LGBTQ2S+ candidates on the issues that matters most this federal election

Xtra surveyed dozens of queer and trans people running this year. Here’s what they said

The Conservative Party’s stance on conscience rights and free votes should worry progressive voters

Erin O’Toole uses these political strategies to skirt responsibility on issues affecting marginalized communities—and it comes at a price for LGBTQ2S+ Canadians

By Tracey Lindeman

Politics

5 takeaways from the leaders’ debate

Once again, form trumps function on the campaign trail

By Dale Smith

Politics

What will a new federal government mean for queer and trans South Asian people?

Activist Praney Anand calls for culture-specific resources and government aid

By Arvin Joaquin

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

How can a new Canadian government collaborate with Two-Spirit people?

John R. Sylliboy on Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ Indigenous needs, the upcoming federal election and reconciliation

By Arvin Joaquin

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

How do Canada’s political parties rank on LGBTQ2S+ issues?

Where the parties stand on conversion therapy, poppers, trans health care and more

By Mel Woods

Politics

Prepare to be disappointed in party platforms this election season

The NDP, Conservatives and Liberals could be doing much more for LGBTQ2S+ Canadians. Instead, they’re doling out a lot of the same empty promises

By Dale Smith

Politics

Jill Andrew’s revolutionary politics

As the first openly queer Black MPP in Ontario, the Toronto-based politician wants to build a more inclusive province in the wake of COVID-19

By Samantha Peters

Politics

What are conscience rights and why are they in the Conservative platform?

What Erin O’Toole’s pledge to defend conscience rights means for LGBTQ2S+ people

By Mel Woods

Politics

How to tell if that ‘feminist’ election group is actually anti-trans

As the federal writ drops, TERFs will be out claiming to “protect women”

By Mel Woods

Inside Xtra

A federal election?! Don’t worry, Xtra has you covered

Senior politics editor Erica Lenti gives you a sneak peek into our extensive coverage of the forthcoming Canadian election

By Erica Lenti

Politics

This Conservative MP’s call to study poppers may just be the right move

Michelle Rempel Garner’s open letter to the minister of health is an example of true allyship—if it doesn’t become an election punchline

By Dale Smith

Politics

What an election could mean for Canada’s LGBTQ2S+ communities

Spoiler alert: If past elections are any indication, expect broken promises

By Dale Smith

Power

When investigations into the deaths of trans women go unsolved

A veteran journalist explores what the Bruce McArthur case can teach us about other unsolved murder investigations and the policing of sex work

By Nour Abi-Nakhoul

Politics

All parties get to wear the failure to ban conversion therapy in Canada

Bill C-6, which would have prohibited the harmful practice on a national level, did not pass through the Senate—and there’s plenty of blame to share across party lines

By Dale Smith

Activism

How small towns are celebrating Pride Month

Xtra catches up with the folks from our “Small Town Pride” documentary to see what Pride is like during a pandemic

By Riley Sparks