Three positive news stories: August week 1

This week’s LGBTQ+ news, as reported by myGwork, highlights powerful moments of visibility on screen, in our cities and on the streets. From a historic Marvel milestone to a lasting tribute to an iconic drag artist and a record-breaking Pride celebration, these stories underline how LGBTQ+ communities continue to shape culture, memory and public life.

Trans actor Maikol Roque makes historic MCU debut in record-breaking Spider-Man film

Transgender actor Maikol Roque has become one of the very few out trans performers to appear in a Marvel Cinematic Universe feature, and the first openly trans person of colour in an MCU film, with his role as EJ in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The film has shattered box office records, racing past the billion-dollar mark in under a week and securing the biggest US opening weekend to date, all while showcasing a trans actor in its ensemble. Roque’s achievement follows a wider surge in impactful trans representation on screen, signalling that mainstream studios are starting to reflect the diversity of their audiences.

Check out the full story here.

Liverpool to install permanent statue of The Vivienne in Pride Quarter

Liverpool is set to honour the legacy of James Lee Williams – better known as The Vivienne – with a permanent life-size statue at the entrance to the city’s Pride Quarter. Led by House of The Vivienne CIC and local LGBTQ+ platform Proudly Said, the project aims to create a welcoming space and symbolic “guardian angel” for the community at the gateway to Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ district. The statue will pay tribute not only to The Vivienne’s national profile, but also to the drag artist’s deep roots in Liverpool’s queer nightlife and their role in making others feel seen, supported and at home.

Read more and check out the full story here.

Brighton Pride marks 35 years with record-breaking celebration

Brighton and Hove Pride celebrated its 35th anniversary with record-breaking crowds, drawing around 300,000 people to the parade and up to 450,000 visitors across the city. Pride in the Park featured major artists and allies including Raye, Diana Ross, Jessie J and a DJ set from RuPaul, underscoring the event’s status as the UK’s largest Pride. This milestone year also spotlighted the city’s early activists and the courage it once took simply to march, while highlighting Pride’s ongoing role in fundraising for LGBTQ+ causes and boosting the local economy.

Find out more and check out the full story here.

Together, these stories show how LGBTQ+ visibility is growing across media, public spaces and large-scale events – celebrating the past, shaping the present and inspiring future generations.