Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality

Ivory Coast joins the bandwagon, the partisan Reem Alsalem, China vs. Taiwan, Tammy’s troubles, Starbuck-proofing, Shawn Mendes, Père Matthieu, the latest Almodovar and Luca Guadagnino, and more…

Welcome to this week’s issue, where we explore the shifting landscapes of LGBTQ+ advocacy and policy across the globe. Of course, the U.S. is top of mind as a ghastly contest for power between straight people comes to a close. The government would be well advised to spike Halloween candy with benzodiazepines: my American friends are dangerously on edge. 

Meanwhile the planet is still moving in its orbit: from the unexpected inclusivity at the Vatican Synod to Taiwan’s Pride Parade and the troubling rollback of rights in the Ivory Coast and China. Also, join us in queering the boardroom, where the Thirty Percent Coalition strategizes post-election diversity goals, and discover how global business leaders are paying to mitigate anti-DEI campaigns.

This week: Ivory Coast joins the bandwagon, the partisan Reem Alsalem, China vs. Taiwan, Tammy’s troubles, Starbuck-proofing, Shawn Mendes, Père Matthieu, the latest Almodovar and Luca Guadagnino, and more…

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Global News

Ivory Coast: Another One Bites the Dust

The NYTimes reports, that Ivory Coast, once a relative haven for LGBTQ+ people in West Africa, is witnessing a rise in homophobic violence and discrimination. Over recent weeks, dozens of assaults have been reported following calls from social media influencers urging followers to “hunt” gay men. As Abidjan’s LGBTQ+ community faces unprecedented hostility, political figures, including the country’s youngest lawmaker, Naya Jarvis Zamblé, have announced plans to combat what they call the “expansion” of homosexuality:

Recently, we have observed a rise in the promotion of “W.oubysm” in the public and media space in Côte d'Ivoire. This practice, although encouraged by certain external influences, goes against the cultural and moral foundations that govern our African societies.

United Nations: Rapporteur Reem Alsalem is back at it

Reem Alsalem, the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, has always been problematic. While women face fundamental issues all over the world, she is obsessed with surrogacy and transgender inclusion in women’s sports. Her recent report, alleging that trans athletes have claimed nearly 900 medals from female competitors, relies on data from conservative groups and lacks transparent methodology. See the resulting headline in the NYPost.

Female athletes are also more vulnerable to sustaining serious physical injuries when female-only sports spaces are opened to males, as documented in disciplines such as in volleyball, basketball and soccer.

Taiwan Pride Parade: A Beacon of LGBTQ+ Freedom in Asia 

Last week, thousands filled the streets of Taipei for Taiwan’s annual Pride parade. AP reports that attendees from countries with limited LGBTQ+ freedoms, like Vietnam and Hong Kong, waved flags and banners. Taiwan was the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019.

China: Jin Xing defies Censorship 

In stark contrast, for the past few years China has ramped up anti-LGBTQ+ measures, including censorship of LGBTQ+ content online and crackdowns on advocacy groups.  You may remember that at the 2020 World Economic Forum, Jin Xing, China's most famous transgender cultural icon, talked about her experiences as an LGBTQ+ artist. Her recent downfall is another sign that we have lost all ground. The Guangzhou authorities recently denied her permission to stage Sunrise (read about the controversy here).

Japan: vindication in court

Three weeks ago, the Times wrote a piece titled As I Am: L.G.B.T.Q. in Japan which stated: “In Japan, same-sex unions remain outlawed, and children who don't conform to traditional gender norms are routinely bullied.” Yet, a second court just confirmed today that the ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. This is another step towards long-awaited progress in the only G-7 Country without any form of recognition for same-sex couples.

ILGA Pulls Plug on Tel Aviv Bid for World Conference

ILGA, the global umbrella organization for national and regional LGBTQ+ organizations, which is about to convene in South Africa on the 11th, announced that Tel Aviv’s bid to host its 2026/2027 World Conference is off the table—and not in the running for a vote (see the announcement/apology here). After receiving a petition from some member organizations and holding an emergency meeting, ILGA's board decided to reject the Tel Aviv bid, suspend the Israeli LGBTQ+ organization The Aguda, and issue an apology, particularly to South African members. ILGA World called the tempest a “learning moment.”

Vatican: Warming Up to LGBTQ+ Inclusion?

Father James Martin reports that the Vatican’s Synod on Synodality, which recently wrapped its second session, showed an unexpected shift towards openness on LGBTQ+ issues. Unlike last year’s tense discussions, where even saying "LGBTQ+" raised eyebrows, Martin saw friendlier, more relaxed exchanges this year. Synod delegates seemed more receptive to pastoral outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics, with less defensiveness and more curiosity. While the term “LGBTQ+” remained sparse in official documents, the dialogue marks a surprising thaw in a usually chilly reception.

