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.
Drag will go on in St. George, Utah. In April, the city of St. George denied a permit for a public performance by Southern Utah Drag Stars. The drag group responded by suing the city. This week, U.S. District Judge David Nuffer ruled in favor of the performers and instructed the city council that the drag show should “take scheduling precedence over any other event. The show is now scheduled for June 30.
Short documentary shines a light on Alabama’s Black queer community. Part of Unilever’s “United We Stand” program, the film “Devoted to the Dream” features members of LGBTQ+ organization The Knights and Orchids Society and is directed by Tourmaline (“Happy Birthday, Marsha!”) and produced by queer-owned agency, RanaVerse. Unilever’s program is dedicated to improving “conditions in underserved and high-risk LGBTQ+ communities across the United States.”
Lizzo donates $50,000 to Marsha P. Johnson Institute. As part of her Juneteenth Giveback Campaign, LGBTQ+ ally and advocate Lizzo donated the sum to the MPJI, which works to “eradicate systemic, community, and physical violence that silences our community from actualizing freedom, joy, and safety.” Lizzo shared the news on her Instagram and encouraged followers to support the organization as well.
LGBTQ+ documentary “Mama Bears” debuts on PBS. After spending time on the festival circuit, the film centers on the stories of former evangelical conservative Christians and their advocacy and support for their LGBTQ+ children. The film is directed by Daresha Kyi, known for her acclaimed debut feature documentary, Chavela. “Mama Bears” is available now through your local PBS affiliate station.