Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
This week: Bad news from Italy, Good ones from Poland, Grindr in Australia, Haitian lesbians, Sullivan vs. Levine, the U.S. trans obsession, gay murders and sex trafficking scandals, and much more…
Bonjour from New Hope, PA where Koppa is having its retreat. Despite my best efforts, I, too, feel that life is suspended, awaiting the results of the U.S. Presidential election. It’s interesting because the theme of this week’s newsletter is that, indeed, from Italy to Poland, the fate of LGBTQ+ people can change rapidly depending on the mood of the straight people who are in power. There must be a better way for our community to find some serenity and predictability.
This week: Bad news from Italy, Good ones from Poland, Grindr in Australia, Haitian lesbians, Sullivan vs. Levine, the U.S. trans obsession, gay murders and sex trafficking scandals, and much more…
Global News
Italy: More attacks on LGBTQ+ families
Italy’s Minister for the Family, Eugenia Roccella, has now called on doctors to report cases of surrogate motherhood, but the medical community isn’t having it as reported in Corriere. The head of the National Federation of Medical Associations reminded Roccella that doctors’ duty is to care, not report. This clash follows a new law making surrogacy a universal crime in Italy, with stiff penalties for couples who seek surrogacy abroad. The debate is heating up, with legal battles already on the horizon. I wrote a piece on how this antagonistic move might be a sign of more dire anti-LGBTQ+ family moves in Europe and why it should be a wake-up call.
Australia: Grindr users targeted
The Guardian reports that since July, over a dozen assaults have been reported across Australia, with victims lured into dangerous situations by fake profiles. While some attacks were motivated by robbery, others were for kicks, raising concerns that specific anti-LGBTQ+ influencers may be encouraging these acts, sharing “methods of attack” and ways to record and share incidents online. A new safety code for dating apps, set to take effect next year, aims to detect harmful behavior better and protect users.
Poland: A draft Civil Partnership Bill
Remember the “LGBTQ+-free zone” saga? It’s incredible how elections can affect the trajectory of our lives. It’s also unsustainable. A draft bill was published to grant couples in civil partnerships rights to inheritance and access to medical information. However, adoption rights remain excluded to secure conservative support. It must now pass through parliament and receive the signature of President Andrzej Duda to become law.
Vatican: Cardinal-designate Radcliffe Calls Out African Bishops
Cardinal-designate Timothy Radcliffe, in a recent article for the Vatican’s Italian daily edition, suggested that external solid pressures from American evangelicals, Moscow, and Muslims influence African bishops’ resistance to homosexuality. Radcliffe criticized the African bishops’ rejection of the Vatican’s efforts to be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ individuals. Catholic Answers had a piece titled “Fr. Radcliffe’s Dangerous LGBT Propaganda.” this is a badge of honor.
Haiti: Lesbian Women Face Threats from Gang Leader Krisla
In August, Haitian gang leader Krisla, infamous for orchestrating numerous kidnappings, publicly threatened lesbian teenagers in the Port-au-Prince suburbs of Fontamara and Tibwa. His aggressive rhetoric, shared in a viral WhatsApp message, called for the persecution of young lesbians. Activists believe relocation might be required.
Northern Ireland: LGBTQ+ Youth Marginalized in Education System
The BBC reports that Alexa Moore from the Rainbow Project Moore and Sophie Nelson from HERe NI provided testimony to assembly members in Northern Ireland on how the education system has let down LGBTQ+ students. The testimony comes as part of an inquiry into how relationships and sexuality education are taught, with Moore claiming LGBTQ+ students are often ostracized during discussions on homosexuality.
US News
GRACE counterattacks politicization of youth trans healthcare
The transgender-led nonprofit GRACE has released a new ad titled "Freedom, Love and Liberty." The PSA features Eric Childs, a former Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran and father of a trans child, advocating for freedom, acceptance, and understanding. Tragically, Mr. Childs passed away in a car accident shortly after filming in June. Watch the full video below:
Andrew Sullivan vs. Admiral Levine
Andrew Sullivan had a little meltdown on his substack, The Weekly Dish, calling for the resignation of Admiral Rachel Levine, the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health, accusing her of “prioritizing ideology over science.” Sullivan claims that Levine and the Biden administration pushed for removing age limits for surgeries in new guidelines. Some rolled their eyes at what they perceived as a futile attack on a soon-to-be-replaced official. Then Sullivan had to share his election pronostic.
Pediatric Gender Medicine takes a hit.
In his recent article for The New York Post, Ben Ryan discusses how increasing bans on gender-transition treatments for minors and looming Supreme Court rulings place the future of pediatric gender medicine at a critical juncture. Ryan predicts doctors will become more cautious even in states without bans due to the growing public debate, lawsuits, and negative research findings.
Many healthcare professionals and institutions currently involved in providing endocrine or surgical treatments for youth gender dysphoria will gradually withdraw from these practices
3.3% of High School Students in the U.S. Identify as Transgender
Gay City News reports that according to the CDC, 3.3% of high school students in the U.S. identify as transgender, with an additional 2.2% questioning their gender identity. The survey, part of the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, included responses from 20,000 students and marks the first time the CDC has gathered such data on trans youth. The results suggest these kids experience higher rates of marginalization, mental health struggles, and housing instability compared to their cisgender peers.