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US News 

Wisconsin: GOP Targets Senator Baldwin's Partner

The Wisconsin Senate race’s incumbent Senator Tammy Baldwin, the first openly gay member of the Senate, is in trouble. Baldwin has fallen behind Republican rival Eric Hovde for the first time in a new poll. In recent ads, the GOP has criticized Baldwin for not disclosing financial information related to her long-time partner, financial advisor Maria Brisbane. Baldwin asserts these accusations are rooted in a double standard, as Senate rules do not require financial disclosure for non-marital partners. I personally have a lot of respect for anybody who marries or roommates rich. See the ad below:

Trump mocks Anderson Cooper

In a series of Michigan rallies, Trump has taken to calling CNN anchor Anderson Cooper by the name “Allison” (see the replay here), using the mix-up as a punchline aimed at a hypermasculine appeal to voters. Trump, a champion at dog-whistling, repeated the name at multiple events, pausing for effect before correcting himself in a mock voice: “Oh, she said no, his name is Anderson!”. The jab is obviously a not-so-subtle dig at Cooper’s sexual orientation (read: “Wink, wink! gays are really women which is the worse”)..

Presidential elections: what U.S. LGBTQ+ organizations don’t get

Fareed Zakaria is already doing a post-mortem on the election. He explained that the: «[Democrat elites’ problem] is that they moved too far left on social and cultural issues» concluding that the resulting "cultural war" will last for decades (see his segment on CNN here). Claiming this, in the current context (between “Don’t Say Gay” here and global rollbacks), amounts to admitting that homophobia and transphobia are no longer absolute evil but that they can be relativized: they are both political and cultural. Coming from a (gay?) Democrat, it is a warning signal for us: whatever the outcome of this election, we are in a precarious spot as a "wedge issue." If Zakaria’s assessment is accurate, it is only a matter of time before the Democrats tone down our ambition of global emancipation for our community. And we are not innocent: we accepted our lives as a partisan political issue because, as long as the Democrats win, it means easy gains. We did not need to continue the hard work our ancestors started in changing hearts and minds, keeping our community together, consolidating our economic power, or building broader alliances; we just needed to help the party win elections. And when we lost elections, we turned to court to limit the damage. Qe are learning, it is not a sustainable approach. After this election, American LGBTQ+ organizations should work towards extricating themselves from U.S. politics rather than embedding themselves deeper. LGBTQ+ people are not American Democrats: tying the future of our community to a political party, however friendly it is, is irresponsible. I will add IMHO, as I am sure many will (strongly) disagree with me.

Gay Republicans Rally for Trump

Read this piece about a recent “Trump UNITY” event in Charlotte; gay Trump supporters made it clear they’re focused on the economy, security, and family values over LGBTQ+-specific issues. They would benefit from a gift subscription to this substack. Unsurprisingly the speakers, besides Lara Trump, included, former acting Director of National Intelligence Ric Grenell (check out my Gerenell story). Attendees emphasized Trump’s occasional Mar-a-Lago same-sex weddings and dance moves to “Y.M.C.A.” as evidence of his LGBTQ+ “allyship”. Ritchie Torres disagreed. Black gay Trump supporter Rob Smith, a right-wing social media influencer, made the following myopic statement:

We are federally protected from discrimination — that is a fact. We have the right to get married. We have the right to serve openly in the military. I think that fundamentally the problems that this country are facing [sic] are far greater than any small affinity group

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Queering the Boardroom

New Boardroom Appointments in Biotech and Venture Capital

Two notable appointments this week: Dr. Deborah Kilpatrick joins Sonder Capital as its first Venture Partner. Meanwhile, Dr. Edith Perez steps into the role of Scientific Advisor at Evexta Bio SA, guiding biotech innovation effective October 24.

November 8: Thirty Percent Coalition’s Annual Meeting

On November 8, the Thirty Percent Coalition will have its annual meeting (unfortunately I have to be in DC). This year’s theme, “Board Diversity in 2025: Post-Election Strategy,” will feature powerhouse speakers, including California Controller Malia M. Cohen, former SEC Commissioners Robert J. Jackson, Jr. and Allison Herren Lee, and Yen Chu, Chief Legal Officer of Tailored Brands.

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The Gay Business

A blip or not a blip? 

While HRC is quoted in the piece as seeing corporate pinkhushing as a minor “blip”, Marty Chavez pointed out in a Bloomberg article this weekend that we see inclusion rollbacks across multiple sectors as conservative voices pressure companies to step away from human rights commitments. Rob Smith of The Phluid Project and Maeve DuVally, formerly of Goldman Sachs, echo his concerns. I am quoted as saying, “Our clout is dwindling ». Once powerful allies, some companies now hesitate to back our fight. With 94% of employees reporting a decline in workplace equality, we must act to prevent further erosion of these hard-won rights.

