Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
A straight UNGA, good news from Thailand, LGBTQ+ funding might dry out, the EU gaslights us, Disney’s post-mortem, the Log Cabin Republicans, Fortune LGBTQ+ CEOs, and much more…
Welcome to this week’s edition. UN week is synonymous with traffic nightmares and overall chaos as if the NYPD has never adjusted since 1951 (granted, they have been busy with other things lately). It feels even more chaotic this year as delegates are particularly alarmist - for good reasons - on climate change, artificial intelligence, the wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and Ukraine, overall geopolitical tensions, and the rise of populism. Amid this, LGBTQ+ issues too often fell on the back burner as a secondary cute “pet project” of the handful of LGBTQ+ global leaders that weaseled their way into the UNGA. It is not surprising, therefore, that, as you will read below, LGBTQ+ funding is facing a cliff. And yet, it’s hard not to ask oneself, would the world be in a better shape if it wasn’t just straight guys calling the shots? Just asking. On this note, please take the time to celebrate some good news from Thailand on same-sex marriage and possibly a favorable regime in Sri Lanka.
This week: A straight UNGA, good news from Thailand, LGBTQ+ funding might dry out, the EU gaslights us, Disney’s post-mortem, the Log Cabin Republicans, Fortune LGBTQ+ CEOs, and much more…
Global News
United Nations: The General Assembly is still super straight
Welcome to the “Superbowl of diplomacy.” I attended the UNGA LGBTQ+ event (see item below) on Monday, the Open for Business event at American Express last night, and I just spoke at Concordia this morning on LGBTQ+ representation. I am always amazed at how entrepreneurial LGBTQ+ organizations and individuals are but also struck that we remain the guests of straight people, often relegated to basement conference rooms, side events, and off-piste gatherings. At the great diplomatic banquet, we often still get crumbs.
United Nations: Annual LGBTQ+ Event at the UNGA
Monday, I joined the United Nations LGBTQ+ Core Group event, co-hosted by Outright International. The event featured speeches from key figures, including Dr. Jill Biden, Tarja Halonen, High Commissioner Volker Türk, UN Independent Expert Graeme Reid, Maria Sjödin, Special Envoy Jessica Stern, Xavier Bettel, and Ambassador Jean-Marc Berthon, among others. The discussions addressed global setbacks in LGBTQ+ rights, with Gloriah Dehl, a Ugandan activist, sharing the devastating effects of Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act. Luxembourg's Minister Bettel forcefully criticized politicians for failing to stand for decency as progress stalls in several regions. In the audience, you could spot the filmaker Bruce Cohen, the ompnipresent Fred Karger and David Hochberg or former Outright Chair Aalap Shah. Read more in the Blade and watch the replay here.
European Union: Jan Sadek gaslights us
The European Union recently pledged €10 million to boost Uganda’s tourism sector (see Twitter and picture below). More than just overlooking egregious human rights violations, some activists interpret it as the EU strangely rewarding anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. While publicly condemning the AHA, the EU continues to support an economic project that excludes LGBTQ+ people. Ambassador Jan Sadek's coziness with Ugandan officials backing the AHA feels irresponsible and disrespectful.
Is funding for global LGBTQ+ rights about to dry out?
Two weeks ago, I reported how OSF’s disengagement on LGBTQ+ issues could be disastrous for our movement. Similarly, cuts into the Netherlands’ support is a game changer. This week, another key LGBTQ+ funder announced to its grantees it would cease operations, leaving a significant gap in vital resources for marginalized communities. Do we have a plan B?
Sharon Slater is busted.
Sharon Slater of Family Watch International, a leading anti-LGBTQ+ advocate linked to Agenda Europe, has been implicated in pushing extreme anti-LGBTQ+ legislation (as reported in the Wall Street Journal). Her efforts contribute to the escalation of violent policies that threaten LGBTQ+ lives across Africa. Such actions should face global accountability, including travel bans.
France: homophobic violence shakes the country
Three minors were charged for a homophobic attack in Mazamet on September 21, where a 17-year-old boy was beaten after revealing his sexual orientation. The assailants, part of a group of ten youths, were taken into custody and placed under judicial supervision. This incident has sparked political reactions, including from Othman Nasrou, the new Secretary of State for anti-discrimination. Read about it in Ouest France.
France: Laurence Garnier pays for her Manif-Pour-Tous history
Bien fait pour elle! Laurence Garnier, a conservative senator from Loire-Atlantique, was rejected by Macron for the role of Family Minister. Known for her opposition to marriage equality and LGBTQ+ rights, Garnier has long supported anti-LGBTQ+ movements like La Manif pour Tous. Her stance on issues such as conversion therapy and reproductive rights, including opposing the constitutionalization of abortion, raised concerns about her suitability for the role, leading to her eventual exclusion from the position. Read more in The Telegraph.
