Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
This week: A turn for the worse in Western Africa, Soccer and Football players’s casual homophobia, IDAHOBIT at ADB, Queering Congress, Ari Shapiro in the Mole 2, Pope Francis mixed messages and more…
Greetings from Paris, where the Olympic Games are turning the city upside down: traffic is out of control. I don’t have much positive news to report, but some bad news are somewhat funny (others are tragic, admittedly and I don’t even the fact that lawmakers in Louisiana intend to criminalize the possession of abortion pills).
This week: A turn for the worse in Western Africa, Soccer and Football players’ casual homophobia, IDAHOBIT at ADB, Queering Congress, Ari Shapiro in the Mole 2, Pope Francis mixed messages and more…
Global News
Iraq: Anti-LGBTQ+ Law worsens a terrible situation
Human Rights Watch called on the Iraqi government this week to repeal the new law passed in April that criminalizes same-sex conduct and transgender expression, imposing severe penalties, including imprisonment. This law, an amendment to the “Law on Combatting Prostitution,” not only punishes same-sex relations with 10 to 15 years in prison but also targets gender-affirming medical interventions and transgender expressions. It is a tragic rubber stamp on persecution against LGBTQ+ people in the country which is already widespread.
Monaco: a petty in soccer
France's Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra has condemned Monaco player of Malian origins, 24 years-old Mohamed Camara, for taping over a pro-LGBTQ+ logo on his jersey during a match. The minister called for severe sanctions against Camara and his club for allowing the action, labeling it "unacceptable." The incident occurred during a French Ligue 1 game, where Camara also opted out of a pre-match photo supporting IDAHOBIT. Read more in Le Monde. His statement was unfortunately well received in Mali, with blogger Fatouma Harber writing for example:
"Is he there to play football or to support political causes related to sexual orientation?"
Senegal: Ousmane Sonko peddles homophobia
During a visit to Senegal, Jean-Luc Mélenchon faced a hostile crowd while defending same-sex marriage at a conference led by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Mélenchon, confronted with boos, emphasized his role in proposing same-sex marriage legislation in France and asserted the importance of open dialogue. Earlier, Sonko had indicated, "Senegal and many other African countries cannot accept any truth in legalizing this phenomenon." Mélenchon showed courage and stated:
“But I would think that this freedom of love should be open to everyone.”
Mali: Traoré's Journey
I wish Sonko would read this story published on RFI, highlighting the plight of LGBTQ+ people from Western Africa. Forced to flee Mali after a horrendous journey, Traoré found refuge in northern France in 2018. Now openly living his truth, he has found support and a sense of family in an LGBTQ+ advocacy group. Despite being rejected for asylum, Traoré is hopeful he can one day claim a life of dignity and opportunity.
Africa: responding to the Anti-Gay Law Surge with $$$
I responded to questions from Devex on the roots of anti-gay laws in Uganda and Ghana. While Western donors seem baffled by the potency of Western evangelical influence, I suggest they haven’t invested a penny in building a counter-narratives. I believe it is a question of underfunding. Despite global LGBTQ+ funding reaching $576 million, only $184 million was allocated to the Global South, according to the 2019-20 Global Resources Report by The Global Philanthropy Project (the report will be updated next month). That’s what most gay hedge fund guys spend on shoes every calendar year. Read the full article by Amy Fallon.
Asian Development Bank's IDAHOBIT2024 event
Last Friday, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) event for IDAHOBIT was a tremendous success and a demonstration of force. Every picture I posted received friendly comments on how I was “da hobbit” which I felt was a little lazy but still funny. Highlights included a keynote by Victor Madrigal-Borloz on the complexities of LGBTQ+ economic exclusion, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray sharing her advocacy experiences, Senator Risa Hontiveros discussing legislative efforts in the Philippines, and Francesco Tornieri, the host and LGBTQ+ focal points, outlining ADB's roadmap for SOGIESC inclusion (2025-2030). Watch Catriona Gray's video and see more here.
Vatican: Francis walks back a little on same-sex union blessings
In an interview with Sixty Minutes on CBS last week and before the rooster crowed, the Pope denied three times that he had encouraged blessings of same-sex couples. He was more positive in his stance against criminalization but harsh on surrogacy. I think we are going to continue to do our thing, and you do your Pope thing, and let’s see where we are in ten years.
“Regarding the issue of blessings of same-sex unions mentioned in the doctrinal document Fiducia Supplicans, he clarified that while blessings are for individuals, same-sex unions cannot be blessed because it would go against “the law of the Church”.
