Justice

How Canadian law leaves poly people behind

An outdated section of the Criminal Code leaves polyamorous partners in a “legal grey area”

By Eve Cable

Politics

Alberta separatism is not inevitable

Separatists are a small minority in the province—they should not be dictating the agenda for Alberta and the country

By Dale Smith

Politics

Canada’s national pharmacare plan helps trans people—so why isn’t the program expanding?

Politicians across the country have accused the federal Liberal government of stalling expansion of the plan

By Kevin Hurren

Identity

Canadian census asks about sexual orientation for first time

Experts say the data will boost understanding of the economic, health and social inequities faced by LGBTQ2S+ people

By Emma Bainbridge

Tech

This former OnlyFans creator wants to make sexy content better for everyone

From Calgary to OnlyFans to Silicon Valley—Grant McNaughton’s journey has led him to build his own platform for X-rated videos

By Kevin Hurren

HIV/AIDS

Toronto man set to be the first Canadian cured of HIV

The patient received a stem cell transplant for his cancer that acted as a “double cure” because it contained a rare genetic mutation resistant to HIV

By Cody Corrall, Ziya Jones

Inside Xtra

Xtra nominated for National Media Awards and Canadian Association of Journalists Awards

Nominees include contributors Zena Sharman, Rob Csernyik and Arvin Joaquin, along with Xtra editor KC Hoard

By Xtra Staff

Politics

Mark Carney’s majority likely won’t help queer and trans people

After this week’s byelection results, Carney’s governing Liberals will have more unchecked power. But the party has moved away from its old progressive politics

By Dale Smith

Social Media

How a Canadian social media age ban would impact trans people of all ages

Whether it’s requiring government ID or scanning users’ faces, digital age-verification tools pose a host of problems for queer and trans people

By Cody Corrall, Mel Woods

Politics

Democracy is under attack in Alberta. Queer and trans people are in the crossfire

Attacking queer rights is a part of the province’s larger democratic backslide

By Dale Smith

History

A very homosexual history of beefcake magazines

In the 1950s, ‘physique’ magazines sold more than just eye candy—they offered community and connection for isolated gay men

By Jake Hall

Pride

Canadian Pride organizations push for more stable funding

The country’s largest Pride festivals and others cite rising costs, fewer sponsors and safety concerns

By Dale Smith

TV & Film

Alex from Degrassi on finding her calling counselling queer teens

Deanna Klymkiw tells Xtra about playing the franchise’s first out lesbian, and her career pivot since

By Jacob Aron Leung

Politics

What HRT Cafe’s shutdown means for DIY care

HRT Cafe was the largest access point for DIY transition care in the U.K. before it suddenly vanished

By Cody Corrall, Ziya Jones

Politics

Banning social media for minors would hurt everyone—adults included

A social media ban would disproportionately harm queer and trans people, and restrict LGBTQ2S+ materials

By Dale Smith

Activism

This Ontario teacher and his students are filling gaps in Canada’s queer history

The HISTORYtellers Project is bringing to light LGBTQ2S+ stories left out of textbooks

By Julia Peterson

The Xtra Long Read

The many eras of the AIDS Committee of Toronto—including its final bow

As Canada’s oldest AIDS organization closes its doors after more than four decades, Xtra dives deep into its community history and why it’s come to an end

By Kevin Hurren

Politics

Where do the NDP leadership hopefuls stand on queer and trans issues?

Xtra asked candidates about their policies on healthcare, trans athletes’ participation in sports and more

By Michelle Kay