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.
Diana Nyad biopic premieres on Netflix. After spending time on the festival circuit, “Nyad” is now streaming on Netflix. The film stars Annette Bening as Nyad and Jodie Foster as her best friend and coach, Bonnie Stoll, and takes place when, at the age of 60, distance swimmer Nyad re-attempts to swim from Cuba to Florida.
“Sapphic Paris” exhibit opens at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia. The work of Parisian modern artist Marie Laurencin is now the focus of an exhibition at the prestigious Barnes Foundation. Laurencin (1883 –1956), a member of Paris’ avant-garde, centered women and subtle allusions to Sapphic romance in her works. She is also considered the creator of the “Sapphic modernity” sensibility. The exhibit runs now through Jan. 21.
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund reports a significant increase in LGBTQ+ candidates on the 2023 ballot. The Victory Fund, and organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ candidates for political office at all levels, reports that there is a nearly 20% increase in LGBTQ+ candidates running for office this year “compared to the last odd-numbered election cycle in 2021.” Other significant statistics include an increase of nonbinary and genderqueer candidates, from five in 2019 to 37 in 2023, and a 76% increase in bisexual candidates running this year versus 2021. Read the full report here.
New Springfield, Missouri coffee company, Queerly Caffeinated, to put funds back into local LGBTQ+ organizations. Former public health administrator Aaron Schekorra has created a new coffee company that will benefit local queer and trans organizations. Queerly Caffeinated features roasted-to-order coffee flavors like “Whiskey Barrel-Aged” and “Cinnamon Hazelnut” and blends like “Asian Plateau” and “African Kahawa.” Right now, 10% of all online sales are donated to local Springfield LGBTQ+ nonprofits, with the potential to increase as the business grows.