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

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

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

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

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

Love & Sex

Despite lockdowns, my queer friend group grew during COVID-19

I needed new queers in my life, and against the odds of the pandemic, I found them in abundance

By Russ Martin

TV & Film

The 10 films we’re excited for at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival

Here are TIFF’s best bets, from a Dionne Warwick documentary to Céline Sciamma’s post-“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” drama

By DarkSkyLady

Politics

The Liberal platform makes a $40-million promise to the LGBTQ2S+ community. Is it enough?

The party has made some of the most specific commitments to queer and trans communities. But after years of unfulfilled promises, it may not suffice

By Dale Smith

Xtra Weekly

Topline: Does the world really need a gay bank?

A new start-up promising to cater to LGBTQ2S+ folks drew a lot of questions online

By Mel Woods

TV & Film

These two lesbian-centred horror films show how far the genre has come

In “Bloodthirsty” and “The Retreat,” queerness is not equated with monstrousness

By Sara Clements

That’s the Way It Is

Pop hasn’t been kind to women over 40. Can Beyoncé break the curse?

In her illustrious career, Beyoncé has blazed trails for Black women and inspired a zillion drag queens

By Thomas Leblanc, Tranna Wintour

My Safe Space

I figured out my IRL drama watching ‘Vanderpump Rules’

As my own life began to feel less real, I found myself needing a dose of reality during the pandemic

By Sadie Graham

Books

19 fall books we can’t wait to get our hands on

The most intriguing LGBTQ2S+ releases you’ll see on the shelves in the next few months

By Paul Gallant

Politics

Prepare to be disappointed in party platforms this election season

The NDP, Conservatives and Liberals could be doing much more for LGBTQ2S+ Canadians. Instead, they’re doling out a lot of the same empty promises

By Dale Smith

Queer Culture Catch-Up

Try a taste of the rootsier Melissa Etheridge we’ve all been waiting for

Our recommendations for what’s up and what’s on, beginning Aug. 26

By S. Bear Bergman

Music

Five queer and trans Mexican music acts you need to listen to ‘ahora mismo’

Whether they’re channelling mariachi, norteño or pure pop, these Latinx music makers will lure you onto the dance floor

By Wenceslao Bruciaga

Xtra Weekly

Topline: Ever wondered what it’s like coming out to South Asian parents?

Coming out to my noncommunicative Indian parents over FaceTime was a journey—one that’s not quite over yet

By Karan Saxena