US News
Worldwide Security Warnings for Pride Events
As if we hadn’t had enough of a hard time at recess, the State Department, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security have issued warnings urging vigilance at LGBTQ+ events due to potential terrorist threats. Past incidents, such as the foiled attack on Vienna's Pride parade and the Pulse nightclub shooting anniversary, are sad reminders that this is a real threat. Read more in the NY Times and tell me about your reaction.
CDC HIV Surveillance Report 2024
Public service anouncement: epidemic is not over. The 2024 CDC HIV surveillance report shows that the number of new HIV infections in the United States has not significantly changed since last year, with an estimated 34,800 new infections in 2022, which is still huge (although we also had 108,000 overdoses last year and I suspect it affected disproportionately queer people too). Over the past four years, there has been a 12% overall decline, with notable decreases among specific groups: a 30% drop among individuals aged 13 to 24, a 10% reduction in male-to-male sexual contact cases, and a 27% decline in cases involving both male-to-male sexual contact and injection drug use. Racial disparities persist, with Black/African American individuals experiencing an 18% decrease and the Southern US seeing a 16% decline in infections. Despite these improvements, the rate of decline in the US is slower compared to other Western nations. More details can be found in the CDC report.
Conversion Therapy: from "Curing" Gayness to "Healing" Trans People
While some are giving up on "curing" homosexuality (here is the list of ex-ex-gays on Wikipedia), they have taken to targeting transgender individuals. At a recent conference held by the Alliance for Therapeutic Choice and Scientific Integrity in Las Vegas, “advocates” like Michelle Cretella called for action against what they see as the indoctrination of children into transgender beliefs. Sadly, conversion therapy persists, and some states have even started to overturn their bans, fueled by the rise of anti-trans politics. For more on this disturbing trend, read the full article on Mother Jones, or don’t and live in blissful ignorance.
Inside the Plan to Double LGBTQ+ Members of Congress
Ritchie Torres of New York and Mark Takano of California, co-chairs of Equality PAC, are leading an ambitious fundraising campaign to double the number of LGBTQ+ members in Congress. Their efforts have already raised about $12 million, making Equality PAC a significant force in supporting LGBTQ+ candidates. In an exclusive interview with The Advocate, Torres and Takano highlighted the PAC's strategy and impact, emphasizing their focus on vulnerable incumbents and emerging candidates. Notable endorsements include Julie Johnson in Texas, Evan Low in California, and historic candidate Sarah McBride in Delaware, who will most likely become the first transgender member of Congress this November. I am personally partial to Will Rollins. Representation also means greater chances of advancing crucial legislation like the Equality Act.
Queering the Boardroom
Coming and going
John A. Cuomo has been appointed as the new Board Member at FDH Aero as of May 21. Gary Steele joined Cisco Systems, Inc. as president of Go-to-Market, transitioning from his previous role as executive vice president and general manager at Splunk after Cisco acquired it. Paul J. Hastings has been named a Board Member at Engene Holdings Inc., effective May 15.
What is the latest on the NASDAQ rule in the fifth circuit?
JD Supra claims the judges were “dubious” when, on May 15th, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit held an en banc hearing to reconsider Nasdaq’s board diversity rule, which mandates listed companies to disclose diversity statistics or explain their non-compliance. Initially approved by the SEC in August 2021, the rule, which is the law of the land, is challenged by Jay Blum, who hopes to have it deemed unconstitutional. Judges expressed skepticism about whether the rule imposes unconstitutional quotas and compels controversial disclosures, with debates highlighting the rule's potential overreach. The SEC and Nasdaq defended the rule, emphasizing its alignment with the Exchange Act and its role in promoting transparency and investor protection. The court's decision will significantly impact the future of Nasdaq's diversity initiatives.
The Gay Business
What to expect this Pride season?
On top of terrorism threats (see above), every outlet claims would have you believe that companies will keep a low profile this Pride (see USA Today’s alarmist “Expect fewer rainbow logos for LGBTQ Pride Month after Target, Bud Light backlash”). I call BS. Businesses in fashion, beauty, and consumer goods know that the future is LGBTQ+. Still, I can see how some companies, whose hearts were never in the right place, might use the conservative narrative to tone down their engagement and cut Pride budgets. The question remains of how our movement, so rich and well-organized, does not manage to counter harmful narratives.
