Rainbow Votes 2025

Conservative platform pledges ban on trans women in women’s prisons

ANALYSIS: The Conservative Party of Canada’s 2025 federal election platform also hints at possible future anti-trans policies

By Mel Woods

Video

Quinn’s inaugural NSL goal is a big deal for trans sports

ANALYSIS: The Vancouver Rise midfielder ensured that trans people will play a starring role in the new era of sports in Canada

By Mel Woods

Rainbow Votes 2025

Ahead of the election, LGBTQ2S+ organizations are underfunded and under attack

Queer and trans organizations are calling on federal candidates to prioritize stable funding and to protect their communities

By Emma Bainbridge

TV & Film

Five great Canadian queer films—and where to stream them

Looking for LGBTQ2S+ movies to watch for National Canadian Film Day? We’ve got you covered

By Xtra

Rainbow Votes 2025

Where Canada’s political parties really stand on queer and trans issues

Xtra put Canada’s major political parties under the microscope on everything from DEI rollbacks to trans athletes’ participation in sports

By Denio Lourenco

Rainbow Votes 2025

LGBTQ2S+ parents exist—our federal leaders should value our experience

OPINION: The way Poilievre speaks of “biological clocks” as part of the affordability crisis erases the needs of queer and trans parents

By Tara-Michelle Ziniuk

Rainbow Votes 2025

Poilievre and the Conservatives have a ‘wokeism’ problem

OPINION: What would a “war on woke” look like for Canada if Poilievre wins?

By Dale Smith

Rainbow Votes 2025

We must be ready to counter the right’s obsession with trans people

ANALYSIS: Conservatives have shown they’re willing to make trans rights a wedge issue. Progressives can’t just stand by and watch

By Mel Woods

Rainbow Votes 2025

Mark Carney calls LGBTQ2S+ rights ‘fundamental’

The Liberal leader made his first public comments about LGBTQ2S+ issues of the campaign at a stop in Alberta

By Mel Woods

Rainbow Votes 2025

In midst of federal election, young voters are ‘really scared’ for future

This election is crucial for LGBTQ2S+ rights. Queer youth are more worried than ever

By Alice Boyle

Politics

LGBTQ2S+ food banks play a vital role in Canada’s social safety net

These organizations are addressing food insecurity in the queer and trans community by providing safer and more inclusive spaces

By Jumol Royes

Rainbow Votes 2025

5 things to know about Jonathan Pedneault

What you need to know about Canada’s only openly queer federal political party leader

By Mel Woods

Rainbow Votes 2025

2025 Canadian federal election: What you need to know

From how and when to register to vote, to the big narratives we’re watching

By Mel Woods

Rainbow Votes 2025

Rainbow Votes returns for the 2025 Canadian federal election

Subscribe now to Xtra’s free pop-up election newsletter and stay looped into all things election 2025

By Mel Woods

Sports

The roller derby community’s fight to save the inclusive sport they built

In this period of trans sports bans, the derby community—players of a rare gender-diverse, full-contact sport—show a way forward

By SF Boswell

Video

Carney cabinet cuts Minister for Women and Gender Equality

ANALYSIS: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new cabinet is down several roles focused on diversity, equity and inclusion

By Mel Woods

Politics

Trudeau’s allyship was at the forefront of his term. How will Carney follow?

OPINION: The outgoing Liberal leaves behind a positive LGBTQ2S+ legacy of legislation, protections and allyship—but his successor still has some heavy lifting to do

By Dale Smith

Video

Where does Mark Carney stand on queer and trans issues?

ANALYSIS: The new Liberal leader and prime minister-designate should affirm his party’s stance before going toe to toe with Pierre Poilievre

By Mel Woods