Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
This Week: Uganda and the World Bank, Rep. Cicilline leaves Congress, the PAC donations problem, LEGO in the hot seat, Rudnick’s new book, the Equality PAC gala, and much more…
Welcome to my weekly equality news digest, where I share important (and much less important) news, updates, and commentary about the global LGBTQ+ equality movement at the intersection with business.
This Week: Uganda and the World Bank, Rep. Cicilline leaves Congress, the PAC donations problem, LEGO in the hot seat, Rudnick’s new book, the Equality PAC gala, and much more…
Global News
Uganda: in which I ruffle feathers like it’s 2014
The World Bank’s statement of May 31 on the anti-homosexuality law based on genocidal ideology was despicable - oblivious that LGBTQ+ people are also human beings. Ugandans can live without fearing being evicted, denounced by colleagues, family members, or neighbors, and ultimately put to death. No, the Bank statement lamented that it might negatively affect… HIV outcomes: “The World Bank Group is highly concerned with Uganda’s enactment of the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act. If implemented, the Act would endanger people by placing an added barrier to vital medical care, disease screening, and precautions”. It depressed me personally because I spent years of my life sensitizing my former colleagues to the existence of our community among our clients, and in ten years, nothing has changed. We failed to change the culture of the straight people in charge. My response in the form of an op-ed in the Washington Post called on the World Bank to wake up. It was directed to Ajay Banga as the Managing Directors and the Regional VP took a position that the law does not affect Bank lending, which is incorrect.
Uganda (again): focusing on evangelical groups
I received a lot of messages following my op-ed. Many were from people who regretted I did not call out the role of the American evangelical Church in this new law—something The Economist discussed in a podcast this week.
France: the polemic around the fake LGBTQ+ flag on the Arc de Triomphe
While I was in Paris last weekend, a photograph of the Arc de Triomphe decorated with a gigantic ribbon in LGBTQ+ colors created considerable controversy. The photo, originally published by the artist Ian Padgham on Twitter in honor of Pride, has justly gone around the world, from the French far right to the American conservatives, all outraged to see a national monument decked out in LGBTQ+ colors. Except it never happened: it was a simple 3D montage, one of his specialties. Read more here. The artist commented:
These comments show that people from the LGBTQ+ community are still not accepted and protected as they should be
Gen Z: a global demographic revolution
It’s not only in the U.S. water system, as some believe. In 30 countries surveyed by Ipsos, 9% of the population, on average, declare themselves “queer” but this goes up to 16% for Gen-Z. Read more on their website and download the full report.
US News
Farewell, Rep. David Cicilline leaves Congress
After twelve years in Congress achieving great strides on LGBTQ+ equality, Congressman Cicciline (D-R.I.) stepped out on June 1st. Rep. Cicilline will run a foundation in his state. We lost a great friend but won a perfect candidate for Corporate Director. I know this is unpopular today, but with Mondaire Jones’, this departure is another Maloney casualty. Read more here. I hope to see Cicilline honored at the Equality PAC Gala in DC on June 21st.
Trans representation: USA Today shows us how it’s done
USA Today had a great piece this week on GenderCool Trans youth titled “'But most of all I'm human': These 3 transgender teens prove identity stretches beyond one label”. The piece steps away from conversations around medical care, sport, and bathroom to focus on our shared humanity; that is the way to go with America. I am also a massive fan of GenderCool, which is regaining control of the narrative, coverage, and portrayal of transgender people in the media and entertainment industries. With 500 new anti-LGBTQ legislation introduced this year in 46 states, the U.S. movement can no longer afford to lose the plot.
Transgender and nonbinary kids are here − hundreds of thousands of them in every corner of every community. They are being raised by everyday parents who have good values and give back to their communities,
Comcast, Walmart & Amazon give to anti-LGBTQ+ politicians.
Once again, Comcast, Walmart, and Amazon top the chart of companies funding anti-LGBTQ+ politicians in America (see the list here). Something I had called out a year ago. Comcast with about $1,8 million of donations, Walmart with $658K since 2022, and Amazon a little below. Cynics will, as usual, comment, “How much is it compared to what they give to the community?” or “This is the way business is done; you must give to both sides of the aisle.” But if you look closely, cynics also happen to be on the payroll of these companies. The consequences of these companies' financial support to politicians who hurt us significantly diminish, if not overshadow, their support for our community. Make no mistake: PAC decisions are influenced by employees and consumers, and if enough pressure were applied, these donations would stop.
HRC calls a nationwide “State of Emergency.”
I am unsure what the Human Rights Campaign’s announcement accomplishes precisely (see here). Still, it came with a “Given the state of emergency for LGBTQ+ rights, a generous HRC member is stepping forward to MATCH your donation today.” #MatchMyGift
Florida continues to progress on State LGBTQ+ Climate Index
Florida went from ranking 38 in 2021 with a score of 49.43 to ranking 33 in 2023 with a score of 50.60 in the 5th Annual State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index (not to be confused with the HRC State Equality Index (SEI, a comprehensive state-by-state report provides a review of statewide laws and policies that affect LGBTQ+ people where Florida performs more modestly). Sometimes it’s hard to find one’s way in many indexes. Congratulations to Florida on this incredible progress - unfortunately, I already incorporated in New York State.