“If you promote Pride, some people will be unhappy with it. If you don’t promote Pride, some people will be unhappy about that. It’s not a battle you can win completely, which is why some retailers and brands are taking a middle-of-the-road approach and keeping it moderate,”
The semi-cultural desk
June 28th: Ari Shapiro on The Mole Season 2
The Mole Season 2 is coming to Netflix at the end of June, with the release date set for June 28. The show will be hosted by our very own Ari Shapiro, who happens to be the godfather of my second-born—his long-awaited television debut. The rumored cast was also disclosed, and a mystery participant added extra intrigue. What is gayer than a mix of betrayal and drama:
“THE MOLE is an unpredictable, high-stakes competition series hosted by journalist Ari Shapiro. In this version, twelve players work together in challenges to add money to a pot that only one of them will win at the end. Among the players is one person who has secretly been designated “the Mole” and tasked with sabotaging the group’s money-making efforts.”
Harrison Butker’s commencement speech
For those of you who are lucky enough not to have heard about it: after some misogynistic comments, Chiefs player Butker also criticized “dangerous gender ideologies” that politicians are pushing onto the “youth of America” and lambasted LGBTQ+ rights more broadly, too, describing them as “the deadly sin sort of pride that has an entire month dedicated to it.” Read about the controversy here. I know this will not be a welcomed remark, but why would an athlete be selected to give a commencement speech in the first place? America’s obsession with sports and, frankly, everything that is not intellectual is fine with me, but I don’t expect a thoughtful speech.
LGBTQ+ Board Games - an excellent alternative to casual sex
It’s a thing, apparently. I have nobody to play gay trivia with, but your Fire Island house might enjoy it this summer. It could be an excellent alternative to fighting with your lawful husband over some twink whose name you will have forgotten once September comes.
Gets tickets for Illinoise
And invite me to come along … I need more culture in my life, claims Chad Dobson. The pre-Broadway staging of “Illinoise” concluded its run at the Park Avenue Armory on March 23 and has now transferred to Broadway’s St. James Theater, where it is scheduled to run through Aug. 10. The cast is unchanged except that Brandt Martinez is playing the role formerly played by Robbie Fairchild.
Rosie O'Donnell and Michael Cohen: an unholy alliance
That was a surprising item in the NY Times last week.
Fred Karger in the New Yorker
That’s a funny piece on how Fred Karger weaseled his way into the Time 100 party. As a side note, he did have an invitation for my dinner honoring Mixner at the Cosmos Club last month, but his seat remained empty the entire night as he had found a better White House Correspondent dinner event. I don’t blame him.
The Gay Agenda
June: My Plans to Celebrate Pride Month
I don’t expect you to care too much about my Pride program but here it is. I will begin the month in France with our friends at L’Oreal. I will speak about being a gay dad on June 18th at Conduent in a conversation with my all time favorite, Michael Krawitz, before heading to San Francisco for our dinner with the NorCal chapter of NACD. I will then moderate a panel on Board Diversity at the inaugural NYSE Pride event on June 25th in New York City and participate in one at ING later that day. And, of course, on June 28th is the long awaited grand opening of the Stonewall Visitor Center: a landmark for our community. Finally, I will march in the 2024 Pride March on Sunday, June 30, with a pink helmet on because of the theats. Then, on July 1st, I will take a week off to recover.
June 17th: Art House for Bailey House
Join Bailey House and New York's vibrant community of artists, activists, and luminaries for the ART HOUSE event at The Bowery Hotel on Monday, June 17. From 6-9 PM, this event features a cocktail and awards reception, a live auction, and a silent online auction (June 4-18) powered by Artsy. Honoring leaders in the fight against AIDS and homelessness, the evening will support Bailey House's mission to House NYC. Co-chaired by notable figures, including Sandra Bernhard and Nan Goldin. Get your tickets here.
That’s it for this week, I have to run and venture in the streets of Paris. I unexpectedly survived the 19-hour Singapore Airlines flight back to the U.S. - evading the fate of my fellow passengers on the London-Singapore flight. I spent two days in New York with my offspring’s and checking to ensure the grass in my garden was growing correctly. I am now at home for a quick trip and will return to NYC next week for the Lambda Legal National Liberty Awards (30th) and Outright’s Celebration of Courage (June 3rd) before returning to France.
"I know this will not be a welcomed remark, but why would an athlete be selected to give a commencement speech in the first place?" <-- This reader welcomes the remark very much. Anti-intellectualism is a terrible disease.