Rainbow Rewind 2023

Xtra’s top LGBTQ2S+ stories of the year

The best and brightest—even most bewildering—stories from a back catalogue brimming with insight

Holidays got you blue? Here’s some joy and fight and warm hugs

Our culture maven S. Bear Bergman has some terrific suggestions on navigating family drama and crafting your own traditions

By S. Bear Bergman

Activism

Roz Kaveney on a lifetime of fighting for trans rights

The writer, poet and anti-TERF activist reflects on half a century of fighting for trans rights

By Jude Ellison S. Doyle

Homelessness

As the homelessness crisis worsens, Gay Villages are caught at a crossroads of identity

ANALYSIS: Unhoused people are a part of our communities, so what can we do?

By Nour Abi-Nakhoul

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

Activism

Yes, Palestinian solidarity is a queer issue

At protests across the country, queer and trans people are insisting that LGBTQ2S+ liberation and Palestinian liberation are intertwined

By Ziya Jones

Video

Queers tell us why they’re marching for Palestine

LGBTQ2S+ people at protests in Montreal and Toronto explain why there are so many queer contingents calling for a ceasefire in Gaza

By Lito Howse, Ziya Jones

Activism

How activists in California are pushing back against anti-LGBTQ2S+ school policies

California is often viewed as an overwhelmingly progressive state—but the reality is much more complicated

By Catherine Caruso

Activism

Second 1 Million March goes on amid confusion

As one group pulls out of organizing, protesters and counter-protestors keep to plans

By Jackie Richardson

Marriage Equality

Queer Indians vow to continue fighting after Supreme Court denies same-sex marriage

The ruling is a major setback after LGBTQ+ Indians have notched big victories over the past decade

By Rob Salerno

Mental Health

It’s okay to take a break from the anti-trans news cycle

OPINION: Covering rising anti-trans hatred left me burnt out and incapacitated. Taking a break made me feel guilty, but I learned no movement can stay sustainable without rest

By Katelyn Burns

Politics

#FactsOverFear campaign aims to change the narrative around LGBTQ2S+-inclusive education

“Quite frankly, they’re lying to Canadians,” says Momentum’s Fae Johnstone

By Jackie Richardson

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

Justice

How Canada’s constitution makes it possible for Saskatchewan to ‘trample’ on LGBTQ2S+ rights

Scott Moe will use the notwithstanding clause to force through his anti-trans pronoun policy for schools. Here’s how that works and what you can do to fight it

By Charlotte Dalwood