Everything That's Brought Me Joy Lately

Hello, and welcome back to Positively Nonbinary!

I’ve missed you. It has been a wild couple of weeks, and it’s nice to get grounded in bringing you good news.

It’ll be easiest to give a break-down of everything that’s being going on lately (all good things, really) in the supplemental essay, since I owe you (checks watch) three weeks of news already. You’ll have to forgive me for last week, two of my favorite humans drove across the country to visit my little family and we were quite busy having adventures.

But first, I want to give a warm welcome and thank you to everyone who came to the Queer Indie Author Book Bonanza! It was so lovely to meet you, and I’m so glad you’re here. Please always feel free to reach out and say hi, or drop a recommendation in my inbox/the comments.

(By the way, if you want a copy of the Positively Nonbinary Zine I made for the occasion, let me know! It’s just pay what you want plus shipping.)

Talking to folks about this newsletter in person brought me a lot of joy. On one level, I know that it’s important work (because holy shit, there are nearly a hundred of you now?) but it’s always incredibly reassuring to see someone’s face light up when you tell them there’s a place they can find good news in their community.

So thank you, again, for coming to support local queer authors, and for supporting positive news for nonbinary folks.

Let’s get into it.

Events & Opportunities

Arts & Culture

Exploring Multiculturalism and Gender in Art: Sol Diaz-Peña

Diaz-Peña, a multicultural queer nonbinary trans artist, talks about their painting and photography work.

This multihyphenate is making room for the next generation of trans and nonbinary artists

A feature on Lío Mehiel, the 2023 Out100 honoree, about the importance of uplifting trans folks in creative media.

Trans entrepreneurs empower queer community through apparel

Kylo Freeman (founder of For Them) and Finnegan Shepard (found of Both&Apparel) on how they came to create clothing for the nonbinary and trans community.

San Francisco opera showcase highlights trans, nonbinary artists

The Parallel Opera’s upcoming show, “Expansive,” will showcase trans classic artists.

The Author of ‘Red, White and Royal Blue’ Is Back, With More Spice and No Shame

Anyone else absolutely losing their mind about Casey Mquiston’s latest? I’m so excited for their first nonbinary protagonist! (Review coming soon!)

In 'La Toilette,' four artists shift narrative of bathing scenes at LaiSun Keane

Including perspective from nonbinary artist Kyra Gregory.

Femme Frontera showcases LGBTQIA+ filmmakers at Plaza Theatre minifest

Including a panel of queer and trans filmmakers and a preview of a short film with a nonbinary protagonist.

Eurovision's first nonbinary winner is ready to be a global force: 'It's bigger than me'

Children’s books written to support transgender and nonbinary youth

A short list of trans friendly kids books from Good Morning America, and a few more here (including one with a nonbinary teacher.)

For Gay Uncles Day: 18 Books from Past and Present Celebrating Queer Uncles

Including a book about the friendship between a nonbinary kid and their nonbinary uncle.

Star Wars, Gender, And The Galaxy's First Trans Characters, Explained

An overview of queerness and transness in the Star Wars universe.

Legislation & Research

In Colombia, a Grassroots Bill for the Needs and Dreams of Trans People

In a historic moment for Colombia, the trans community is fighting for their rights through policy.

As we left the July 8-14 Nonbinary Awareness Week behind, we talked to Şükrü and Ceylin from Demir Leblebi about the difficulties LGBTIQ+s face in education and housing from a queer perspective

Interviews with queer and trans Armenians about their experiences in housing and education.

‘Safe Havens II’ report offers roadmap to help trans non-binary youth in foster care, justice system, homeless services

The report urges impactful responses from policymakers to support young queer and trans community members.

Pittsburgh Public Schools considering a policy to strengthen rights of LGBTQ+ employee

If passed, the policy would ensure that nonbinary and trans employees have the same access and protection as their cis colleagues.

Massachusetts To Offer Non-Binary Birth Certificates For Newborn Babies

Transgender people are showing up at the ballot box in spite of significant 'barriers' (exclusive)

82% of trans folks surveyed are registered to vote (as of U.S. Transgender Survey’s Civic Engagement’s 2020 study.)

Half of schools in the US encourage use of gender-neutral pronouns for inclusivity

A look at how schools are supporting their trans and queer students.

Challenges in Netflix Arabic subtitling of English nonbinary gender expressions in ‘Degrassi: Next Class’ and ‘One Day at a Time’

An interesting study on issues with English nonbinary pronouns in Arabic subtitles, and suggestions for solutions moving forward.

Sports

For transgender and nonbinary runner in Paris, ‘this is bigger than just me’

A detailed feature on Nikki Hiltz in the midst of the Olympics. Also, they are so cute with their romantic/training partner.

Nikki Hiltz Didn’t Medal But They Still Made History at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Hiltz made it to the semi-finals and showed up for their community in a historic way.

Masked nonbinary shotputter Raven Saunders, with ‘Hulk’ nails and hair, relishing Paris Olympics ‘spotlight’

The nonbinary athlete showed up to win and looked incredible doing it.

Queer Side of the Ring: Nonbinary pro wrestler smashes boundaries

Max the Impaler continues to absolutely crush it in both categories.

A third of all out LGBTQ athletes at the Paris Olympics won a medal

Absolute champions!

Oakland’s For The Win Is a Haven for Female and Nonbinary Boxers

Led by Coach Rae Black.

Good Reads & Essays

“It’s Possible”: 6 Trans and Nonbinary People Who Got Top Surgery After Age 45

From Them’s Body Week, several trans masc and nonbinary folks talk about their experience getting gender-affirming surgery later in life.