Toronto’s own Bootblack Tarna wins International Ms Bootblack

Normally, anything posted on April 1 is a complete lie because April Fool’s is a day of lies and trickery. But not this story! Toronto’s own reigning Ms Bootblack, Tarna, went down to San Francisco to compete at International Mz Leather in the bootblack category, and we’re proud to report that she placed first and is now the beautiful and lovely titleholder of International Ms Bootblack! So congrats, Tarna! Celebratory cupcakes await you back home in Toronto.

Keep Reading

John Early in Maddie's Secret holding two jars above an open box

‘Maddie’s Secret’ is the movie about eating disorders we need

John Early’s pastiche of after-school specials mixes belly laughs with gut punches. It’s a rare masterwork
Van Goth

Van Goth made ‘Canada’s Drag Race’ look easy. But victory has a price

The drag phenom’s run complicated our idea of what a reality TV villain could be. She tells Xtra about clawing her way to the top—and her fight for what comes next
The cover of Charity and Sylvia

‘Charity and Sylvia’ beautifully illustrates a real-life 19th-century lesbian couple

Tillie Walden’s new graphic novel tracks the true story of Charity Bryant and Sylvia Drake’s decades-long New England romance
Portland Fire guard Bridget Carleton (6) drives against Toronto Tempo forward Nyara Sabally (8).

The Toronto Tempo are a much-needed source of hope and connection for Canada’s queer community

Women’s sports are booming in North America. Canada’s first WNBA team is meeting the moment
Advertisement