Now, let's have a look at recent LGBTQ+ news.

We'll start off with some bad news. JK Rowling tweeted last Saturday (you already know this is going to be bad) about a women's prison in New Jersey called Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women (the only women's prison in New Jersey); backing up an article about how cis women were "uncomfortable" with the trans women there. However, this is wrong on so many levels. First of all, the article JKR linked only provided an account from a single inmate, and was from a website that historically is very transphobic. But more importantly, Edna Mahan is so infamous for its long history of guards abusing inmates that New Jersey governor Phil Murphy has announced that it will be closing. But sure, JK, the trans women are the problem. (learn more about this here)

However, it's not all doom and gloom. Robben Island, South Africa, is celebrating Pride for the first time! Six days ago, the LGBTQ+ Pride flag was flown in Robben Island. This is huge, especially considering the significance of Robben Island. Nelson Mandela was imprisoned there for 18 years after his protests agais apartheid. Once apartheid was done away with, he became South Africa's first president. As president, Mandela really set the ball rolling for LGBTQ+ rights in South Africa. The constitution he initiated included protection against discrimination based off of sexual orientation, making South Africa the first country in the world to outlaw discrimination due to sexual orientation in its constitution. Additionally, he appointed an openly gay judge to South Africa's High Court of Appeal. Mandela's legacy shines through with this promising declaration from Robben Island. (learn more about this here!)

That's all for Rainbow News today! If you would like to stay up to date on LGBTQ+ news outside of A Gay's Gaze, I encourage you to check out: PinkNews, Them., r/lgbtnews on Reddit, and Queerty!