Getting Ready For Project 2025
This October 22nd NYTimes article shows the links between Project 2025 and Trump’s transition team. Activists warn of Russian-style anti-LGBTQ laws, threatening freedom of speech and assembly for queer Americans, the repeal of protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, restrictions on transgender military service, and more. An activist commented:
These extremists plan to strip us of every right, starting with the T and moving down the alphabet.
Queering the boardroom
Promoting the NASDAQ rule internationally
Professor Torsin and I wrote a piece in the London School of Economics Business Review this week encouraging global stock exchanges and regulators to adopt Nasdaq’s board diversity disclosure rule. This disclosure model uncovers the "lavender ceiling" and promotes accountability and inclusion, which drives better corporate performance.
Boardroom Departures
Dr. Mark R. Dybul, the former CEO of GEDiCube, exited his role at Renovaro Inc. Sylvia Acevedo stepped down from Ambri Inc. In nonprofits, Darren Walker left his seat at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Lisa E. Sherman leaves the board of God's Love We Deliver.
Packard Awards Grant to the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors
Yesterday, we announced that the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors has been awarded a one-time grant of $350,000 from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation (see press release here and LinkedIn post here). This significant investment will empower our ongoing efforts to increase LGBTQ+ representation in corporate boardrooms across the United States.
Exclusive BoardProspects Offer for LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors
The Association has an exclusive partnership with BoardProspects. Members can use the code BPASSOCIATION to receive 50% off their first year of Premium or Premium Plus membership. This partnership aims to help our members optimize their board candidacy, expand their networks, and deepen their understanding of board governance. This offer is valid through December 15, 2025.
The semi-cultural desk
The Legacy of George Platt Lynes Unveiled
The documentary Hidden Master: The Legacy of George Platt Lynes delves into the secret life of one of the 20th century’s most celebrated photographers. Lyne’s passion lay in his lesser-known, intimate nude portraits of male subjects—work that remained hidden due to societal taboos. Directed by Sam Shahid, the film focuses on Lynes’s legacy, celebrating his public success and the private artistry he longed to share. “People will wonder why they hadn’t heard of him before,” Shahid explains. “That’s why we need this film.” A lesser-known fact is that one of the Koch brothers, the homosexual one who died recently, had bought most of his collection.
You have gay voice
This week, Cooper Koch (no relation to the weird Koch brothers mentioned above) made headlines by sharing his “gay voice” story. A recent exploration of studies suggests that “gay voice” is a genuine phenomenon. According to Mitch Moffit, a biologist, and Greg Brown, a science teacher, gay men typically have higher pitch variation, elongated vowel sounds, and more articulate speech. The research, which spans multiple languages including English, French, and Dutch, dismisses the stereotype of a “gay lisp” (I have one), instead highlighting that straight men tend to mumble more. The findings suggest that “gay voice” might be a form of social signaling influenced by who the speaker is addressing rather than hormonal differences. Studies show that both straight and gay men adjust their voices based on context, reflecting an adaptive behavior in social environments.
You have gay face, too.
Moffit and Brown also research “gay face,” apparently. Studies found that gay men often have shorter noses and more prominent foreheads, while lesbians tend to have smaller foreheads and upturned noses. All of this research is going to make it so much easier for Trump to round us up. Read more here.
Making the Case for Equality Celebrates 50 Years of LGBTQ Legal Milestones
Lambda Legal, the pioneering LGBTQ+ legal organization, commemorates its 50th anniversary with Making the Case for Equality, a coffee-table book published by our friends at Phaidon. From 1973 to 2023, this collection highlights the most significant legal cases that shaped LGBTQ+ rights, featuring never-before-seen archival photos and materials. Authored by Jennifer C. Pizer and Ellen Ann Andersen, with a foreword by Roxane Gay, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in civil rights history. Available for pre-order now, shipping begins October 29th. Order your copy here.
The Out 100
The Out100 has a theme, apparently, and this year, it was “Together, Unlimited.” Congrats to my friends Dr. Claire Lucas (the political maverick), Diana Rodriguez, and Ann Marie Gothard (who created the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center against all odds) for being honored. Explore the full list and dive into the Out100 Vault at Out.com/Out100.
The Best Dating Apps for Queer Women in 2024
If you think HER and Tinder are your only options for finding love or casual connections as a queer woman in 2024, think again! According to Mashable, apps like Hinge, OkCupid, and Bumble are stepping up with inclusive features that cater to queer women and non-binary folks. Check out Mashable’s complete guide to the best lesbian dating apps of 2024 here, or adopt my approach to dating: waiting for a miracle.
