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.
The highly anticipated “Red, White, & Royal Blue” adaptation gets a trailer. The New York Times bestselling gay romance by Casey McQuiston has been adapted into a feature-length film by Prime Video and here’s a look at the official first trailer. In the story, Alex, the president’s son, and Britain’s Prince Henry fall for each other despite a long-running feud. Viewers can catch the film beginning August 11.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper vetoes three anti-LGBTQ+ bills. The Democratic leader of North Carolina has struck down three bills that would discriminate against LGBTQ+ youth in the state, including a ban on gender-affirming care for those under 18 (HB808), banning trans students from playing sports (HB574) and stopping teachers from making their classrooms more inclusive to LGBTQ+ students (SB49). Gov. Cooper referred to the bills, proposed by the GOP supermajority in the state house, as “a triple threat of political culture wars.”
Human Rights Campaign and Showtime team up for the fourth annual “Queer to Stay” small business preservation initiative. Are you the LGBTQ+ owner of a small business that was affected during the Covid-19 crisis? Then you may be eligible to apply for a grant sponsored by HRC and Showtime. This is the fourth year the two have teamed up to assist LGBTQ+ small businesses with grant money. Applications are open now until Aug. 31.
Wildfang to attempt record-breaking drag performance. Portland-based and queer owned clothing line Wildfang has teamed up with legendary drag bar Darcelle VX Showplace to attempt the world’s longest drag show performance beginning July 10 in Portland, Oregon. The event will go for over 48 hours and feature celebrity talent including Peppermint, Eureka O’Hara, Lala Ri and many more. In addition to achieving a Guinness World Record, the event hopes to raise $250,000 for the Trevor Project.