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 a few things we’re excited about this week.
Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff publishes new book about the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ equality. Award-winning writer Naff has spent over 20 years covering the LGBTQ+ community, which he details in his debut book, “How We Won the War for LGBTQ Equality: And How Our Enemies Could Take It All Away.” From the AIDS crisis to marriage equality and beyond, Naff tackles it all in his book. As colleagues of Naff, we’re thrilled to share that you can get the book now on Amazon or through kevinnaff.com.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has signed a bill banning conversion therapy for minors. Utah now joins 19 other states and the District of Columbia in banning the harmful practice of conversion therapy. The bill, which passed unanimously through both Utah chambers, will strengthen the rules already set in 2020 by the Division of Professional Licensing.
Author and artist Anastacia-Reneé debuts new poetry book about the Black, queer, feminist experience. In “Side Notes from the Archivist,” Anastacia-Reneé shares their thoughts on subjects “from Solid Gold to halal hotdogs; as homages and reflections on iconic images, from Marsha P. Johnson to Aunt Jemima; and as critiques of systemic oppression forcing some to countdown their last heartbeat.” The book is available now through the Harper Collins Amistad imprint.
Outfest Fusion Film Festival kicks off today. Outfest’s QTBIPOC Festival and summit begin Friday both virtually and in person in Los Angeles, offering short and feature-length films, workshops and panels for audiences and creators to enjoy. Catch films like “This Place” starring queer Indigenous Canadian actor Devery Jacobs and the documentary “Little Richard: I Am Everything.” This year marks the 20th anniversary of the festival.
Celebrity chef Kristen Kish’s new series, “Restaurants at the End of the World” debuts on National Geographic. Queer chef Kish has a new series where she visits restaurants in unexpected places, like the middle of the rainforest or a remote arctic outpost. Kish is a “Top Chef” winner, served as a correspondent for “Iron Chef” and is the owner of the Arlo Grey restaurant in Austin, Texas. You can watch “Restaurants at the End of the World” on National Geographic or stream on Disney +.