Coming and Going
Darren Walker Calls for Audacity in Troubled Times
In a world of yes men and women, Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, sounds an urgent alarm on the crisis of leadership gripping every corner of society in the NYTimes. It spoke to me because I was struck during the post-debate Biden debate by our politicians' lack of courage (think Nadler or Torres). Walker critiques a culture that rewards silence and caution, stifling the moral courage necessary to drive real change. He challenges the growing trend of appointing leaders for their ability to avoid controversy rather than their vision or integrity. Walker argues that leadership demands risk-taking, bold decisions, and a willingness to confront the discomfort of making a stand. Without audacity, he warns, we sacrifice progress, community, and the very foundations of democracy. Courage, not comfort, must define our leaders.
Bruce Cohen receives the National Medal of Arts.
In case you missed it, the President awarded Bruce Cohen the National Medal of Arts, God’s gift to our community. Huge congrats, Bruce, and so well-deserved 🙏🏽
Gay Ice Hockey Player Janne Puhakka Killed by His Partner
Janne Puhakka, a 29-year-old former professional ice hockey player, was found dead in his Espoo home on October 13 (see here). His partner, 66-year-old Norwegian veterinarian Rolf Nordmo, has confessed to the killing. Nordmo shot Puhakka with a hunting shotgun following the end of their relationship, which feels like a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Puhakka had recently moved out but returned to their shared apartment for practical matters. Puhakka, who emerged as Finland’s first openly gay ice hockey player in 2019, has since transitioned to television, appearing in The Traitors.
Ex-Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries Arrested
Competing with the Diddy scandal, Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, is now making headlines in the Dailymail, for all the wrong reasons. Jeffries, 80, was arrested in West Palm Beach as part of a sex trafficking investigation that has been simmering for over a year. Along with his partner Matthew Smith and an eccentric business associate sporting a snakeskin patch, the trio allegedly orchestrated lavish parties where young male models were exploited. This scandal follows a bombshell BBC report and a class-action suit, with more than 100 men claiming they were victims of abuse during Jeffries’ reign.
Laugh with the ex-gays.
While the article claims there were hundreds of ex-gays at this year’s “freedom march,” I spotted five people, and they looked pretty gay to me in the video.
State Department Hiring Program Officers
The U.S. Department of State's Marginalized Populations team within the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL/GP) is recruiting three new Program Officers, including a position focused on LGBTQI+ issues. Based in Washington, D.C., these contract positions offer pay on the GS-13 DC locality scale. U.S. citizens with relevant expertise are encouraged to apply. Open roles include SME Marg Pops Gender, SME Marg Pops LGBTQI+, SME Marg Pops Racial Justice.
The Gay Agenda
Monday: SAGE gala
The SAGE gala in NYC was a lovely event (see here). I chatted with Brian Sims and chief gays Jon Tilli (Deutsche Bank) and Brent Miller (P&G). I was also moved to meet the legendary Ann Northrop, who told me she was reading the newsletter: this meant a lot to me. I also ran into many members of the Association: Dr. William Carson (accompanied by the legendary Cordey Lash), Elizabeth F. Schwartz, and the amazing Douglas Harris. I told Stacey Friedman how my accent has become a liability as it continuously worsens.
Tuesday: The World Bank Annual Meetings
The annual meetings are taking place in Washington, DC, this week. On October 22, the World Bank's SOGI Task Force met with civil society organizations to strategize on advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion worldwide. The meeting covered critical updates, including outcomes from a Kazakhstan workshop, lessons from Uganda’s mitigation process, and country-level LGBTQ+ engagement efforts led by Hivos. Meaningful discussions also centered on integrating SOGIESC inclusivity into World Bank operations in education and health, with insights from Hanna Alasuutari and Fernando Montenegro Torres.
October 28: “The Crime of Being Gay” Exhibition in NYC
Join us on October 28 at Columbia Journalism School for “The Crime of Being Gay,” an event focused on the persecution of LGBTQ+ people in the Russian North Caucasus. From 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Joseph D. Jamail Lecture Hall, 2950 Broadway, New York, the event will feature a screening of scenes from the Oscar-shortlisted documentary Welcome to Chechnya, along with speeches from human rights advocates like Maxim Lapunov and Mariana Katzarova, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Russia. I plan to attend.
November 20: Deadline for OHCHR Report on Intersex Rights
The deadline for submitting inputs to inform the upcoming UN Human Rights report on combatting discrimination, violence, and harmful practices against intersex people is fast approaching. Capped at 3,000 words, contributions must be submitted by November 20, 2024, via email to ohchr-intersexreport@un.org. The report is being prepared per UN Human Rights Council resolution 55/14. For more details, refer to the English, French, and Spanish calls for input.
December 9: OutSummit 2024 in DC
Mark your calendars and register for OutSummit 2024. This year’s hybrid Outright event includes limited in-person participation in Washington, D.C., and free virtual access for attendees globally. With keynote speakers like Tarek Zeidan and U.S. Representative Dina Titus, OutSummit offers a platform for civil society leaders, policymakers, corporate advocates, and passionate supporters to meet.
Well, that’s it for this week. I am happy because it looks like my motorcycle is fixed after weeks in the shop waiting for a new clutch. I have been taking the subway in the meantime, which is always an opportunity to marvel at the tragic consequences of the violence of the American economic system.