Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
This week: lessons from the Olympics, Bulgaria's regressive step, the Chicago convention, la rentrée, Clare Byarugaba &the Pope, no “lesbian Renaissance,” Jamie Kirchik in The Atlantic, and more...
Welcome to the latest edition of my newsletter, albeit 45 minutes late. In France, July and August are usually months where nothing happens besides reading Agatha Christie novels in lounge chairs by the pool under the scorching Lubéron sun. However, nothing ever stops here; suddenly, the US is moving at a ridiculous pace. I mean, look at the past few weeks: an assassination attempt, a swap in Presidential candidates, the market (and climate) becoming chaotic, a handful of proxy wars heating up, and the GLAAD controversy. It’s not even la rentrée, and I feel overwhelmed.
This week: lessons from the Olympics, Bulgaria's regressive step, the Chicago convention, la rentrée, Clare Byarugaba &the Pope, no “lesbian Renaissance,” Jamie Kirchik in The Atlantic, and more...
Global News
Olympics: A Parisian Transformation, From Despair to Triumph
As the Paris Olympics closed, the city has undergone a remarkable transformation from the initial wave of ancestral pessimism that led many Parisians to their country house (fun fact: France has more than three million secondary residences on its territory) to flee in anticipation of chaos. What was once feared as a "désastre" became a jubilant celebration, with Parisians and visitors swept up in Olympic fever. The historic city provided a stunning backdrop for the events, leaving even the most skeptical Parisians - including yours indeed, my ancestor briefly led the city council as “syndic” - beaming with pride. There were moments of sportsmanship, transcending deep-rooted divisions, that inspired my cold heart. Paris, you've done a great job! As a side note, read on how the 200 LGBTQ+ competitors fared.
Olympics: Champion Imane Khelif Files Harassment Complaint
But sure, sportsmanship was not always the rule this summer, and of course, it had to do with transphobia. Olympic boxing gold medalist Imane Khelif has lodged a legal complaint in Paris against online harassment following a torrent of online attacks. Filed with the Paris prosecutor’s office's particular unit for combating online hate speech, the complaint highlights the severity of the cyberbullying campaign against Khelif.
Bulgaria: Bans LGBTQ+ Representation in Schools
In an alarming development, Bulgaria has joined the ranks of states like Florida and Russia in banning LGBTQ+ representation in schools, a move that coincided with the CDC's alarming report last week that 1 in 5 LGBTQ+ youth attempt suicide. It infuriates me because every single gay person knows that these policies in schools perpetuate harmful stereotypes, incite division, and contribute to the lifelong suffering of LGBTQ+ individuals. The international community and the European Union should condemn Bulgaria's actions, emphasizing that LGBTQ+ people are not a political tool.
Uganda: Clare Byarugaba meets the Pope
For the first time, Pope Francis met with an LGBTQ+ rights advocate from Uganda (see here and in the Blade). During his meeting with Clare Byarugaba, Francis reiterated that discrimination is a sin and that violence against LGBTIQ people is unacceptable. He affirmed that everyone belongs inside the church, without exception, and emphasized that the church should never discriminate. Hopefully, the Pope's solidarity is echoed in the country.
Canada: Ranking Third in Global LGBTIQ+ Funding
Canada has emerged as a top donor for international LGBTQ+ rights, ranking third globally behind the United States and the Netherlands, according to a new report by Égides, Dignity Network Canada, and the Global Philanthropy Project (GPP). As a side note, this should be embarrassing for France and the UK. The report, unveiled during a colloquium at Montréal Pride, highlights Canada’s substantial contribution of CAD 29 million in 2021-2022—a 32% increase from previous years. This funding supports LGBTIQ+ communities worldwide, which is crucially needed as they face mounting opposition from anti-rights movements. Canada is expected to reaffirm and expand its commitment to LGBTIQ+ rights at the International LGBTQ+ Funding Summit in November 2024. On a different note, activists this week denounced a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ attacks in Canada.
South Korea: Landmark VictoryStems from Health Insurance Mix-Up
The WSJ reports today that a clerical error that mistakenly recognized a same-sex couple as a heterosexual pair led to South Korea’s first legal recognition of LGBTQ rights. When Kim Yong-min and So Sung-uk had their joint health insurance coverage revoked in 2020, a three-year legal battle culminated in a historic Supreme Court ruling last month. The court's decision, which called the rescinding of benefits an act of discrimination, marks a significant step forward for LGBTQ rights in South Korea, a country still grappling with deep-rooted conservatism. This case could pave the way for broader recognition of same-sex couples and even the possibility of marriage equality in the future.
US News
Heading to the Democratic Convention
I am leaving on Sunday to attend the Chicago party. NBC claims that at this point, ”A credential to get into the Chicago Democratic National Convention is a hotter ticket than a Taylor Swift concert,” and an appearance by Taylor Swift is not even ruled out, although it is discouraged. The New York Times gave a nod to the Monday night Equality PAC party in Boys Town today. We will have a fun group of LGBTQ+ people joining: Amb. Chantale Wong, Steve Clemons, Melissa Sklarz, Alex Gabriel, Leslie Katz, Tim Warmath, Chirag Badlani, Brian Derrick, and Isaac James have told me they are attending. Noteworthy, more than 40,000 demonstrators, with a focus on the Gaza conflict, are also expected to attend, a security nightmare.
Presidential election: Momentum in Key Battleground States
Recent polling data from the Cook Political Report (see in The Hill) shows Harris making significant inroads against Trump in crucial battleground states. In Arizona, Harris now leads Trump by a slim margin of 48% to 46%, while the race is deadlocked in Georgia at 48% each. Harris holds a narrow advantage in Michigan and Pennsylvania, leading 49% to 46% and 49% to 48%, respectively. Meanwhile, Trump leads by a slight margin in Nevada, 48% to 45%. North Carolina shows Harris ahead by just one point at 48% to 47%; in Wisconsin, she holds a 49% to 46% lead.
Lydia Polgreen on The Cass Report
In the upcoming Supreme Court term, the case of United States v. Skrmetti will challenge Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for adolescents—a ban rooted in a controversial report from the UK known as the Cass Review. This report, commissioned by the British government, has been eagerly embraced by conservative activists in the U.S. as evidence to support restricting transgender care. In a recent piece, Polgreen asserts that, despite claims of impartiality, the Cass Review is steeped in subjective judgments that prioritize keeping children in their assigned birth sex over supporting their gender identity. She also argues that allowing politicians to dictate medical care sets a dangerous precedent that could extend far beyond transgender rights, threatening the very principles of personal liberty and informed consent in healthcare.
"In a free society we agree that these are private matters, decided by individuals and their families, with the support of doctors using mainstream medical science as a guide, even when they involve children. We invite politicians and judges into them at great peril to our freedom."
Jamie Kirchick on The Evolution of LGBTQ Advocacy
Contrary to Kirchick, I do not favor eliminating HRC and GLAAD. Still, I support the community regaining a greater voice in both these organizations, mainly because they inadvertently have a global impact. I am also a little wary of articles undermining our crucial fight for opportunity and the dignity of trans people. While the US has been successful in legislative efforts and court rulings overall, it has lost the battle of public opinion with horrendous consequences globally. James Kirchick’s critique in The Atlantic of GLAAD raises an essential question on the evolution of the organization we created and who controls it. Kirchick argues that groups like GLAAD and HRC have struggled to find new, relevant missions, leading to a reliance on corporate sponsorships and, at times, questionable financial practices. I loved Kirchik’s positive nods to SAGE and Outright International on the Board of which I serve:
…the gay community […] has no shortage of underfunded grassroots organizations working to address real problems. Among them are Outright International, which supports gay-rights movements abroad, and SAGE, which helps LGBTQ seniors.
In the trenches: welcoming refugees in Washington, D.C.
An excellent follow-up to this discussion is this piece about efforts by community members doing real work with no money to welcome LGBTQ+ refugees. I am convinced we are about to witness a massive wave of pink migration and raising the alarm bell since 2014. After fleeing persecution in Venezuela, Wilfredo “Wil” Moreno found a new sense of belonging and safety through the Welcome Corps in D.C. Led by Ryan Kaminski, the Super Best Friends sponsor group provided Wil with the essential support he needed to transition into his new life. Kaminski and his team ensured that Wil not only had housing but also connections to the vibrant local queer community.
