Special Edition: The best news of 2023

For year’s end, I’ve rounded up the most popular positive stories published this year, but I’ll toss in a few personal favorites: like when a gay romantic comedy became one of the world’s top movies.

Did you know that Little Woman author Louisa May Alcott was a trans man? There are a lot of celebrities that no one knew were transgender.

The drag queen who ruled an empire was interesting and the dad who traveled hundreds of miles to watch his son’s first drag performance will warm your heart.

Here are this week’s most popular positive stories, with some fun social media posts tossed in too. Like seeing uplifting content like this? Sign up for our Good News email.

Never Miss a Beat

Subscribe to our daily newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights.

Promotions (occasional) * Week in Good News (one on the Weekend) * Week in Review (one on the Weekend) * Daily Brief (one each weekday) * Sign Up View this post on Instagram

A post shared by HE.SHE.THEY. (@he.she.they)

Older gay couple goes viral for recreating their old photos

Several stories about queer people went viral in 2023. Personally, I loved ChatGPT’s Bible verse about accepting trans people, an indie band’s hilarious takedown of Ron DeSantis, and the TikTok about trans people’s skeletons.

Loving uncle offers to walk lesbian niece down aisle after parents reject her

Let’s hear it for the guncles!

11-year-old trans girl’s plea for “peace” leaves school board speechless

“I came here not to fight, but to make peace. How? I’m going to tell a story.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pete Lee (@peteleepeteleepetelee)

Why do gay men talk like that?

Science has an explanation, but what does Dolly Parton have to do with it?

This gentle response to an anti-gay Twitter troll has been viewed millions of times

Sometimes the worst in other people brings out the best in us.

Man paints apartment building rainbow colors to get back at anti-gay neighbor

“It puts a smile on my face knowing that neighbor has to see it every day.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by phil clifton (@gayswhomemewell)

What does the Bible say about transgender people?

A lot more than you’d think.

Tommy had the perfect clapback when someone’s mom told him only girls can wear nail polish

Tommy scored a touchdown at football practice. The opponent was someone else’s mom.

What are the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the United States?

#2 will probably surprise you.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin)

Not Done Yet

• INTO: The voice of NYC’s subway system is a proud, thriving trans woman
• QUEERTY: American Idol’s first gay finalist is now a total hunk and living his best life
• GAYCITIES: 10 most unique LGBTQ+ bookstores in the United States
• SOCIAL: The most realistic advice you should take
• ARCHIVES: A mother didn’t know what to do when her son came out. So she called a gay bar

It’s been a joy bringing you smiles and laughs over the past year. Be sure to spread some of your own in 2024.

Don't forget to share: