The hidden lives and uncertain future of trans prisoners

For decades, trans people in Canadian prisons fought for their right to be housed safely and humanely. Despite some victories, new policy proposals could set their rights back even more

By Simon Rolston

Drag Race

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’ Season 3, Episode 2 power ranking: Instructive fitness

A Peloton parody maxi-challenge had the queens mostly spinning their wheels

By Kevin O’Keeffe

Queer View Mirror

Donna Summer’s ‘I Feel Love’ is the hit that keeps coming back

Reinterpretations by Bronski Beat, Underworld and Madonna reflect our changing world—and our unending love for dance music

By vivi hansen

Drag Race

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’ Season 3, Episode 2 recap: Peloton of fun

A confusing choreography challenge still manages to produce some highlights

By Kevin O’Keeffe

That’s the Way It Is

Why does Rihanna insist on selling clothes, not making music?

Her “Savage X Fenty Show” overflowed with celebrities parading in their underwear

By Thomas Leblanc, Tranna Wintour

Identity

‘I’m not sure how to forgive myself for surviving’

A writer asks if it is acceptable—or even possible—to feel happiness when so many trans people are dying

By Jude Ellison S. Doyle

Drag Race

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’ Season 3, Episode 1 power ranking: ’Round my hometown, memories are fresh

A strong field of fresh queens means the slightest slip is a ticket to the bottom

By Kevin O’Keeffe

Politics

The 44th Parliament will be the queerest yet. What that means for LGBTQ2S+ Canadians

A record number of LGBTQ2S+ MPs have been elected, and that could mean some real attention to the political issues that matter to our communities

By Dale Smith

Drag Race

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’ Season 3 premiere recap: Back across the pond we go

A fun premiere introduces the franchise’s first cis woman competitor and a lip sync twist

By Kevin O’Keeffe

Politics

What LGBTQ2S+ organizations want from the new Liberal government

Xtra spoke to three organizations about the most pressing issues for Justin Trudeau and his party to address

By Arvin Joaquin

Politics

Canada, meet your new LGBTQ2S+ MPs

A record of eight queer, trans or Two-Spirit candidates were elected to Parliament

By Erica Lenti

Books

What doors did Omar Sharif Jr.’s famous name open for him?

In his new memoir, the actor and model shares his coming out story and his experiences of sexual assault

By Eli Tareq El Bechelany-Lynch

TV & Film

Was Tammy Faye Bakker too deliciously camp to be bad?

A fizzy, glitzy biopic starring Jessica Chastain redeems the fallen televangelist by making her into gay icon

By Rachel Giese

Politics

How can Canada’s next federal government support LGBTQ2S+ youth?

Youth advocate Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah hopes young queer and trans Canadians can learn the power of disruption

By Arvin Joaquin

Politics

Annamie Paul wants a greener, queerer Canada

The Green leader on passing LGBTQ2S+ policy in the House, the importance of representation and what’s gone wrong within her own party

By Erica Lenti

That’s the Way It Is

Mariah Carey’s star vehicle ‘Glitter’ flopped, but her 2001 album deserves a revisit

Released on 9/11, “Glitter” suffered from bad timing and maybe even sabotage

By Thomas Leblanc, Tranna Wintour

Politics

The Conservative Party’s stance on conscience rights and free votes should worry progressive voters

Erin O’Toole uses these political strategies to skirt responsibility on issues affecting marginalized communities—and it comes at a price for LGBTQ2S+ Canadians

By Tracey Lindeman

Politics

5 takeaways from the leaders’ debate

Once again, form trumps function on the campaign trail

By Dale Smith