Xtra is an online magazine and community platform covering LGBTQ2S+ culture, politics and health. We aim to break boundaries, think outside of binaries and build bridges within our communities and beyond.

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

Politics

A national mental health plan could benefit LGBTQ2S+ communities across Canada

Carolyn Bennett is set to negotiate with the provinces to align future federal transfer payments

By Dale Smith

Books

What writing about his life taught Brian Broome about being a queer Black man and battling addiction

Brian Broome’s best-selling memoir “Punch Me Up to the Gods” cuts close to the bone

By Jon Higgins

That’s the Way It Is

The right tried to cancel Kathy Griffin, but the tenacious comedian is determined to have the last laugh

After surviving the T***p mask controversy, Griffin reveals her cancer diagnosis and struggle with addiction

By Thomas Leblanc, Tranna Wintour

Ask an Expert

How to navigate addiction during the pandemic

Dr. Tauheed Zaman on finding queer community and evidence-based medical care

By Andy Bandyopadhyay

Music

The unholy trinity of drugs, lockdowns and queers

Toronto singer Danny Dymond explores an unexpected toxic relationship in his latest release

By Rolyn Chambers

Addiction

The drag queens coming out as sober

For many drag performers, the easy access to party drugs and alcohol in the queer bar scene can lead to regular substance use and addiction

By KC Hoard

Ask Kai: Advice for the Apocalypse

Sobriety exposed how I treated my past partners. I’m ready to date again, but do I even deserve to find love?

By Kai Cheng Thom

Ask Kai: Advice for the Apocalypse

I’m a queer support worker who struggles with addiction. How can I be open about this without risking my job?

By Kai Cheng Thom

Opinion

Why Project Marie is about making straight men comfortable

Toronto police fail to understand why both queers and women need safe public space

By Katie Sly

Opinion

What the rise of the alt-right means for HIV prevention

We need to talk to each other openly about sex and our sexual health

By Mike Miksche

Power

Protesters, residents and police discuss park sex crackdown at protest

Members of the LGBT community attend Walk the Beat event demanding accountability for Project Marie

By Arshy Mann

Power

MPs urged to remember trans, non-binary issues

Liberal, NDP MPs hear from activists, trans people and HIV experts

By Dylan C Robertson

Power

Feds name gay MP as ‘LGBTQ2 issues’ advisor

Edmonton MP has three years to answer calls for pardons and compensation for those convicted and fired for homosexual activity

By Dylan C Robertson

Power

Concerns raised over technology used to exonerate AIDS ‘Patient Zero’

Advanced viral genome tracking could soon identify individual virus transmission cases. What does that mean for our privacy?

By Rob Easton

Culture

Trans-rights protection bill fast-tracked through House committee

Senate could debate proposal before Christmas break

By Dylan C Robertson

Opinion

Why LGBT activists should care about restoring Canada’s Court Challenges Program

Committee recommendations would present opportunity for more legal challenges to sex work, morality, HIV and drug laws

By Rob Salerno

Health

Community through Cocaine Anonymous

Organization’s Southern Ontario convention features speakers from around the globe

By Serafin LaRiviere