The first good news of the year is that the Canadian Lawmakers have voted to ban conversion therapy in the country. They passed a “motion banning the discredited practice of 'conversion therapy', in a rare show of unanimity in the country’s parliament” according to The Guardian. A surprise motion by the opposition Conservatives to fast-track the legislation prompted applause in the House. The bill is now going to go to the Senate for a vote before it becomes law. After the vote was taken in the House of Commons, a handful of liberal cabinet ministers hugged their Conservative colleagues. “I dream of the day when LGBTQ issues are no longer political footballs. And we are one day closer to that future,” said Liberal MP Randy Boissonnault. This statement is true because Canada took a huge step towards the future, where LGTBQ members can live their lives without having the burden and abuse of conversion therapy placed on them. This ban on conversion therapy has been passed after two failed attempts and this movement has saved many from depression, anxiety, drug use, homelessness, and suicide. Way to go, Canada!

The third good news comes from the world’s newest republic, Barbados, which has officially removed Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state. After 396 years, the Caribbean island of Barbados was freed from the British monarchy. Barbados further on swore in their first president who is also a woman. “Guests in the square applauded as Dame Sandra Mason was sworn in as president by the chief justice and took the oath of allegiance to her country” per The Guardian. Hundreds of people lining Chamberlain Bridge cheered and the iconic Barbadian singer Rihanna also attended the ceremony and was declared a “national hero,” according to The Guardian. This creation of a republic has brought a new beginning to Barbados by severing their ties with the Queen and British Rule. Their step towards independence by swearing in a female Barbadian president is a drastic step towards new changes and being an example to all the females of taking power and leading with grace and equality.