Sperm donation rules in Canada have changed. Here’s why that matters

Health Canada’s new regulations mean people won’t be prohibited from donating sperm based on their sexual orientation. But some restrictions remain

By Abbey Bilotta

Activism

The queer book bike serving Brooklyn

Providing books for queer kids and teens is at the core of the Nonbinarian Book Bike’s mission

By Jill Webb

Activism

Unions have a long history of fighting for trans rights. And they’re not giving up now

Labour unions are massive players in Canadian society. Which is why it matters that they’re engaged in the fight for trans rights—and have been for decades

By Charlotte Sheasby

Justice

Right-wing assaults on trans rights aren’t stopping. Title IX could be a weapon against them

ANALYSIS: Protection from discrimination on the basis of sex can and should be used to protect kids like Nex Benedict

By Jude Ellison S. Doyle

Video

Here’s why a ‘Rainbow Week of Action’ is planned across Canada in May

Rallies are planned for May 17 in at least a dozen cities across the country, as well as letter-writing campaigns and education events

By Xtra Video

Politics

Brianna Ghey’s legacy must be liberation—not further harm

ANALYSIS: Why restricting social media would be dangerous for kids

By Eli Cugini, Ilya Maude

History

Where does ‘Be Gay, Do Crime’ even come from?

From graffiti to protests to band T-shirts, the phrase has become a vital part of queer culture

By Kevin Maimann

History

How Jamison Green’s visibility paved the way for a generation of trans men

The author, activist and public figure has fought back against trans men’s erasure for decades

By Jude Ellison S. Doyle

Politics

Anti-trans bathroom bills keep piling up in the U.S. Where’s the outrage?

In 2016, North Carolina’s HB2 prompted businesses, musicians and even the NBA to boycott the state. Today, at least 12 states have similar laws on the books. What changed?

By Catherine Caruso

Politics

Ohio’s trans healthcare ban sets dangerous precedent ahead of 2024 election

ANALYSIS: Ohio has set a new precedent for using gubernatorial powers to indirectly outlaw transition—other states may follow

By Jude Ellison S. Doyle

Dangerous Space

The free speech ‘debate’ is an impossible dumpster fire—and it’s getting worse

OPINION: So long as LGBTQ2S+ people keep undermining freedom of speech among ourselves, we will never be able to defend ourselves from homophobic and transphobic censorship

By Kai Cheng Thom

Identity

‘Your faith is yours.’ Community leaders discuss being queer and Muslim

Canada’s queer Muslim community embraces multiple identities while confronting prejudice from many sides

By Larayb Abrar

Human Rights

Looking for progress on LGBTQ+ rights in 2024? Keep an eye on these countries

From Thailand and Namibia to Poland and the U.K., good news is on the horizon for queer and trans folk

By Rob Salerno

Justice

Court rules that ‘groomer’ is a slur, not protected speech

Experts say the precedent means that the queer community will be able to protect themselves from defamation and hateful speech

By Dale Smith

Rainbow Rewind 2023

Righteous Queens and Shady Bitches 2023

An annual tradition returns: the highs and the lows of the past year, personified

By Xtra Staff

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

By Xtra Staff

Queer Culture Catch-Up

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