Trans Albertans are strong. We aren’t going anywhere

Trans Albertans reflect on what makes their home province special, even in the wake of Premier Danielle Smith’s legislative attacks and book restrictions

By Hal Monitor

Comics Against Censorship

Why comics are a perfect medium for fighting queer and trans censorship

“Comics Against Censorship” brings original visual takes on experiences of censorship of LGBTQ2S+ lives and stories

By Mel Woods

Politics

The free future Alberta separatists promise is a facade

Code words like “parental rights” and terms like “lawful” sexual orientation in separatist documents should be taken as warning signs

By Dale Smith

Politics

The most banned books in Alberta school libraries

These titles have been removed from libraries in five or more school divisions this year

By Brett McKay

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

Social Media

Instagram activism has a nuance problem

Panic around a recent Alberta legislature bathroom ban petition comes from a well-intentioned place, but it may be doing more harm than good

By 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

Education

Alberta law aims to ban ‘ideology,’ non-government flags in schools

Bill 25, introduced in the legislature this week, will prohibit teachers and school districts from promoting or taking stances “social or ideological” issues

By Cody Corrall, Mel Woods

Sports

Ten years after its debut, hockey still needs Pride Tape

As the rainbow hockey stick tape turns 10 years old, reaction to “Heated Rivalry” shows it is more vital than ever

By Mel Woods

Inside Xtra

Maia Kobabe to guest edit series of original comics about LGBTQ2S+ censorship

“This series seeks to counter suppression with a joyful, unruly, fierce collection of comics highlighting and celebrating the perseverance of storytelling under fire,” says Kobabe

By Xtra Staff

Youth

8 Alberta community leaders share their resources for trans youth

From summer camps to affirming churches, advocates say trans youth in the province aren’t alone

By Elena Sénéchal-Becker

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

Politics

The NDP is on life support. Where does it go next?

The party is facing tough choices in their leadership race

By Dale Smith

Sports

Skate Canada showed they don’t have to play by non-inclusive rules

The sports organization pulling out of Alberta is unique. But it sets a standard

By Mel Woods

Censorship

Book ban lists from Edmonton, Calgary school districts released

The Alberta government has mandated that school libraries remove titles with “inappropriate” content

By Cody Corrall, Mel Woods

Justice

Advocates mount new challenge to Alberta anti-trans law

Skipping Stone and Egale Canada are headed back to court to try and overturn Alberta’s youth gender-affirming-care ban

By Cody Corrall, Mel Woods

Politics

‘Democracy is a fraud’: Prolife Alberta party head identified as traditionalist Catholic writer, podcaster

Murray Ruhl’s alternate life online gives an unfiltered look at the religious right’s anti-democratic aspirations

By Brett McKay

Sports

Skate Canada’s shunning of Alberta sets a precedent for other sports groups

Premier Danielle Smith’s outrage shows why the sporting organization’s decision is such a big deal

By Cody Corrall, Mel Woods