Three positive news stories: April week 5

This week, three uplifting stories highlighted meaningful progress for LGBTQ+ inclusion, visibility, and leadership around the world, as reported by myGwork.

New Zealand adopts LGBTQ+ inclusive, risk-based blood donation rules

New Zealand is moving away from sexuality-based blood donor restrictions and introducing a new system that evaluates all donors using the same behaviour-focused questions. From 4 May, gay and bisexual men will no longer face blanket deferrals based solely on their sexuality. Instead, eligibility will be based on individual risk factors, reflecting modern HIV testing capabilities and a broader commitment to equality in healthcare. Early research suggests many gay and bi men are both willing and eligible to donate under fairer criteria, potentially strengthening the national blood supply.

Check out the full story here.

Hungary to introduce first ever LGBTQ+ television channel

In a significant step for media representation, Hungary is set to launch Szivárvány TV (Rainbow TV), the country’s first LGBTQ+ television network. Operating 24/7 across multiple platforms, the channel will feature independent journalism, current affairs, documentaries, films, and cultural programming that reflect the real lives of LGBTQ+ people in Hungary and across Europe. Organisers stress a commitment to rigorous journalistic standards and data protection, aiming to counter stereotypes and misinformation while giving queer communities much-needed visibility in a restrictive media environment.

Read more and explore the full story here

Zohran Mamdani names Black lesbian archivist to lead NYC records agency

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed Shawn(ta) Smith-Cruz, a Black lesbian archivist and librarian, as commissioner of the Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS). Her leadership will shape how the city preserves and shares its history, including LGBTQ+ narratives and other marginalised voices that have often been excluded from official records. With a long career focused on archives, equity, and public access, Smith-Cruz is poised to safeguard transparency and ensure that New York’s historical record accurately reflects its diverse communities.

Discover more about this appointment by checking out the full story here.