Xtra’s Toronto newsmakers of 2011

GSAs all the way

As part of Xtra’s coverage of the newsmakers of 2011, reporter Andrea Houston sent out word to students around Toronto who are part of or are fighting for gay-straight alliance groups at their schools.

The students came to the Pink Triangle Press offices for a photo and video shoot, which you can view below.

They told us about being bullied and what they did about it, but mostly they blew us away with their strength and vitality.

They made lots of noise, laughed and just hung out. You could tell by how they talked to each other how much it meant to be with other like-minded teens. It also made it very clear how ridiculous those against GSAs at Catholic schools are.

All still photography in below video by N Maxwell Lander.

Read the feature story here.

On occasion, the number of editors and other staff who contribute to a story gets a little unwieldy to give a byline to everyone. That’s when we use “Xtra Staff” in place of the usual contributor info. If you would like more information on who contributed to a particular story, please contact us here.

Keep Reading

The cast of Canada's Drag Race All Stars

‘Canada’s Drag Race All Stars’ finale recap: The first Canadian ‘All Stars’ champion is …

A Lip Sync Smackdown for the Crown delivers goops and gags before crowning one queen
Annie Jacobson (Ella Rubin), Maple (Mabel Strachan), Oona (Bo Bragason) and Ramona (Amélie Hoeferle) shout in a scene in Sterling Point.

Even in the idyllic queer world of ‘Sterling Point,’ whiteness is front and centre

The Muskoka-set series glosses over the racism of Canada’s cottage country
Cover of the book "Unsafe"

‘Unsafe’ challenges us to handle anti-trans backlash differently

S. Lamble’s debut argues that punishment makes anti-trans activists double down on their hate
Michael Urie

Michael Urie’s big moment

The iconic gay actor talks “Oh, Mary!,” “Shrinking”—and 20 years of “Ugly Betty”
Advertisement