Thailand to Begin Same-Sex Marriages in January 2025
Some good news on LGBTQ+ rights in the region: the King has signed legislation legalizing same-sex marriage, making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize marriage equality. This law, which will take effect in January 2025, ensures full legal, financial, and medical rights for same-sex couples. The change positions Thailand as a progressive leader in LGBTQ+ rights in Asia, alongside Taiwan and Nepal. Activists celebrate this milestone with plans for mass weddings in Bangkok on the law's effective date. Read more on ABCNews.
US News
Mind the Gap: Weekly Polling Updates for the Presidential Race
Our friend, political strategist R. Kirk McPike shares weekly polling averages through his Substack, Mind the Gap. McPike's updates cover national popular vote trends, key swing states like Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, and crucial congressional districts. It‘s a must-read. These weekly posts are perfect for people like me who see American politics as a black box and want a sober, data-driven analysis of the race. Join below.
Guilty Pleas in Cecilia Gentili’s Tragic Death
Two men, Michael Kuilan and Antonio Venti, have pled guilty to distributing the fentanyl-laced drugs that led to the death of transgender rights activist Cecilia Gentili in February. Read more in The Telegraph.
FBI Reports Sharp Increase in Anti-LGBTQ Hate Crimes
According to new FBI data, anti-LGBTQ hate crimes surged in 2023, with incidents rising to over 2,900 cases. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, with advocates pointing to rising hostile rhetoric and anti-LGBTQ legislation as contributing factors. LGBTQ+ bias accounted for over 20% of all hate crimes in 2023. HRC’s Kelley Robinson condemned the violence, stating:
Politicians who spread disinformation and demonize our lives are contributing to this violence.
Melania Trump’s Hefty Log Cabin Republicans Speaking Fees
QZ reports that Melania was paid $237,000 for her appearance at an April fundraiser for the Log Cabin Republicans, a group representing LGBTQ+ conservatives. This was one of two events she attended in 2023, though it remains unclear who provided the payment. While political spouses often participate in events, it is rare for them to be compensated. Melania has earned substantial sums for similar appearances, including a $250,000 payment at another Log Cabin Republican event in 2022. I ran into Charles Moran today at Concordia - well, really, we were on the same panel - who told me it was a “contract for services.”
Queering the Boardroom
The Association’s Annual Summit last Thursday
The LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors Summit, hosted at JPMorgan Chase last Thursday, focused on visibility, networking, and refining our skills. The event featured industry leaders like Reggie Van Lee (Alix Partners - see his viral post), Ted Acosta (EY), and Stacey Friedman (JPM). Read a little recap of the event.
Susan Arnold and the Disney Board Interaction
The New York Times had a long story on Bob Iger vs. Bob Chapek. It was fascinating for me as I was always curious about whether Susan Arnold’s sexual orientation came into play during the debacle, as Arnold was the chair of the Board at the time. The following segment kind of answered my question:
Ms. Arnold also knew something about corporate succession: She’d been a leading candidate to become Procter & Gamble’s chief executive but took herself out of the running and left the company in 2009, partly because, as a prominent gay executive, she didn’t want her personal life to be publicly scrutinized, something that would most likely accompany the job.
Diligent Modern Governance 100 is out
The Association’s board member Ozzie Gromada-Mesa and I were honored to be featured in the 2024 Modern Governance 100 as “ESG, Diversity, & Climate Trailblazers” for our work in ESG and diversity on corporate boards. Congratulations to all honorees for their contributions to diversity and governance excellence!
Mass Resignations at 23andMe: losing 2 LGBTQ+ board members
23andMe faced a major upheaval as all seven independent directors, including LGBTQ+ Board Members Patrick S. Chung and Dr. Sandra R. Hernandez, resigned this week. The departures stem from disagreements with CEO Anne Wojcicki over plans to take the company private, which directors felt did not adequately protect non-affiliated shareholders.
Other departure
Daniel N. Swisher Jr. left the Board of Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. on Sep 17.
The Gay Business
Fortune's meager LGBTQ+ Leaders List
The inaugural Fortune LGBTQ+ Leaders List is a milestone for corporate diversity, ranking top LGBTQ+ CEOs and executives from companies with over $100 million in revenue. The list includes Apple’s Tim Cook, Dow’s Jim Fitterling, Paramount Global’s George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy, Ken Ohashi at Brooks Brothers, and the amazing Eugenio Pirri of the Dorchester Collection. And yet the fact that there are only 25 is very telling: our journey is far from over.
