A man stands in a colourful crowd at a pride parade while he is in all grey

Pride & Politics

In the summer of 2024, thousands gather in downtown Toronto for Canada’s largest Pride celebration. The crowd surges forward, and for a moment I lose myself in the sea of colour, pressed shoulder to shoulder near Church-Wellesley Village. It’s then I see rainbow flags waving high in the air and hear the raucous cheers of spectators growing louder and louder. The parade has started. The air hums with excitement as performers in extravagant costumes twirl and dance on the floats. Food vendors and community booths line the streets, serving everything from rainbow popsicles to pamphlets on 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and resources.

Free as a Zine

As community-focused storytelling becomes increasingly rare, zines offer readers connection and truth to niche subjects. While mainstream media often prioritizes clicks over community, zines like Rage, What Is to Be Done, and A Black Image Manifesto are carving out spaces where liberation movements can thrive and under-represented voices can flourish.
Xtra Magazine "Ana Pink All Over" Issue

And Hot Pink All Over

How Xtra’s new (and improved) editorial direction is expanding its audience and reach in the LGBTQ2IA+ community