Xtra is an online magazine and community platform covering LGBTQ2S+ culture, politics and health. We aim to break boundaries, think outside of binaries and build bridges within our communities and beyond.

Activism

Activists are teaming up to spotlight trans issues ahead of U.S. election

As anti-LGBTQ2S+ discrimination shakes the U.S. South, a non-profit and team of activists join together to bring visibility to trans lives in South Carolina

By Alina Kim

Nightlife

Queer people of colour are still left out of Chicago’s queer neighbourhood

Local drag performers say the area mostly serves affluent white men

By Adam Rhodes

Sexual Health

At-home HPV tests are now available across Canada

Self-testing can help to improve access, especially for queer and trans people

By Laurence Fox

Trans Health

Trans people need breast cancer screenings—but they struggle to get them

Studies show it takes queer and trans people almost twice as long to be diagnosed with chest and breast cancer as straight cis folks

By Lola Méndez

Identity

Connecting generations of femmes

Twenty years after the publication of “Brazen Femme,” a new podcast reflects on the anthology, and femme identity then and now

By Sid Drmay

Queer Ink

Two-Spirit artists explore gender, culture through Indigenous tattoos

When it comes to traditional Indigenous tattoos, Two-Spirit artists are “genderqueering the practice”

By Julia Peterson

Business

New survey breaks down how LGBTQ2S+ consumers respond to boycotts

“The data here is emblematic of a tidal wave shift that is coming with the younger generation”

By Rob Csernyik

Queer Ink

Gender-affirming tattooing can bring post-op euphoria

From realistic nipple tattoos to artistic expression, top surgery can provide an affirming tattoo canvas

By BJ Ferguson

Queer Ink

Erotic tattoos offer queer clients a way to mix pleasure and purpose

For queer tattoo artists and customers alike, erotic designs can be a powerful way to affirm identities and show strength amid an increasingly hostile political climate

By Adam Rhodes

Queer Ink

Queer collective care, one pansy tattoo at a time

Non-binary tattoo artist Cedre Csillagi is mobilizing tattooers to give back through a project called A Thousand Pansies

By Lindsay Lee Wallace

Trans Health

Why do transmascs still struggle to get on PrEP?

Studies show that trans masculine people are more likely to be living with HIV than the general population—but they still face barriers accessing prevention care

By Quinn Rhodes

Activism

LGBTQ2S+ leaders say it’s time for new messaging and greater unity

As anti-trans hate rises across the country, advocacy groups are calling for a change in strategy

By Tobin Ng

Politics

Surrogacy laws are the next target of the anti-trans coalition

Criminalizing growing queer families is yet another attack on LGBTQ2S+ rights and on bodily autonomy

By Charlotte Dalwood

TV & Film

With ‘I Have Nothing,’ Carolyn Taylor dives into queer obsession

Whitney Houston, figure skating, comedy and queer obsession combine in Crave’s comedy doc-series

By Mel Woods

Politics

Feds shift focus to safety, one year into Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan

Marci Ien, minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth, says with rise in anti-trans hate, the government has the potential to “save lives”

By Dale Smith

Sports

Can ‘American Ninja Warrior’ stay gender-inclusive as it goes mainstream?

A ninja league sets a model for all-gender divisions, even as “American Ninja Warrior” backs away from its prior commitment to gender inclusivity

By Suzanne F. Boswell

Activism

If you want to help trans youth in the U.K., here are the groups to support

Despite an increasingly hostile political climate, vital organizations are carving out space for trans joy

By Jake Hall

Environment

How to prepare for the next environmental disaster

LGBTQ2S+ people are among the communities facing higher risks in disasters. But we also have crucial skills to help each other through

By Zena Sharman