1. The LGBT rights movement in China is led by the “pink economy” in Beijing. Activists say that those with real spending power are in closeted, heterosexual relationships, but as tolerance becomes widespread in the next decade, those who are coming out in their teens and 20s will truly help the economy and culture blossom.
2. Justine Chen composed an entire opera about the life of Alan Turing, the gay mathematical genius who broke the Nazi Enigma Code. Turing was portrayed in the film “The Imitation Game” by Benedict Cumberbatch, and the opera — “The Life and Death(s) of Alan Turing” — seeks to do justice to his biography and his sexuality.
3. Hubert Edward Spires, 91, received an honorable discharge from the US Air Force this week, 69 years after he was kicked out because of his sexuality. Spires’ husband said it was about time.
4. Lesbian couple Maria Swearingen and Sally Sarratt are the new co-pastors at Washington, DC’s Calvary Baptist Church. The two officiated during this Sunday’s Epiphany service and officially begin duties on Feb. 26.
5. Dustin Lance Black’s new ABC show, “When We Rise,” is not on the must-watch list of the so-called “alt-right” movement. It chronicles the gay rights movement in America. Despite the internet attacks the show’s gotten, Black says it’s for everyone: “But this show is not a war. We are not against anyone. Every single person in this world is a minority in one way or another. It just depends on how you slice the pie. And this show tells us how we are related.” Watch the trailer: