Our weekly column, News is Good, features 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.
After making history as the first openly gay player in professional football, Carl Nassib hangs up his helmet. Nassib, who played professionally for seven years, including time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Las Vegas Raiders, came out publicly in 2021. Nassib now plans to dedicate his time to his philanthropy focused app, Rayze. Thanks for your bravery, Carl!
Dr. Kevin Kline appointed Penn Medicine’s medical director of LGBTQ health. Kline, a family medical physician, was named this summer to lead the new department, which will prioritize affirming healthcare for the city’s LGBTQ+ population. Penn Medicine, short for the University of Pennsylvania Health System, is a leading health care provider in the state of Pennsylvania.
Lake Worth Beach becomes Florida’s first sanctuary city for LGBTQ+ community. Despite the recent struggles for the community in Florida, there are reasons to cheer in the Sunshine state. This week, the board of commissioners in Lake Worth Beach voted unanimously to make the city a sanctuary for queer and trans people. Lake Worth Beach Mayor Betty Resch shared, “I think it’s time to take a stand that we affirmatively accept the people as they are.”
Lesbian long distance swimmer Diana Nyad’s Netflix film gets a teaser. Nyad, who is also a journalist and speaker, is getting the biopic treatment by Netflix. The film, starring Annette Benning as Nyad and Jodie Foster as her coach and friend Bonnie Stoll, opens in theaters October 20 and hits the platform Nov. 3.