Catherine Hernandez’s new dystopian novel feels very real in 2020

In “Crosshairs,” the author conjures a near-future world where a resistance movement rises up against authoritarianism, racism and environmental disaster

By Rachel Giese

Books

The secret history of gay liberation

Eric Cervini’s ‘The Deviant’s War’ follows the life and activism of Frank Kameny—a generation before Stonewall

By Rob Csernyik

Music

There’s ‘no question too gay’ for post-classic rockers Partner

Founding frontwomen Lucy Niles and Josée Caron go full-throttle for Xtra

By Jesse Locke

Music

Melanie C continues to bring the girl power

Having made peace with her past, the former Spice Girl is crafting the best music of her career on her new self-titled album

By Tranna Wintour

Indigenous

Musician Melody McKiver harnesses the sound at the centre of creation

The Anishinaabe violist and composer finds inspiration in nature, traditional teachings and family connections in Sioux Lookout

By Jesse Locke

Xtra Weekly

Topline: Rihanna and Eric Trump

Here’s what to expect from Xtra Weekly, Oct. 2

By Xtra Staff

Culture

4 LGBTQ2 happenings to wind you up or down right now

What to watch, read, listen to or look at: Oct. 1

By Sarah Taher

TV & Film

‘The Boys in the Band’ has delighted and horrified audiences for 50 years

The new film adaptation of Mart Crowley’s revered and reviled play encapsulates a half century of change

By Frank M. Miller

Books

Chilling disappearances that still haunt 10 years later

Justin Ling’s ‘Missing from the Village’ is a careful, infuriating book documenting the murder of eight men in Toronto and the police inaction that failed to protect the community

By Justin Ling

Drag Race

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race: Vegas Revue’ was a fascinating artifact of a pre-pandemic era

The finale ended with COVID-19 shuttering ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race Live!,’ but what fascinated most was its depiction of life before lockdown

By Kevin O’Keeffe

Books

A thrilling debut novel takes revenge on smalltown homophobia

Young Quebecois novelist Kevin Lambert kills it with his recently translated book “You Will Love What You Have Killed”

By Christopher DiRaddo

Love & Sex

What it’s like to nurse when you’re non-binary

In an essay from their new collection, “Like a Boy but Not a Boy,” andrea bennett reflects on the joys and limitations of non-binary parenting

By andrea bennett

Books

Queer enchantments: Finding fairy tales to suit a rainbow of desires

Carefree escape and radical politics are spun from a surprising collection of contemporary classics

By Jennifer Orme

Xtra Weekly

Topline: Sarah Paulson and Kamala Harris

Here’s what to expect from Xtra Weekly, Sept. 25

By Xtra Staff

Arts

4 LGBTQ2 happenings to wind you up or down right now

What to watch, read, listen to or look at: Sept. 24

By Sarah Taher

Identity

In Nigeria, podcasts give voice to LGBTQ people

While queer and trans Nigerians remain persecuted, shows like ‘Queercity’ and ‘The Pride Diaries’ create a sense of community among the country’s LGBTQ population

By Nelson C.J

TV & Film

Channeling alienation into a cosmic passion project

John Shepherd dreamed of contacting aliens through music he beamed into space

By Jesse Locke

Books

Toronto at its most glitteringly sad

Kristyn Dunnion’s new story collection “Stoop City” blooms with characters down on their luck

By Casey Plett