The Gay Business
WSJ: the alleged Corporate Pride Backlash
Yesterday I shared my thoughts in this Wall Street Journal article that also quotes my friend Rob Smith of the Phluid Project on the alleged "attack on Corporate support for Pride” It is not as much a trend as several isolated incidents resulting from amateurism in specific campaigns. We must avoid creating artificial hype that might be a self-fulfilling prophecy.
“It’s not the end of LGBT marketing. It’s the end of amateurism in LGBT marketing,” said Fabrice Houdart, who consults with Fortune 500 companies and directs an organization for LGBT board members.”
Next: LEGO is in the hot seat
LEGO is the latest company in the barrel for a year-old Pride Month campaign. An ex-trans right-winger falsely claimed that LEGO was selling "transgender building sets for kids age 5+". Read more here.
My conversation with AXA XL’s Maritime Chief Underwriting Officer
I spoke with Anne Marie Elder, who heads the AXA Global Maritime division while we were both in Paris. Ann Marie is making waves (see my pun?) by being an out lesbian in a conservative industry. Her story is worth listening to: in the U.S. military; she could not be herself in the workplace for many years without risking being expelled. Listen here.
Why are so few gay people at the top of business
Many of our friends (Lanaya Irvin, Prof. Lee Badgett, Meghan Stabler) were quoted in this Yahoo News article, “The corner closet: Why there are so few gay and transgender executives in corporate America.” The global LGBTQ+ business network Involve is bringing together five of the top LGBTQ+ CEOs in America on June 15th in NY: Ken Ohashi - CEO of Brooks Brothers, Darren Walker - CEO of the Ford Foundation, George Arison - CEO of Grindr, Martine Rothblatt - CEO of United Therapeutics Corporation, Tanisha Robinson - Founder & CEO of W*nder. Quite the gathering!
“People sometimes go back into the closet as they move up the ladder because they’re not sure they'll be accepted at that level or at that level they have to avoid any controversy or any behaviors perceived as not leadership quality,” Badgett said. “That’s where biases might emerge.”
Queering the Boardroom
Queer Women and Board Diversity
Chiqui Cartagena and I discussed the abysmal representation of LGBTQ+ women in US corporate boardrooms and what can be done on this week's National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) blog.
FT’s Outstanding Directors Exchange in NYC June 14-15
The Financial Times Outstanding Directors Exchange, intended for sitting board directors of publicly traded companies, will cover topics such as Cyber Risk Oversight, What to carefully consider before taking on another directorship, and Managing CEO Performance. You can register here.
2023 NACD Directorship 100 Call for Nominations is Open
The annual awards program celebrates and recognizes the most influential directors and leaders in the corporate governance community who have demonstrated excellence in the boardroom through innovation, courage, and integrity. The nomination period closes on June 16. You can submit nominations here.
Our friends at DDI Chapel Hill are hosting two webinars.
Buttoning Up Your Board Resume and Board Bio on Tuesday, July 11, 4 - 5 pm ET, Virtual with Deb Wheatman, President of Careers Done Write. Deb will provide tips on how to make your board documents present you in the best light. Register here.
Leveraging LinkedIn for Board Service on Thursday, August 17, 4 - 5 pm ET, Virtual with Anouk Pappers. Register here.
The semi-cultural desk
A fun take on some flimsy corporate allies
The Washington Post had a light piece on the Target issue this week. Here.
Paul Rudnick’s last book
I assume a third of you have read Rudnick’s “Less.” His latest book, “Farrell Convington and the Limits of Style,” about gay men navigating 40 years of relationship, gained wide praise from the New York Times this week.
Traveling to places that are not LGBTQ+-friendly
Some passports will take you anywhere - The New York Times explains why LGBTQ+ travelers will still go to places where they are criminalized, or attitudes lag. Read it here, which reminded me that I had created a dormant non-profit called LGBTFootprint which supports travelers in offsetting their negative impact on communities.
The Gay Agenda
This past Monday: Outright International’s Gala
Because I visited my grandmother, I missed Outright International’s gala in New York City. The event raised $1 million for global LGBTQ+ human rights last night in New York. Congrats to ECADE, Google.org, and the queer cast and crew of Star Trek Discovery, who were recognized during the event. See more here.
June 14 (midday): Andrew Solomon at Human Rights Watch
Author and LGBTQ+ rights activist Andrew Solomon will join the virtual Human Rights Watch Seminar “Pride, Prejudice, and Politics: LGBT Rights in the Era of Authoritarianism” at noon EDT (New York time). See here.
June 14th (night): see you at the NYC AIDS Memorial
See you next week for Wednesday's second annual *Silent Disco Dance Party* at the NYC AIDS Memorial after the Legends of Drag revue. I am bringing the boys.
June 21st: Equality PAC Gala in DC
The political arm of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus will hold its annual Pride Gala on Thursday, June 21st, at the Hotel Washington. I am coming down for it and hope to see you.
Coming and Going
Job opening: HR Director at the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
What is there not to like? The LA LGBT Center seeks a seasoned executive to lead a 14-person team to modernize and optimize people-centered experiences for the Center’s 800 employees. Check out the complete job profile here.
A new World Bank President just in time
Ajay Banga will become the 14th president of the World Bank on Friday. Hopefully, he can start by pulling the ears of the Managing Directors and Regional VP, who blocked a substantive statement on Uganda.
I survived the French Labor protests on Tuesday against Macron’s decision to raise the retirement age. It was relatively subdued. As a bonus, here is a picture with my grandmother in St Brieuc, who is turning 100 this month. I hope you are enjoying Pride, and see you next week.