Starbuck-proofing companies is the new lucrative gig

The NYtimes reports that as many corporate giants are now preparing to face organized campaigns to dismantle their D.E.I. initiatives, some have identified a business opportunity. Wall Street law and PR firms have created a new niche, advising companies on “Starbuck-proofing” themselves. This approach involves vulnerability assessments, strategic communications plans, and employee guidance on avoiding actions that might trigger public attention. 

Equal Pride and the suffering of gay media

I am told that EqualPride launched a donation drive instead of a subscription one - although I could not find it - showcasing the difficulties of LGBTQ+ media.

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The semi-cultural desk

TikTok Priest Leaves the Church

In 2021, I was reporting on how Father Matthieu Jasseron, a French priest who gained a massive following on TikTok for his progressive views, including affirming that homosexuality and masturbation aren’t sins, had irked his hierarchy. Well, he now decided to leave the Church entirely, sharing that threats, intimidation, and physical assault from colleagues, along with backlash from conservative factions in the Church, drove his departure. See here. Maybe he can model for Brooks Brothers next?

Queer History Book Club with Peppermint & Hugh Ryan

Hugh Ryan has teamed up with Peppermint to launch a monthly queer history book club at $25/month. The duo is collaborating with Allstora, the new online queer bookshop founded by RuPaul and historian Eric Cervini. Use code PEPPERMINT to get 75% off your first month! Here!

When Harlem Was ‘As Gay as It Was Black’

The New York Times reveals that in the Harlem Renaissance, Black and LGBTQ+ identities intertwined, creating a thriving, diverse social scene that extended far beyond the art. Known for its vibrant drag balls and queer-friendly venues, Harlem hosted trailblazers like blues legend Ma Rainey and iconic performer Gladys Bentley, who blurred the lines of gender and sexuality on stage.

Almodovar’s The Room Next Door

Pedro Almodóvar’s feature-length English-language debut opened in Spain and the UK this month to rave reviews after winning the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. Watch the trailer on YouTube.

Luca Guadagnino's Queer 

The wait is almost over: on November 26th, I’ll see you at angelica to witness Daniel Craig enticing Drew Starkey in Luca Guadagnino's Gay Romance.

Beautiful Evening, Beautiful Day

Ivona Juka’s Beautiful Evening, Beautiful Day, a powerful new film from Croatia immerses viewers in the intense struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals and artists in 1950s Yugoslavia.

High Tide

I almost went to see this at IFC last night with Craig Konnoth but was too tired to get back on my bike.

What I did watch instead:  The Critic 

The insufferable gay theater aficionado is a character I have encountered in many variations in my life. I hold this true, even for myself: people who have experienced trauma, often will end up inflicting harm on others. This shoudlbe a great motivation for the world to stop hurting LGBTQ+ individuals and yet…

Shawn Mendes’s sexuality

Will you be concerned if I admit having no idea who Shawn Mendes is or what he sings? At a recent concert, Mendes admitted he’s still “figuring out” his sexuality, attributing his delayed exploration to beginning his career at a young age. Addressing fans before performing his new song “The Mountain,” which touches on these experiences, Mendes highlighted the complexity and fluidity of sexuality. Read more here.

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The Gay Agenda

Asian Development Bank’s LGBTQ+ Learning Week

This week, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Headquarters in Manila hosted the Second LGBTQ+ Learning Week, a collaborative event to advance inclusion across ADB operations. Organized with APCOM and regional partners, including ILGA Asia, ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, and Intersex Asia, this event gathers LGBTQ+ advocates and ADB staff to build capacity and enhance inclusivity in development projects.

November 12th: 20 Years of LGBTQ+ Advocacy with HRW

Join Human Rights Watch in New York City to celebrate 20 years of dedicated LGBTQ+ rights advocacy. Hosted by the renowned activist Andrew Solomon, this evening event will feature Rasha Younes, Acting Director of LGBT Rights, and Kyle Knight, Associate Director. RSVP by October 31 to nycommittee@hrw.org.

December 9th: OutSummit 2024

Join OutSummit 2024 on December 9 for a powerful day of virtual panels and networking, bringing together LGBTQ+ advocates, policymakers, and allies worldwide. The summit, hosted by Outright International, is an opportunity to engage with experts on economic inclusion, the impact of the global election cycle on LGBTIQ rights, intersex and trans advocacy, and more.

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Well that’s it for this week, I am rushing to grab lunch at the Century and tonight I am speaking at the New York Stock Exchange on …the elections (see below). I am not sure what I will be writing about next Wednesday but as told my children in the Park on Saturday: whatever happens we will be fine. As a middle-aged man, I can tell you that even from the worse of circumstances, sometimes something good can come out.