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.

Activism

Roz Kaveney on a lifetime of fighting for trans rights

The writer, poet and anti-TERF activist reflects on half a century of fighting for trans rights

By Jude Ellison S. Doyle

Activism

As anti-drag protests rage, counter-protest is a key part of queer activism

Want to protest anti-drag demonstrators? Learn about the history, risks and art of counter-protesting

By Charlotte Dalwood

Activism

Prisoner Correspondence Project brings comfort and hope to LGBTQ2S+ prisoners across North America

Studies show that pen pal systems like this one can lead to better mental health and rehabilitation outcomes for incarcerated people

By Mzwandile Poncana

History

Beyond Stonewall: new project documents more than 600 forgotten LGBTQ2S+ protests

U.S. researchers uncover hundreds of queer and trans protests from 1965 to 1973

By Denio Lourenco

Activism

Charges dropped against Calgary teens protesting homophobic and transphobic group

Anti-hate advocates want “acknowledgment that these charges were wrong in the first place”

By Emma Bainbridge

Activism

LGBTQ+ Syrians face discrimination after surviving earthquake

Human and natural disasters pursue Syrian refugees in Turkey. Here’s one way to help

By Jacob Kessler

History

Learning local queer history helped me reclaim my right to public space

After an incident of homophobic harassment, learning about my local park’s LGBTQ+ history gave me the confidence to keep going out for daily walks

By Rosen Pitman-Wallace

Power

Online bullying has become legal persecution and violence—it’s time for us to respond

OPINION: If you think the campaigns against drag queens aren’t coming for you next—pay attention

By Zack Ford

Power

Chile just blocked historic LGBTQ+ rights reforms—and Scotland could be next

Chileans voted against a new pro-LGBTQ+ constitution, and proposed trans rights reforms in Scotland are also in jeopardy

By Maddy Mahoney

Asia

Singapore legalizes gay sex in a major win for Southeast Asia’s LGBTQ+ community

The island nation will repeal its colonial-era law, but marriage equality will still be banned

By Nico Lang

Pride 2022: Party & Protest

Decades of activism have prepared Ukrainian LGBTQ+ activists for their biggest challenge yet

Under the shadow of war, Kyiv Pride director Lenny Emson discusses the past, present and future of queer and trans activism in his country

By Adam Zivo

Politics

Feds talk a good game when it comes to equity, but are flailing when it comes to strong data, states Auditor General report

OPINION: Gender-based analysis that includes intersectional identities is supposed to inform how government services are delivered in Canada. Ten years in, the government has little to show for its good intentions

By Dale Smith