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.
LGBTQ+ and environmental activist Precious Brady-Davis makes history. Chicago-based Brady-Davis was recently appointed as commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District by Gov. JB Pritzker. According to Windy City Times, Brady-Davis “is the first openly Black transgender woman appointed to public office on Cook County history. She is also the first openly Black trans person to serve on a water reclamation board in the United States.” Before her appointment, Brady-Davis worked for Sierra Club and in youth outreach for the Center on Halsted.
“The Watermelon Woman” joins the Criterion Collection. Cheryl Dunye’s 1996 influential lesbian film is now a part of the prestigious Criterion Collection. The film stars Dunye as aspiring filmmaker Cheryl, whose film research into forgotten Black actresses leads her to the story of a 1930s performer known only as “The Watermelon Woman.” The Criterion version contains additional interviews with Dunye and other creatives attached to the film and six of Dunye’s early short films.
Chile to strengthen anti-discrimination laws. President Gabriel Boric administration announced intentions to strengthen Chile’s 2012 anti-discrimination law. According to leading LGBTQ+ organizations in Chile, hate crimes have increased in the past year, and 0their request to strengthen the anti-discrimination laws is finally being implemented with President Boric’s new administration. Read more about this developing story in the Washington Blade.
“Transparent” musical heading to Broadway. After a strong showing this Pride season at Los Angeles’ Taper Forum, the musical based on the Prime Video series “Transparent” is heading to Broadway in 2024. The musical follows youngest sibling Ali Pfefferman’s experience as their parent Maura transitions and “the family is forced to confront their own identities and navigate their relationships with each other.” The musical is written by “Transparent” creator Joey Soloway and MJ Kaufman, with music and lyrics by Faith Soloway.