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.
Hallmark’s holiday movie lineup to include a lesbian love story. “Friends and Family Christmas” stars queer actors Humberly Gonzalez and Ali Liebert as an artist and entertainment lawyer, respectively, who are reluctantly set up on a date over the holidays. The women agree to pretend to be a couple to appease their families but naturally, being a Hallmark romcom, real feelings develop. The film will debut on Hallmark Channel Dec. 17.
Whitman-Walker Health officially opens new Max Robinson Center. Whitman-Walker Health, a nonprofit with a specialization in LGBTQ+ health has opened a new healthcare and research facility in Southeast D.C. This location will allow the organization to expand services to even more Washingtonians, including “primary, behavioral, and dental care; a pharmacy; public benefits and insurance navigation services; and research, policy advocacy, education” plus additional training around LGBTQ+ and HIV health.
Newfest debuts its 2023 trailer. New York City’s annual LGBTQ+ film festival celebrates its 35th anniversary this October and will feature highly-anticipated films including “All of Us Strangers” starring Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott. Screenings will take place Oct. 12-24 throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn and in addition, Newfest will offer virtual screenings for 39 films.
Chicago queer space Nobody’s Darling expands two years after opening. The queer and Black-owned tavern in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood has doubled its capacity with a new expansion, according to Eater Chicago. The tavern, which was a 2022 James Beard finalist, has added more seating and a second bar to accommodate a growing customer base.