News Round-Up: July 31, 2021

Some news items you might have missed: • Outsports: If the out LGBTQ athletes at the Tokyo Olympics were a country, they’d currently be ranked 11th. Outsports is tracking what they call ‘Team LGBTQ’ throughout the Olympiad. https://twitter.com/outsports/status/1421612891216568323 • U.S. News: Hungary’s National Election Committee has approved a list of questions on LGBT issues it wants to put on a referendum that aims to ban schools’ teaching about homosexuality and transgender issues, stepping up a culture war with the EU. • New York Times: Citing the ongoing dangers of the coronavirus pandemic, Broadway producers have announced theatergoers will need to be vaccinated against Covid-19 and wear masks in order to attend a performance just days before the first production is set to reopen after 16 months. https://twitter.com/MichaelPaulson/status/1421108561854226440 • HuffPost: When an accused Capitol rioter refused to wear a mask in court because he doesn’t believe they reduce transmission, the judge clapped back asking, “When did you go to medical school, sir? Do you have a medical degree?” • Mediaite: A Morning Consult poll published this week asked “Do you have a favorable or unfavorable view of White nationalists?” and 23% of Republican men said “Very favorable” or “Somewhat favorable.” • Billboard: Aretha Franklin’s legacy is getting the proper Respect it deserves in a new clip from the forthcoming biopic about the late superstar’s life. The minute-long clip features Jennifer Hudson portraying the Queen of Soul as she belts out her world-famous signature song “Respect.” https://youtu.be/Tsk83YuFeB8