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

Identity

A trans man modelled nude for 150 photographers, and fell in love with his body

Xtra contributor Andy Bandyopadhyay wanted to see artful, intimate portraits of trans men, so he made his own

By Andy Bandyopadhyay

The Xtra Long Read

Suicidal ideation, my intrusive visitor

Culturally, we fear talking about suicide. But for Niko Stratis, speaking openly about suicidal ideation was the only way to end its stigma

By Niko Stratis

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

Identity

12 LGBTQ2S+ emojis we need now

New emojis are added to the Emojipedia yearly, but we still have some suggestions

By Mel Woods

The Xtra Long Read

Divergent: The emerging research on the connection between trans identities and neurodivergence

The concept of “neuroqueer” helps a trans writer realize there is no one right way to wire a brain

By Jude Ellison S. Doyle

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

Sports

Your big queer and trans guide to the Tokyo Olympics

Despite controversies, coronavirus and cancellations, the Olympics are happening. Here’s what you need to know.

By Mel Woods

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

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

Summer swimwear solutions for all genders and bodies

From binding at the beach to size-inclusive options, queer and trans folks are finding ways to look cool and comfortable

By Mel Woods

Dispatch

How I survived lockdown with my parents after coming out to them as trans

As India battled through yet another wave of COVID-19 outbreaks and I couldn’t leave home, I told my family who I really am

By Urmi Bhattacheryya

Queer Culture Catch-Up

From the ultimate James Baldwin playlist to a juicy plus-sized cabaret

Our recommendations for what’s up and what’s on, beginning July 1

By S. Bear Bergman

Identity

After transitioning during the pandemic, trans people return to the unknown of real-world interactions

The awkwardness of a transition is a lot easier to negotiate when there’s no one to impress. But what happens when we go back to our pre-COVID-19 ways?

By Jude Ellison S. Doyle

The Xtra Long Read

Inside Canada’s chronically underfunded trans-affirming clinics

Despite more outward support for the community, legal protections and greater visibility, trans and other LGBTQ2S+ care isn’t being prioritized in the country. And when it is, financial barriers abound

By Sarah Ratchford

Identity

What’s so good about being natural?

By arguing against allegations of trans unnaturalness with proof of our naturalness, we’re agreeing with our vilifiers’ idea that being natural is somehow significant in the first place

By Nour Abi-Nakhoul

Politics

Trans people are calling out Biden’s hollow Pride message

The U.S. president tweeted support for “brave” trans youth. Trans people have thoughts

By Mel Woods

Parenting

From adoption to trans pregnancy

One of the most famous trans dads in the world goes behind the headlines to celebrate queer parenting

By Sarah Prager