Xtra Weekly

Topline: It’s (always) an honour just to be Asian

The recent rise in anti-Asian racism has made acknowledging and celebrating Asian Heritage Month all the more urgent

By Michelle da Silva

Identity

How Elliot Page’s thirst trap sparked conversations about trans body image

The actor and activist showed off his top surgery and rockin’ abs in a new photo posted to his social media this week

By Mel Woods

Tik Talk

23 non-binary TikToks for laughing, learning and sharing

Demi Lovato’s public coming out has spurred a conversation about the spectrum of non-binary identity. TikTok is a great place to see it in action

By Mel Woods

Drag Race

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under’ Episode 4 recap: Ru-duce, Ru-use, Ru-cycle

A second chances design challenge gives an eliminated queen a second chance as well

By Kevin O’Keeffe

TV & Film

What happens to ‘The Most Beautiful Boy in the World’ after the cameras are gone?

A new documentary about the teenage star of Visconti’s “Death in Venice” doesn’t paint the prettiest picture

By Frank M. Miller

Xtra Weekly

Topline: Connecting to community through food

Half-vaxxed picnic season is here

By Riley Sparks

Queer Culture Catch-Up

Enjoying drag superstars from the comfort of your car… and other pleasures

Our recommendations for what’s up and what’s on, beginning May 20

By S. Bear Bergman

Culture

‘I’m so much more than that diagnosis.’ Billy Porter comes out as HIV-positive

In an interview with “The Hollywood Reporter,” the “Pose” star spoke candidly about living with HIV

By Mel Woods

Culture

Demi Lovato comes out as non-binary after ‘healing and self-reflective work’

The singer and former child star says they want to better express the fluidity of their gender expression

By Mel Woods

Culture

How to tell Black queer and trans stories when you’re not Black, queer or trans

Social justice organizers suggest three principles for allies wanting to support Black LGBTQ2S+ narratives

By Joshua Mackey

Music

Please don’t mistake up-and-coming pop star Siena Liggins for a rapper

With her new visual album, this Atlanta-based musician wants to move beyond buzzwords

By vivi hansen

Books

8 scintillating queer YA books for every type of reader

From lesbian necromancers to trans superheroes, which young adult book should you pick up this summer?

By Mel Woods

That’s the Way It Is

Lady Gaga’s ‘Born This Way’ turns 10 this week. Queer landmark or sell-out mess?

Mother Monster was starting to take herself much too seriously

By Thomas Leblanc, Tranna Wintour

Books

What people got wrong—and what Sarah Schulman wants to get right—about the history of ACT UP and early AIDS activism

In her new book, the New York writer lays bare the achievements and embarrassments of an astonishingly successful social movement

By Paul Gallant

My Safe Space

I created a drag persona to get me through quarantine

Connecting with my own queerness through Mairy Dilk gave me a lifeline when I couldn’t connect with anyone else

By Melanie Jayne Ashford

Drag Race

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under’ Episode 3 recap: Break up, bye bye

The “Down Under” queens take on their own version of the “Drag Race UK” girl group challenge

By Kevin O’Keeffe

Culture

Companies are back at it with the Pride nonsense

From glitter cereal to whatever Target is doing, we’ve launched an ongoing rating of this year’s crop of rainbow capitalism

By Mel Woods

Culture

Ellen’s talk show is ending. What is its legacy?

“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” debuted two decades ago. After bullying allegations, sliding ratings and that Dakota Johnson interview, it’s finally ending

By Mel Woods