Meet OutVote: Mobilizing LGBTQIA+ Voters for 2024
I was telling one of the founders on Saturday that I feel Democrats often don’t understand that the typical queer voter is a working-class disenfranchised kid in Tennessee. OutVote is on a mission to build a strong culture of civic engagement among LGBTQ+ voters, focusing on Gen-Z. Ahead of the 2024 election, OutVote is equipping young queer and trans organizers in crucial states like Pennsylvania and Arizona with the tools they need to mobilize their communities. Through their inaugural fellowship program and a nationwide ambassador initiative, OutVote aims to achieve over 10,000 voter engagements and bring 2,000 new LGBTQIA+ voters to the polls. Learn more here.
Queering the Boardroom
Key LGBTQ+ movements in the Boardroom
Carolyn Bertozzi joined the board of Orna Therapeutics Holdings on August 9, bringing her extensive expertise in biotechnology to the company (she is a Nobel Prize laureate, once again showcasing the incredible talent in our community). Vanessa M. Benavides left the board of The Trevor Project.
September 10th: join me at 50/50 Women on Boards
On September 10, I will participate in the 50/50 Women on Boards Global Summit in New York, which brings together influential global leaders, industry experts, and board-ready women to discuss business cases for diverse boards. I will speak with my friend Ozzie Gromada Meza, the (gay) CEO of the Latino Corporate Directors Association, and Jennifer Reynolds, CEO of Women Corporate Directors, in a panel moderated by Heather Spilsbury. We will explore the power of partnerships in driving boardroom diversity. See the press release here.
September 30th: Tickets for Equilar Summit
Right before heading for the Association’s dinners in San Francisco and Seattle, I will join the inaugural Value Creation Summit, hosted by Equilar in partnership with Nasdaq, which will take place on September 30 in New York City. This event will focus on how human capital and technology drive value creation in the private equity and venture capital sectors. It’s an excellent opportunity for senior leaders in PE/VC and executives interested in serving on leadership teams or boards of PE-backed companies to network with top talent heads from the largest PE firms. The Association has secured tickets at a 50% discount. If you're interested in attending, let me know.
The Gay Business
The True Cost of Rainbow Capitalism
In Newsweek, Riley Sigh notes that while legislative attacks against the LGBTQ+ community intensify across the U.S., corporations continue to drape themselves in rainbow flags every Pride Month, touting their "support" for LGBTQ+ rights. However, this surface-level show of solidarity—she describes as "rainbow capitalism"—often masks a deeper, profit-driven agenda.
Semi cultural desk
Bad habits die hard: Boston Red Sox Jarren Duran
The Boston Red Sox have suspended All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran for two games without pay following a homophobic slur directed at a fan during Sunday’s game against the Houston Astros. During an at-bat, Duran was caught on the broadcast telling a fan to “shut up you f**king f***ot” (see the exchange video here), leading to a swift backlash. In an apology issued after the game, Duran expressed deep regret, acknowledging the harm his words caused to the LGBTQ+ community and pledging to use this incident as a learning experience. However, some argue that his T-shirt for this statement was another middle finger to the community. The Red Sox have announced that Duran’s forfeited salary will be donated to PFLAG. This is a big deal; our children are at these games (even I was at a game with my children on Saturday, thanks to our friends at the Stonewall Visitors Center), and these players should know better.
Tim Scott’s wedding
Tim Scott may have missed out on becoming Trump’s running mate, but he did not lose everything. Scott married Mindy Noce, finally putting those pesky rumors to rest. After years of dodging questions about his love life, Scott is now off the market, gentlemen.
Lesbian Grounded by American Airlines for "Sexual Relations" with a Man
24-year-old lesbian Erin Wright found herself on American Airlines’ no-fly list after the airline accused her of having “sexual relations” with a man during a previous flight. Wright, who was on her way to her sister’s bachelorette party in New Orleans, was baffled by the accusation—especially since she’s, well, a lesbian. Despite multiple appeals and a serious (slightly humorous) email clarifying that she’s not interested in men, American Airlines only partially refunded her ticket and left her hanging in travel limbo. After raising over $1,000 through TikTok donations, Wright is considering taking the matter to small claims court.
“I don’t know how to prove that it wasn’t me except for the fact that I’m literally a lesbian and I can get you letters from other people telling you that’s the truth.”
