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.

Xtra News Flash

Red Cross rolls out new blood donation policy, judge dismisses ‘transgender-free bathrooms’ suit, and more

5 queer and trans stories we’re watching: August 9

By Jackie Richardson

Homophobia

The harsh reality of conversion therapy in Nigeria

Though the practice is banned elsewhere, it continues in the West African country

By Shade Mary-Ann Olaoye

Xtra News Flash

Uganda’s harsh anti-queer law, Erdoğan doubles down on LGBTQ+ attacks, youth group deletes Twitter account citing Musk, Toronto’s Inside Out film fest and Newfoundland and Labrador’s queer history archive

5 queer and trans stories we’re following: May 29

By Eve Cable

Xtra News Flash

Uganda bill still viciously anti-gay, trans journalist thwarts swatting attempt, Harvey Guillén at the Met Gala, queer creators support WGA strike, Oregon moves to protect trans healthcare, gay playwright Robert Patrick dies

6 queer and trans stories we’re watching: May 3

By Jackie Richardson

Politics

Canadian politicians must do more to respond to Uganda’s anti-gay laws

OPINION: Last week Uganda passed a sweeping LGBTQ+ bill and Canadian leaders haven’t adequately responded

By Dale Smith

Xtra News Flash

Queers on TV, P.E.I. Pride nixes politicos, Ugandan death sentence, Grindr’s HIV tests and a super-drag queen telethon

5 queer and trans stories to watch: March 22

By Maddy Mahoney

Identity

What it’s like to live as a femme man in Nigeria

Both femmephobia and homophobia make for a volatile experience

By Daniel Anthony

Violence against LGBTQ2S+

New report describes ‘harrowing’ consequences of digital targeting of LGBTQ+ people in Middle East and North Africa

“I chose starvation over being raped again”

By Jackie Richardson

Activism

Kenyan LGBTQ+ activists on grief and hope after the death of Edwin Chiloba

The activist and designer’s murder has shocked his community, who are working to keep his memory alive

By Ugonna-Ora Owoh

Hate Watch

Five arrested in connection with murder of Kenyan LGBTQ+ activist Edwin Chiloba

Police detained the suspects after Chiloba’s body was found last Tuesday

By Jackie Richardson

Politics

Nigeria’s presidential election is coming up—what does this mean for queer people in the country?

LGBTQ+ Nigerians have a range of interests and emotions when it comes to this election

By Shade Mary-Ann Olaoye

Health

Nearly all of Zimbabwe’s HIV-positive population is undetectable

The country’s success in stemming HIV has been replicated by others in sub-Saharan Africa

By Jackie Richardson

Fashion

Fola Francis makes history as the first trans model to walk Lagos Fashion Week

Labels Cute-Saint and Fruché showcase Francis despite industry “blacklist”

By Chisom Peter Job

Politics

Change is on the horizon in Kenya as a new movement to legalize homosexuality begins

There is reason to be hopeful, despite the country’s history of homophobia

By Gitonga Njeru

Identity

LGBTQ+ Nigerians oppose a proposed bill on crossdressing, say the issue is being used as an election distraction

Nigeria’s anti-gay laws continue to make the country unsafe for the LGBTQ+ community

By Shade Mary-Ann Olaoye

Politics

Why are LGBTQ+ voters being marginalized when it comes to the upcoming elections in Zimbabwe?

OPINION: To vote or note to vote? What LGBTQ+ voters in Zimbabwe need to consider

By Tanatswa M.

Art & Photography

Of course Isabel Okoro wants the world to end

The Toronto-based Nigerian photographer thinks we deserve better than the world we’ve inherited

By Connor Garel

Power

It’s a ‘witch hunt.’ Uganda’s largest LGBTQ+ group speaks out after being shut down by government

Sexual Minorities Uganda has been forced to halt its LGBTQ+ advocacy following the decision

By Jackie Richardson