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.

Politics

New Zealand bans conversion therapy after near-unanimous vote in parliament

MPs share moving personal stories during debate over the new bill

By Nico Lang

Power

TikTok is finally cracking down on deadnaming, misgendering and conversion therapy

Social media giant is ramping up efforts to stop anti-LGBTQ2S+ content

By Nico Lang

Rainbow Rewind 2021

A year of political wins and losses

A look back at 12 months of anti-trans legislation, more queer representation in politics and the global fight for LGBTQ2S+ rights

By Erica Lenti

Politics

France joins Canada in banning LGBTQ2S+ conversion therapy without exemptions

Violators face not only huge fines but possible jail time

By Dawn Ennis

Politics

Canada has officially banned LGBTQ2S+ conversion therapy

After getting fast-tracked through the Senate and House of Commons, Bill C-4 received royal assent Wednesday

By Mel Woods

Politics

House of Commons surprisingly passes a tougher conversion therapy ban

ANALYSIS: A unanimous vote on Bill C-4 has fast-tracked the legislation. But has anything actually changed for the government and its opposition?

By Dale Smith

News

Canada’s conversion therapy ban is back. Will it finally pass?

On Monday, Canada’s House of Commons tabled a bill to ban LGBTQ2S+ conversion therapy

By Mel Woods

Politics

Canada’s queerest Cabinet is in. Now what?

ANALYSIS: When Parliament resumes, a ban on conversion practices and millions promised in funding for LGBTQ2S+ communities will be front of mind

By Dale Smith

Health

The troubling resurgence of trans conversion practices

OPINION: As opposition to gender-affirming care grows, we must engineer a world in which youth coming out as trans is a moment to rejoice in

By Florence Ashley

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 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

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

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

TV & Film

Everything queer coming to streaming platforms in August

From “The L Word” reboot and another lesbian historical drama to the recent gay romance “Boy Meets Boy” and a drag musical

By Sarah Taher

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

Politics

Meet the unlikely senator sponsoring Canada’s bill to end conversion therapy

New Brunswick’s René Cormier never expected to be an LGBTQ2S+ advocate in the Senate. But now, he’s the senator ushering Bill C-6 to the finish line

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