 20, 2023

TV & Film

The sweet radicalism of Mr. Dressup, the Canadian Mister Rogers

REVIEW: Beloved kids show had a surprising queer heart

October 10, 2023

Queer Culture Catch-Up

Mashed-up historical romance from Lex Croucher, ‘Yesterqueers’ on TikTok and musicians Kaien Cruz and Moe Reen top our calendar this week

Plus national treasure Walter Borden is onstage in Toronto

October 6, 2023

Queer Culture Catch-Up

Put music from Sister Wife Sex Strike, Venezuelan film ‘Bad Hair’ and a Coyote Joe Stevens musical on your culture calendar

Plus Danny Ramadan’s new children’s book and more

September 22, 2023

Queer Culture Catch-Up

Book your date with queer country love from Tyler Childers and trans advocate Chanel Lopez

Plus two great fiction choices for tweens and teens

September 8, 2023

Queer Culture Catch-Up

Author Khashayar J. Khabushani, films ‘Mutt’ and ‘Summer Qamp’ and music by Thea Grace and Um, Jennifer? top this week’s culture calendar

Plus patient advice from the Trans Handy Ma’am

August 25, 2023

Queer Culture Catch-Up

A new release from R. Eric Thomas and ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ delivers the happy gay fluff we deserve

Plus Darcy & Jer, Kai Cheng Thom and queer ASL

August 11, 2023

Queer Culture Catch-Up

‘Dungeons and Drag Queens’ and country music without the gun-toting hate top the QCC playlist this week

Plus Caitlin Metz, gay science, C.A. Tanaka and more

July 21, 2023

Queer Culture Catch-Up

‘International Male’ documentary and ‘Vibe Check’ podcast top the catch-up this week

Plus diverse, ethical porn, a “Fast and Furious”-themed trans zine and a breathlessly funny YA title from Jason June

July 7, 2023

Queer Culture Catch-Up

Miss Major, Big Freedia, Dykanite and trans science fiction on deck for Pride Month

Plus queer poetry and two big film festivals online

June 23, 2023

Queer Culture Catch-Up

Black trans town hall, masc films, Manuel Betancourt’s ‘The Male Gazed’ and Cher, Cher, Cher

Plus, for those in Toronto, queer music from NXNE

June 9, 2023

Queer Culture Catch-Up

‘Dykes to Watch Out For’ audio play, Billy-Ray Belcourt’s new literary magazine, Torrey McDowell’s country croonin’, Leah Johnson’s tween respect, a joy break from Eurovision’s Netta and a plea for anti-censorship action

S. Bear Bergman curates a beautiful Pride Month of culture with a starring role for you

May 26, 2023

Queer Culture Catch-Up

Little Richard doc, Billy Porter tour, park sex, Liz Glazer comedy and music from SOFI TUKKER

“I have been singing and dancing and laughing along with so many things since last we met”

May 11, 2023

Queer Culture Catch-Up

Music by Lynnee Breedlove and Juba Kalamka, a Charlie Jane Anders trilogy, queer Brit hobby groups and Kit Yan, Melissa Li and Michael R. Jackson in NYC

This week’s gay enticements to engage in queer culture

April 20, 2023

Queer Culture Catch-Up

5 new queer books to relish this spring

“Mimosa” and “Hijab Butch Blues” highlight this edition of S. Bear Berman’s bi-weekly cultural catch-up

April 6, 2023