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.
Theme of the 2023 Capital Pride celebration revealed. Last week at the D.C. Capital Pride Reveal event, Capital Pride Alliance announced this year’s theme will be “Peace, Love, Revolution.” Festivities will happen between June 2 through June 11 in the nation’s capital. The alliance is also preparing for D.C. to host WorldPride in 2025, which will be the 50th anniversary of D.C. Pride.
35th Annual Lambda Literary Awards announces 2023 finalists. Congratulations to all the authors nominated for Lammys this year. The Lammys recognize the best in LGBTQ+ literature across 25 categories. A few of the nominated authors and titles include Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu’s “Kapaemahu,” Sonora Reyes’ “The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School” and Arinze Ifeakandu’s “God’s Children Are Little Broken Things.” Winners will be announced at the live event, Friday, June 9.
Center for Queer Prairie Studies exhibit showcases the lives of LGBTQ+ Oklahomans. Taking place at the Tulsa Artist Fellowship, the exhibition features the art of LGBTQIA2S Oklahomans “alongside presentations of queer prairie history in the form of authentic and fabricated archival materials and historically inspired installations.” Visitors can enjoy the exhibit Thursday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m. now through May 5.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly vetoes anti-trans sports bill. For the third year in a row, Democratic Gov. Kelly has shot down a bill that would ban transgender girls from participating in sports and “require that female student athletic teams only include members who are biologically female.” Gov. Kelly had this to say in a statement about the bill. “Let’s be clear about what this bill is all about – politics. It won’t increase any test scores. It won’t help any kids read or write. It won’t help any teachers prepare our kids for the real world. Here’s what this bill would actually do: harm the mental health of our students. That’s exactly why Republican governors have joined me in vetoing similar bills.”
“Queer Eye” star Karamo Brown’s talk show has been renewed for a second season. Brown, who was the first out, gay Black man on reality television with his turn on “Real World: Philadelphia,” continues to expand his reach with his family and relationship focused talk show. Brown has a degree in social services and is often the emotional backbone of “Queer Eye.” “Karamo” airs in syndication on NBCUniversal and can be found in most markets nationwide.