Welcome to our weekly column, News is Good, where we feature positive news about the LGBTQ+ community. Too much of what we see in mainstream media coverage focuses on the challenges we face and not the celebrations. Here are five things we’re excited about this week.
“Lesbian Lumberjack” is chopping up discarded Christmas trees for a cause. If you are in San Diego, for a $50 donation to the San Diego LGBT Center, Janessa Goldbeck will come to your house decked out in flannel and chop and haul away your used Christmas tree. Goldbeck has already raised nearly $10,o00 for the center. Sounds like a Hallmark movie come to life.
Chicago production of “Tick…tick…BOOM!” features an all transgender and gender-nonconforming cast. The Boho Theatre company is putting on the production of Jonathan Larson’s musical precursor to “RENT” Jan. 12-Feb. 5 at the Edge Theatre. The production is directed by Bo Frazier, who is also trans, gender nonconforming and starred as Michael in the Aberystwyth Arts Centre production in London.
Ferndale, Michigan is getting its own LGBTQ+ elder housing development. The gay-friendly city right outside of Detroit was recently granted $700,000 towards the completion of The Raymond E. Shepherd House. Named in honor of late local activist Raymond E. Shepherd, the affordable housing development will have 53 units plus mixed-use space and is expected to be completed at some point in 2024.
Alameda County Superior Court Judge Kelli Evans is the first queer woman of color named to California Supreme Court. Congratulations to Judge Evans who was sworn in Jan. 2 by Gov. Gavin Newson. Prior to her time on the bench, Evans served as part of Sacramento County public defender’s office and the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California. She was accompanied at the ceremony by her wife, Terri Shaw.
Miley Cyrus and godmother Dolly Parton ring in the new year. Cyrus, who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community and gay icon Parton, hosted NBC’s New Year’s Eve party and wowed the audience with a rousing medley of two of their biggest individual hits, “Wrecking Ball” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Do you have good news you want to share with us? Email our team at newsisout@localmedia.org.