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.

Ask Kai: Advice for the Apocalypse

I’m a woman in a relationship with a man. How can I explore my newfound bisexuality?

Kai advises a reader who recently came out that there are many ways to build queer community

By Kai Cheng Thom

The Buzz

Janelle Monáe won Halloween (and Christmas)

Plus Kal Penn comes out, Kristen Stewart gets engaged and Dan Levy hosts a brunch cooking show

By Mel Woods

Culture

Horror queen Elvira is queer! Spooky gays rejoice!

Cassandra Peterson, the entertainer behind Elvira, reveals her 19-year relationship with a woman in a new memoir

By Mel Woods

Ask Kai: Quickies

Any advice for someone coming out in their 40s?

It’s a long journey to self-discovery, so enjoy the process!

By Xtra Video

Xtra Weekly

Topline: Ever wondered what it’s like coming out to South Asian parents?

Coming out to my noncommunicative Indian parents over FaceTime was a journey—one that’s not quite over yet

By Karan Saxena

Xtra Weekly

Topline: Coming outs and clarifications

Coming out is a process. It’s okay to do a little beta testing first

By Mel Woods

Identity

I came out later in life. I’ve never felt more free—nor more alone

Before I could find belonging among fellow queers, I first needed to learn how to belong to myself

By Alena Papayanis

Identity

How to not be weird about pronouns

How to be chill, cool and a good ally when talking about peoples’ pronouns

By Mel Woods

Identity

Why Carl Nassib’s coming out is such a big deal

The NFL has its first openly gay active player. But is the historically problematic league ready?

By Mel Woods

TV & Film

Mae Martin talks ‘Feel Good,’ comedy and John Wick as gender

The Canadian comedian shares their thoughts on standup, queerness and the second season of their acclaimed Netflix show

By Mel Woods

Identity

Please let Billie Eilish do what she wants

The singer was accused of queerbaiting in a recent music video, but it’s a lot more complicated than that

By Mel Woods

Music

After years in the closet, country singer Brooke Eden lets her truth shine through her music

Industry people told her: “If you want to keep your career, you have to keep this quiet”

By Jesse Locke

Culture

Demi Lovato comes out as non-binary after ‘healing and self-reflective work’

The singer and former child star says they want to better express the fluidity of their gender expression

By Mel Woods

TV & Film

‘Edge of Seventeen’ remains a coming-out classic

Starring Lea DeLaria in one of her earliest roles, the film’s message, she says, still holds up 20 years later

By Daniel Sanchez Torres

TV & Film

‘Happiest Season’ is the cheesy Christmas movie we deserve

A coming-out story and a holiday rom-com formula shouldn’t work together—but they do

By Erica Lenti

Personal Essay

A transgender, bisexual, non-binary writer calls their future into being

Coming out: A prelude

By Dede Akolo

Ask Kai: Advice for the Apocalypse

I think my straight friend might actually be gay. Should I encourage him to come out?

By Kai Cheng Thom

Love Like Mine

I find myself through coming out to strangers, again and again

If they say something ignorant or hurtful, I can choose to never see them again. I don’t have that option with my loved ones

By Xiaoxiao Meng