Rainbow Rewind 2020

13 things that brought us joy

Sure, this year sucked, but it wasn’t all bad

By Rachel Giese

Politics

Minister Bardish Chagger’s year in queer politics

Canada’s first Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth

By Fae Johnstone

Music

Occupy Handel: Singing the praises of a diverse creation

“Messiah/Complex,” an ambitious reimagining of Handel’s “Messiah,” offers holiday fare like no other

By Gordon Bowness

Xtra Weekly

Topline: Mae Martin and Colonel Sanders

Here’s what to expect from Xtra Weekly, Dec. 11

By Xtra Staff

Personal Essay

Getting sober and coming out

For a long time, alcohol worked to suppress my questioning—until my questions became too powerful to ignore

By Niko Stratis

Xtra Weekly

Topline: Elliot Page comes out

Here’s what to expect from Xtra Weekly, Dec. 4

By Xtra Staff

Health

Canada has every tool it needs to end the spread of HIV—but it hasn’t

Now, rates of transmission are up, especially among young Canadians

By Kevin Hurren

Books

‘What will you do if your kids grow up to be straight?’

In her new memoir, author Jane Byers jostles with the realities of queer parenting while adopting her twins

By Jane Byers

Xtra Weekly

Topline: Mike Tyson and the RCMP

Here’s what to expect from Xtra Weekly, Nov. 27

By Xtra Staff

Education

In virtual classrooms, Canadian students keep getting deadnamed

Preferred name policies in schools have proven even more challenging during COVID-19

By Marsha McLeod

Identity

Media about trans issues is linked to referrals to gender identity clinics

A recent study finds a correlation, but whether the tone of these portrayals also affect referrals remains unanswered

By Krishna Rau

Politics

It’s time to rebuild an LGBTQ2S+ inclusive America

The country remains divided, but our unity is our strength—and that’s what will make the United States a more equitable nation

By Danielle Moodie

Identity

Buckle up: Overalls are the non-binary uniform

Mauree Turner said so!

By andrea bennett

Xtra Weekly

Topline: Kristen Stewart and Envy Peru

Here’s what to expect from Xtra Weekly, Nov. 13

By Xtra Staff

Rainbow Votes 2020

All hail America’s rainbow wave

The U.S. election saw several LGBTQ2S+ candidates win their races. That and more in this final edition of Rainbow Votes 2020

By Nico Lang

Politics

India’s LGBTQ+ community faces daunting challenges in the era of COVID-19

The decriminalization of homosexuality has meant little on the streets of India

By Pratyush Dayal

Politics

What’s next for Kathleen Wynne?

After 20 years in provincial politics, the first openly gay premier of Ontario looks back at a legacy that includes championing LGBTQ2S+ issues

By Erica Lenti

Xtra Weekly

Topline: Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird

Here’s what to expect from Xtra Weekly, Nov. 6

By Xtra Staff