Paramount Global’s LGBTQ+ Leaders Champion Inclusive Media
Fortune has accompanying pieces including one on Paramount Global’s George Cheeks (CEO of CBS) and Chris McCarthy (CEO of Showtime and MTV Entertainment). Their combined focus on inclusive media, from RuPaul’s Drag Race to Rocketman, highlights the importance of representation in entertainment. Both leaders share personal stories of overcoming challenges tied to their identity and are committed to fostering diversity in the workforce. Read more in Fortune.
The semi cultural desk
Controversy around Menendez brother’s documentary
Erik Menendez has spoken out against Netflix's Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, accusing the series of distorting key aspects of his and his brother's narrative. In particular, Erik condemned the show’s failure to address the significance of their sexual abuse allegations, a core issue in their defense during their highly publicized trial in the 1990s. I was struck by the homoerotic feel between the brothers: clearly Ryan Murphy can’t help himself. See the trailer below:
A Cannes Gem: Vivre, mourir, renaître
Selected at the Cannes Film Festival and celebrated at the Angoulême Francophone Film Festival, Vivre, mourir, renaître by Gaël Morel is one of this season’s most celebrated French movies. The film explores a triangular relationship shaped by love, disease, and survival, with a focus on Sammy and Emma as they care for a young boy amidst the backdrop of the AIDS epidemic.
Zachary Quinto’s “Brilliant minds” is not so brilliant
NBC’s new medical drama Brilliant Minds offers an intriguing premise based on the work of gay neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks (whose memoir On The Move: A Life - Oliver Sacks I recommend), but the execution falls short. Can Quinto get a break?
Art for Democracy: A Benefit Auction Supporting Democratic Causes
Artspace is hosting Democracy Matters, a benefit auction designed to bridge crucial funding gaps for progressive organizations like American Bridge and Media Matters. The auction features exclusive new prints by iconic artists such as Jeff Koons, Walter Robinson, and Fred Tomaselli.
Chingy Cancels Performance at GOP LGBTQ+ Event Amid Backlash
Rapper Chingy (no idea who that is) withdrew from a scheduled performance at the Log Cabin Republicans’ “Red White & Rock” event. The event features Donald Trump Jr. and drew backlash, leading Chingy to announce on Instagram that he would no longer be participating to avoid being “in the middle of this mess.” Although he initially defended his decision by stating his job was to perform, the negative response prompted him to reconsider. Chingy emphasized that he supports no one but himself, saying, “Thurr, you have it.”
Lesbian Firefighter to Receive Historic $1.3 Million Settlement in the U.S.
A 61-year-old lesbian firefighter in Kansas City, Missouri, Rebecca Reynolds, is expected to receive a $1.3 million settlement for enduring two decades of ageist, sexist, and anti-LGBTQ+ harassment from male colleagues. Reynolds faced not only verbal abuse but also physical injury and acts of vandalism, including having her belongings urinated on by a coworker. But sure DEI initiatives are superfluous …
Coming and going
Stonewall UK’s new boss: Simon Blake
Simon Blake OBE has officially stepped into his role as the new CEO of Stonewall, the UK's largest LGBTQ+ charity. Starting his tenure by addressing LGBTQ+ hate at the Labour Party conference, Blake emphasized the urgent need for unity as hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity continue to rise in the UK. His leadership marks a pivotal moment for Stonewall which had a difficult few years.
Sri Lanka Elects Anura Kumara Dissanayake as President
On September 22, Anura Kumara Dissanayake was elected as Sri Lanka’s president, ushering in a new chapter for marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals. His party, the National People's Power (NPP), has committed to addressing LGBTQ+ rights, advocating for the repeal of colonial-era laws that criminalize homosexuality, and pushing for comprehensive protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Sarah Kate Ellis mini-bio on IMDb
GLAAD released SKE’s mini-bio on IMDb this week.
The Gay Agenda
September 26: Protest at Uganda’s U.N. Permanent Mission
On Thursday at 9 a.m., there will be a protest at Uganda’s U.N. Mission (336 East 45th St, NY) against the possibility of the World Bank resuming lending to Uganda. The protesters will deliver a symbolic “Blank Check for Hate” to Uganda’s government.
October 21st: SAGE Gala to Honor LGBTQ+ Trailblazers
SAGE’s annual Gala, set for October 21 at Cipriani Wall Street, will celebrate the resilience and achievements of LGBTQ+ elders who have paved the way for the community's freedoms today. Tickets are available here.
Well that’s it for this week. I literally finished this week’s newsletter last night in the Subway between Amex and the UWS because, like every year, I burnt my Triumph’s clutch, compulsively changing gears through New York traffic. It’s not horrible timing as I am starting a two-week road roadtrip to DC, San Francisco, Seattle, and back to National Harbor for the NACD Summit to promote the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors.
