|
In the News: Positive Developments
Global News:
Tonga - Miss Galaxy pageant showcases gender diverse Tongans. Almost one-fifth of Tonga’s population watched the pageant, despite increasing hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community in the country. Many of the contestants are Leitis, a third gender in Tongan culture where people assigned male at birth live as women and have traditionally taken on roles caring for elder Tongans and serving the royal family.
United Kingdom - Trans teenage activists camp outside Department for Education. The activists, which are part of the Trans Kids Deserve Better action network, are demanding greater protections for trans students.
Vatican City - Pope Francis meets with African LGBTQ+ activists. The Pope met with Clare Byarugaba, the founder of PFLAG Uganda, and discussed the impact of Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
Sydney - Famous gay penguin dies at Sydney aquarium. Sphen, a gentoo penguin, coupled with another male penguin, named Magic, with whom Sphen raised two adopted chicks. Their story became the subject of books and documentaries. After Sphen’s death, Magic began to sing, and was soon joined in song by the rest of the colony of penguins at the aquarium.
Brewery Fights Back:
Austin-based brewery unveils “Big Gay Beer.” The Brewtorium Brewery and Kitchen received a bomb threat at a drag brunch event in June and responded by creating a new brew they are calling “Big Gay Beer.” All proceeds from “Big Gay Beer” sales will go to Veterans for Equality.
In Sports:
Valentina Petrillo set to become first openly trans athlete in the Paralympics. Petrillo will run in the womens’ 200m and 400m sprints for athletes with visual impairments.
| 
