Two-Spirit NDP MP Blake Desjarlais on trans rights, oil and gas companies, diversity and inclusion work and more

Catching up with Desjarlais on his—very busy—first year in Parliament

How can I decolonize my desire?

I’ve been taught all my life to prioritize white beauty standards and dismiss other BIPOC guys. How can I reclaim my sexuality?

By Kai Cheng Thom

Identity

Criticism of Brittney Griner’s release shows a lack of empathy

OPINION: The social media reaction to Brittney Griner is a reminder that empathy is often extended only to those we deem most similar to ourselves

By Femi Redwood

Ask Kai: Advice for the Apocalypse

When is it okay to ask someone with less privilege than you to cut you some slack?

Kai answers a reader whose conflict with a friend is further complicated by race, mental health and privilege

By Kai Cheng Thom

Censorship

A Florida school district is censoring books that promote LGBTQ2S+ equality

Advisory labels meant to steer Florida parents away from “unsuitable” material also target Black authors and their content

By Luca Della Penna

Ask Kai: Advice for the Apocalypse

How much space should white-passing people take up in the antiracist movement?

I told my friend she needed to stop centring herself and step back, and she got upset. Was I being too harsh?

By Kai Cheng Thom

Music

Sexy, campy, revolutionary and downright queer, brega provides the soundtrack to Brazil’s working class

But just what is it, exactly? Nicole Froio investigates this immensely popular musical genre

By Nicole Froio

Justice

L.A. political donor Ed Buck sentenced to 30 years in prison for the rape and murder of two gay Black men

Black activists had previously voiced frustration with law enforcement’s refusal to take the accusations against Buck seriously

By Ursula Muñoz S.

Identity

Global Black Pride is coming to Toronto—and it’s bigger and better than ever

“Black Pride is a political act whether we’re protesting or dancing”

By Sophie Hurwitz

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

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

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

Xtra Weekly

Topline: Meet you at the bar

My hometown queer bar is under threat. Send in the queens!

By Gordon Bowness

TV & Film

Controversial thriller ‘Antebellum’ grapples with the nightmare of slavery

Filmmaking partners Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz hope they’ve created a cathartic wake-up call

By Tre’vell Anderson

Photo Essay

All around the world, people are taking to the streets in demonstrations against systemic racism and police violence. In Toronto, photojournalist Nick Lachance has been documenting the resistance movement

By Nick Lachance

Music

10 queer artists whose music supports anti-racist and LGBTQ2 advocacy groups

Righteous sounds: A playlist of musicians and singers putting their money where their mouth is

By Caitlin Stall-Paquet

Activism

Protesting for Black lives during COVID-19

Black communities have taken to the streets to protest white supremacy during COVID-19 with the knowledge that we can—and will—keep each other safe

By Pascale Diverlus

Analysis

Everything you need to know about defunding the police

What exactly divestment means and how it would work in Canada and the U.S.

By Cameron Perrier

Race issues

Two-Spirit NDP MP Blake Desjarlais on trans rights, oil and gas companies, diversity and inclusion work and more

How can I decolonize my desire?

Criticism of Brittney Griner’s release shows a lack of empathy

When is it okay to ask someone with less privilege than you to cut you some slack?

A Florida school district is censoring books that promote LGBTQ2S+ equality

How much space should white-passing people take up in the antiracist movement?

L.A. political donor Ed Buck sentenced to 30 years in prison for the rape and murder of two gay Black men

Global Black Pride is coming to Toronto—and it’s bigger and better than ever

Annamie Paul wants a greener, queerer Canada

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

Jill Andrew’s revolutionary politics

Topline: Meet you at the bar

Controversial thriller ‘Antebellum’ grapples with the nightmare of slavery

A summer of protest

10 queer artists whose music supports anti-racist and LGBTQ2 advocacy groups

Protesting for Black lives during COVID-19

Everything you need to know about defunding the police