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

Xtra News Flash

Beyoncé tour kicks off, FDA eases blood restrictions, mpox no longer an emergency, Poland remains worst place in EU to be queer and Elliot Page praises gender-affirming care

5 queer stories we’re watching: May 12

By Maddy Mahoney

Ask an Expert

Is Canada’s blood ban really over?

A public health researcher weighs in on what queer and trans people need to know about donating blood in Canada

By Cassandra Kislenko

Health

Some queer men in the U.S. may soon be allowed to donate blood

Under the new policy, all blood donors would be individually assessed for “risk,” regardless of their sexuality

By Maddy Mahoney

Politics

The NDP’s Randall Garrison discusses being a gay politician on Parliament Hill for over a decade

The out MP talks international human rights work, the blood ban, HIV funding and more

By Dale Smith

Blood Ban

A majority of Canadians support the repeal of queer blood ban, according to poll

New guidelines on queer blood donations have been met with criticism, however, from some LGBTQ2S+ activists

By Nico Lang

Politics

Rob Oliphant, parliamentary secretary to the minister of foreign affairs, raises LGBTQ+ issues in Africa

Xtra catches up with the out gay Liberal MP on this initiative and more

By Dale Smith

Power

Austria lifts blanket restrictions on LGBTQ+ people donating blood

All people who have had more than three sexual partners in the past three months will be banned from donation

By Nico Lang

Health

Canada’s new blood donation policy is a step forward—but there’s still work to be done

In an interview with political columnist Dale Smith, Minister Marci Ien responded to some criticism of the new policy

By Dale Smith

Power

The U.S. is facing a national blood crisis. Why are queer men still barred from donating?

A new study hopes to change the “outdated” and “stigmatizing” requirements

By Oliver Haug

Power

Queer men will finally be able to fully donate blood in France and Greece without discrimination

Canada currently requires that donors abstain from same-sex intercourse for three months prior to donation

By Nico Lang

Power

New program allowing queer men to donate plasma is a first step toward ending the blood ban

The pilot project in Calgary and London will use a behaviour-based screening questionnaire in lieu of policies that single out queer and trans people

By Dale Smith

Politics

Annamie Paul wants a greener, queerer Canada

The Green leader on passing LGBTQ2S+ policy in the House, the importance of representation and what’s gone wrong within her own party

By Erica Lenti

Politics

The Liberal platform makes a $40-million promise to the LGBTQ2S+ community. Is it enough?

The party has made some of the most specific commitments to queer and trans communities. But after years of unfulfilled promises, it may not suffice

By Dale Smith

Politics

Jagmeet Singh’s plan for an inclusive Canada

The NDP leader spoke to Xtra about banning conversion therapy, improving trans healthcare and why representation is so vital in politics

By Erica Lenti

Politics

Conservatives plan to spend Pride Month pressing for blood ban changes

The opposition party tabled a draft order to end the discriminatory practice for queer men and trans people

By Dale Smith

Politics

Canadian government looking to quash inquiry into Health Canada’s role in blood ban

Christopher Karas filed a human rights complaint against the government body over Canada’s blood donation ban in 2015

By Dale Smith

The Xtra Long Read

Can the Conservative Party of Canada come out of the closet?

Tories have long made LGBTQ2S+ rights a wedge issue. Now the issue is dividing the party—and thwarting its chances at winning the next federal election

By Erica Lenti