On the so-called “Lesbian Renaissance” in music
As much as summer 2024 feels like a powerhouse moment for queer women in pop culture, Cosmopolitan argues this isn’t some sudden "Lesbian Renaissance." From Chappell Roan drawing record crowds at Lollapalooza to Tracy Chapman’s timeless "Fast Car" hitting the charts again, queer women have always been here and are not going anywhere.
The Gay Agenda
SXSW 2025: kindly vote for my session
Look at this fantastic title: "X-Men '97: Sci-Fi Blueprints for Queer Liberation". I am trying to weasel my way in at SXSW 2025 with JP Karliak and my friend LGBTQ+ advertising activist Graham Nolan. If selected, we'll explore what the show teaches viewers about their roles in the conflict for equality, considering the power of fiction as an educational tool. And we’ll discern how leaders of tomorrow draw inspiration from fictional narratives for guidance on how to imagine a better world – and inform how it's built. PLEASE VOTE FOR US HERE.
September 10th : 2024 LGBTQ+ Convening in Albany
Gov. Kathy Hochul invites you to the 2024 LGBTQ+ Convening on Tuesday, September 10, at the Empire State Plaza Concourse in Albany. This full-day event features a variety of workshops, including sessions on ending the HIV epidemic, addressing homelessness among TGNCNB adults (that means transgender, gender nonconforming, and non-binary people for my bomer readers), and improving school accountability for LGBTQ+ youth. RSVP by September 3.
September 13th: Making finance work for LGBTQ+ people
On September 13, from 10:30 am - to noon ET, our friends at Colorful Capital will host a crucial webinar on how investment can tackle the systemic risks posed by LGBTQ+ inequity. Building on the insights from the "Outsized Impact" report, this webinar will explore the significant challenges LGBTQIA+ inequity presents to the U.S. economy and financial system. This event is co-hosted by leading organizations like the Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) and Out in Finance, featuring expert speakers from CalSTRS, PRI, Colorful Capital, and more. Secure your spot now here.
Coming and Going
Tom Daley Announces Retirement
In Vogue yesterday, Tom Daley officially announced his retirement from competitive diving at 30. After securing a silver medal in the men’s 10-meter synchronized platform event at the Paris Olympics—his fifth Olympic medal—Daley declared that the time had come to step away from the sport. Coming out publicly in 2013, Daley has used his platform to advocate for greater acceptance and visibility of LGBTQ athletes in the traditionally heteronormative world of sports. I forecast a follow-up career in entertainment; I think he and Dustin live in LA now.
Remembering Seattle’s Tamara Murphy
Chef Tamara was a key community member and used her talent and generosity to raise money for LGBTQ+ nonprofits and LGBTQ+ and Allied political candidates. She just passed away at 63 (see in Seattle Times). Renowned for her award-winning restaurants Brasa and Terra Plata, her exceptional talent was recognized early with a James Beard Award. However, what truly set Murphy apart was her ability to combine culinary excellence with a powerful sense of social responsibility. Murphy’s legacy is one of inspiration, nurturing both the people she fed and the broader community she served.
Jaymes Black at Trevor
Read more in The Advocate about Jaymes Black's journey from being outed in high school and dropping out in the 90s to becoming the first Black, nonbinary CEO of The Trevor Project.
The Activist Richard Burns: an inspiring figure
Here is a piece about Richard Burns, founder of the LGBTQ+ Museum in Northeastern Law Magazine, who is the type of person we need on our non-profit boards.
Emily Randall Advances Toward Historic Congressional Seat
Washington state Senator Emily Randall is one step closer to making history after winning the primary for Washington’s 6th Congressional District. With 33.28% of the vote, Randall is poised to become the first LGBTQ+ Latina in Congress and the first person to represent Washington at the federal level. Her strong primary performance sets up a November showdown with Republican Drew MacEwen.
Well, that’s it for this week. Sorry for the delay. I have been busy trying to finalize our agenda for the Association’s Annual Summit. I must now pack my many gray suits and burgundy ties for Chicago. I was in Pennsylvania this weekend to drop my kids off at camp (you can see me below, very concerned, in the lice inspection line with the twins; we passed), and I took advantage of the opportunity to stop in the gorgeous stead of legendary activist Sean Strub.