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.
2023 National Trans Visibility March Rally and March sets off in NYC. On Saturday, at 12:00 p.m., marchers will begin at Stonewall Inn and conclude at Chelsea Piers with a rally. The march is the week’s grand finale of events featuring a trans ball/National Voters registration event and the fifth annual Torch Awards, recognizing “distinguished achievements and honors individuals whose work has impacted the lives of TGNC communities across the nation.”
Queer TikTok sensation Maddie Zahm releases her debut album. After achieving viral success on TikTok with songs like “Fat Funny Friend” and “You Might Not Like Her,” Zahm has released her first full-length album titled “Now That I’ve Been Honest.” The album reflects on Zahm’s life chronologically, from her experience as a youth leader in church to coming out as bisexual and the thrills and heartbreaks of her first queer relationships.
Five New Jersey towns update their marriage forms to be more inclusive. Fairview, Hanover Township, Linden, South Toms River and Estell Manor have all agreed to update language on their marriage forms and websites to reflect that same-sex couples and people of all genders can obtain marriage licenses.
Iowa gets an LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce. According to LGBTQ+ advocate Dan Jansen, “The Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce will serve to champion the economic interests of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and professionals while fostering an environment of acceptance, respect, and growth, bringing together LGBTQ+ owned businesses, allies, and corporate partners in an atmosphere of collaboration and support.” The chamber held its kickoff event this Wednesday in Des Moines and will serve other cities in Iowa in the coming months.