In these trying times, thank goodness for the TikTok butches in bikinis

How fun and sexy queer TikTok trends are a blessed balm for the hell of the world

Summer swimwear solutions for all genders and bodies

From binding at the beach to size-inclusive options, queer and trans folks are finding ways to look cool and comfortable

By Mel Woods

Music

How Juno nominee STORRY became a marvel of reinvention

An experience with abused elephants encouraged the artist to stick with her career in music

By Jesse Locke

Drag Race

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 6’ Episode 3 power ranking: Hustle culture

Personal growth in her polish and confidence helps one queen’s rise to the top

By Kevin O’Keeffe

Queer View Mirror

Degrassi’s Paige Michalchuk was complicated, to say the least, but her journey was my journey

Best known as half of “Palex,” the series’ first bisexual deserved a better ending than she got

By Mira Miller

Drag Race

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 6’ Episode 3 recap: Let’s get ‘Physical’

Baby, keep on stanning like you ain’t got a choice for this iconic lip sync

By Kevin O’Keeffe

Queer Culture Catch-Up

From the ultimate James Baldwin playlist to a juicy plus-sized cabaret

Our recommendations for what’s up and what’s on, beginning July 1

By S. Bear Bergman

Xtra Weekly

Topline: When will our bodies release the pandemic stress?

As public spaces reopen, I’m learning to manage the anxiety caused by COVID-19

By Lito Howse

TV & Film

Everything queer coming to streaming platforms in July

From lesbian love spanning three centuries to a modern rendition of “Gossip Girl”

By Sarah Taher

The Xtra Long Read

After more than two years of Bolsonaro, queer Brazilian artists and entertainers feel like they’re losing ground

The unexpected death of comedian Paulo Gustavo has focused attention on the government’s disregard for LGBTQ+ culture

By Nicole Froio

Identity

12 queer and trans trailblazing athletes you should know

Carl Nassib is the first openly gay active NFL player. But countless queer and trans athletes paved the way for his historic disclosure

By Mel Woods

That’s the Way It Is

We still can’t tell if Céline Dion is a child prodigy made good or a heartless robot bent on world domination

One thing’s for sure: after 40 years in showbiz, the beloved Quebec chanteuse has never figured out how to be cool

By Thomas Leblanc, Tranna Wintour

Books

What writer Peter Dubé is looking for at the intersection of queerness and the surreal

His latest book-length poem, “The Headless Man,” follows a mysterious character from birth to sexuality

By Matthew Hays

Drag Race

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 6’ Episodes 1 and 2 power ranking: Peaks and valleys

A early star emerges while other queens struggle to stand out

By Kevin O’Keeffe

Drag Race

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 6’ Episode 2 recap: Hey Blue, here is a ball for you

Finally, ‘All Stars’ delivers a full-scale Ball challenge

By Kevin O’Keeffe

Drag Race

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 6’ Episode 1 recap: A gorgeous gaggle of Glamazons

The largest, single season ‘All Stars’ cast has to stand out in a crowded variety show

By Kevin O’Keeffe

TV & Film

Maiah Stewardson shares the joys of working with a queer director on indie hit ‘My First Summer’

The Aussie actor and podcaster worried, “I’m only going to get queer roles, and this is all gonna be a disaster.”

By Jordan Pike

Books

Playwright Brad Fraser appraises his anger, the AIDS crisis and creative alchemy

The author of “Unidentified Human Remains and the True Nature of Love” looks back at 30 years of theatre making

By Matthew Hays