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.
Philadelphia Gay News to receive the Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists Legacy Award. Huge congratulations to the team at Philadelphia Gay News. The LGBTQ+ publication (and member of News is Out), started in 1976 by activist and advocate Mark Segal, is being recognized for their tireless work in LGBTQ+ media. NLGJA Executive Director Adam Pawlus said about PGN: “With a commitment to truth and a fearless approach, PGN has consistently amplified underrepresented voices and shared impactful stories that resonate. This award celebrates PGN’s enduring influence and the invaluable service they have provided to Philadelphia through the years.” The award will be presented at next week’s annual NLGJA conference.
Gay country singer and Ty Herndon is a married man. Herndon, who in 2014 was the first mainstream male country star to come out as gay, married his boyfriend Alex Schwartz this week in Chapmansboro, Tenn. The couple was joined by 300 guests, including singer/actor and LGBTQ+ ally Kristin Chenoweth.
Queer Circle City is preserving Indianapolis’ LGBTQ+ history. The Instagram account run by Hunter Vale, collects mementos, historical documents and personal stories from queer and trans Hoosiers. Vale’s project was featured this week by local ABC affiliate WRTV and Vale shared, “I really hope this exists to highlight the work that other people are doing. I’m really only a middle man. I’m only making it more accessible. There are people doing extensive work and really preserving this in the right way.”
Soccer star Megan Rapinoe to take a final bow in Chicago. Rapinoe, a two time World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist is retiring from professional soccer this year and will play her final international game Sept. 24 in a match against South Africa. Rapinoe will be honored at the match and celebrate a close to nearly 20 years in the game. Her last match as a member of OL Reign will be Oct. 15.