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

By S. Bear Bergman

TV & Film

‘Ted Lasso’ missed the mark in its portrayal of female queerness

OPINION: A bi Keeley stan feels betrayed by the character’s Season 3 storyline

By Mira Miller

Books

How Adele Bertei incited rebellion and connection through rock ’n’ roll

After a harrowing youth and a wild career, the 68-year-old musician and author is clear on one thing: queer people are fighters

By vivi hansen

Tech

AI art like the ‘RuPublicans’ is part of a long lineage of queer remixing

ANALYSIS: Viral posts of U.S. Republicans dressed in drag are fun and subversive, but issues of ownership from AI art are still a concern

By Jon Heggestad

TV & Film

‘Monica’ speaks to a rarely shown part of the trans experience

The Trace Lysette drama beautifully explores the ambiguities of life after transition

By Veronica Esposito

TV & Film

‘Yellowjackets’ Season 2, Episode 8 recap: Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage

In the series’ darkest episode yet, “It Chooses” is a hard watch

By Mel Woods

TV & Film

‘The Ultimatum: Queer Love’ is a mess in the best possible way

REVIEW: Netflix’s long-awaited queer dating experience is as imperfect as the queer dating culture it seeks to showcase

By Mel Woods

Drag Race

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8,’ Episode 3 power ranking: Let’s get Wild

We get our third new maxi-challenge winner of the season

By Kevin O’Keeffe

Drag Race

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8,’ Episode 3 recap: Supermarket, swept

The latest edition of the ball challenge inspires some wonky judging

By Kevin O’Keeffe

Culture

Compared to Twitter, Bluesky is an online haven for trans people. But can it last?

OPINION: As it expands, the social media platform will have to adapt its moderation policies if it wants to keep vulnerable users safe

By Katelyn Burns

TV & Film

Love your neighbour as yourself? The surprising queer romance set in a remote Jehovah’s Witness community

REVIEW: Indie feature “You Can Live Forever” focuses on joy over trauma

By Sara Clements

The Xtra Long Read

Living sound forever: The genius of Wendy Carlos

The trans synth pioneer changed music—and the world—forever

By Kristen S. Hé

Xtra News Flash

Taiwan OKs same-sex adoption, Florida investigates teacher who showed Disney film, ‘Dykes to Watch Out For’ audiobook, Missouri ends emergency rule banning trans care and Archie Comics’ first trans character

5 queer and trans stories we’re watching: May 17

By Jackie Richardson

Xtra News Flash

U.K.’s first gay dating show, end of no-cost PrEP delayed, WGA strike trans takeover, Kim Petras on cover of SI swimsuit issue, Beijing LGBT Center closes and Florida city prohibits Pride drag shows

6 queer stories we’re watching: May 16

By Bhagyashree Chatterjee, Phoebe Fuller

Xtra News Flash

New Janelle Monáe, AMA president vows to fight for trans people, GLAAD media awards, trans teens sue Montana and a Sapphic horror biopic

5 queer stories we’re watching: May 15

By Maddy Mahoney

TV & Film

‘Yellowjackets’ Season 2, Episode 7 recap: Caligula and the angry punch

A queer icon’s guest appearance and some of the series’ darkest moments spell a stand-out episode of “Yellowjackets”

By Mel Woods

Drag Race

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8’ premiere power ranking: Living for the fame

The first two episodes give us a decent understanding of who our frontrunners are

By Kevin O’Keeffe

Drag Race

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8’ Episode 2 recap: Live from the werk room

The second part of the season premiere is an improvement, largely thanks to a very special guest

By Kevin O’Keeffe