Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
This week: Attal's statement, Vatican's wavering stance, Uganda talks, Tunisia & gender identity, Seattle's LGBTQ+ nightlife, Florida's pettiness, more tragic loss in DC, and gossip from Gay Inc...
Welcome to the latest issue of Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality. As always, we're here to update you every Wednesday at noon with the most significant and stirring happenings in the LGBTQ+ world. This week's edition is brimming with diverse stories - from the bold declarations in political spheres to the nuances of LGBTQ+ rights and challenges globally. Join us as we delve into a world where identities intersect with policy, society, and culture, offering you a comprehensive view of the dynamic landscape of LGBTQ+ equality.
This week: Attal's statement, Vatican's wavering stance, Uganda talks, Tunisia & gender identity, Seattle's LGBTQ+ nightlife, Florida's pettiness, more tragic loss in DC, and gossip from Gay Inc…
Global News
France: a surprising statement by Attal
This week, Gabriel Attal openly discussed his homosexuality in the closing sentences of his policy speech at the National Assembly, which was unexpected. This is the first time he has explicitly referenced his homosexuality since his appointment, a move welcomed by LGBTQ+ associations as a powerful symbol. Attal’s sexual orientation was publicly disclosed against his will in 2018 by the infamous Juan Branco. He previously commented on the importance of embracing homosexuality without needing to assert it, which is contradictory to my philosophy of visibility as a way to continue the fight those before us started. 48% of French people believe that Attal is a “good Prime Minister,” which is a lot if you know any French person.
Being French in 2024 means in a country which, only ten years ago, was still torn over marriage for all, to be able to be Prime Minister by openly assuming one's homosexuality. From all this, I see proof that our country is moving, proof that mentalities are evolving.
Vatican: "Fiducia supplicans" ends up hurting us
Humor me for a minute: the debate on same-sex couples' blessing ended up hurting us more than benefiting us. I am convinced the Vatican was well-intentioned, but it was also unprepared. This week, the Pope acknowledged Africa as a “special case” in a La Stampa interview, further weakening "Fiducia supplicans." This has given some legitimacy to those using queer people as a geopolitical tool against the West (see this piece in Jeune Afrique this week). But perhaps more strikingly, it acknowledges exceptions for discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. For example, Pope John Paul II would have never recognized any South African justification for apartheid; in fact, he stood up firmly against it. Finally, the Church’s entanglement with global anti-LGBTQ and anti-gender movements, notably in countries like Poland and Slovakia with deep religious-political ties, showcases how "Fiducia supplicans” might have benefited from some more internal dialogue. There is a rule in the LGBTQ+ advocacy world: “Nothing about us, without us.” Pope Francis would have benefited from consultations with LGBTQ+ people with deep experience in fostering change on these issues. Still, for this, first, the Vatican would need to understand that we are not only theological objects but full-scale human beings.
Uganda: an uncooperative government
This week, Ari Shaw argued in The Advocate that we need to put more significant pressure on Uganda to repeal the Anti-Homosexuality Act. The reporting mandate pushes the community into the shadows but also jeopardizes public health efforts and research, especially in HIV/AIDS treatment. Reports from the World Bank's recent consultations in Kampala, which focused on mitigation measures for AHA, were alarming. Despite significant participation from Ugandan civil society, the consultations were marked by the government's refusal to discuss AHA-related risks. None of the presentations by government teams addressed risks to LGBTQ+ people, and all of them avoided discussing the AHA. The Bank also allegedly discouraged stakeholders from raising issues related to the AHA. As a result, proposed mitigation measures were not specific to LGBTQ+ people, with general policies aimed at protecting disadvantaged and vulnerable groups failing to enumerate or specifically protect LGBTQ+ individuals. The Bank staff has to navigate the problematic line between dialogue and endorsement.
Tunisia: Court denies gender recognition
In Cairo 52, Nora Noralla comes back this week on the decision of the Tunis Court of First Instance from April 2023. The court denied legal gender recognition to a transgender man, Ahmed, citing insufficient evidence of a biological medical condition. The Court, drawing on comparative law and religious opinions, dismissed gender identity disorder as a mental illness. Ahmed’s struggle with gender identity since childhood and his pursuit of gender-affirming healthcare were not deemed sufficient. The court’s approach echoes broader trends on trans issues in the Middle East and North Africa.
Russia: Armenia Grants Asylum to Gay Chechen Man
An Armenian court has rejected Russia's extradition request for Salman Mukaev, a gay man from Chechnya who had fled to Armenia after being tortured by Chechen security services. Mukaev was subjected to interrogation and torture in Chechnya in 2020, where he was coerced into admitting a same-sex relationship and assisting authorities in entrapping other gay men. Following his release, Mukaev sought refuge in Armenia but was unable to leave the country due to a criminal case opened against him by Russian authorities. The court's decision recognizes that LGBTQ+ individuals face severe threats in Chechnya and Russia. See the Moscow Times.
US News
Seattle: Sequins, Jockstraps, and the law
In Seattle, a series of bizarre raids on LGBTQ+ bars has spotlighted an outdated Washington state law. The Liquor and Cannabis Control Board typically inspects bars for standard compliance. However, recently, their focus shifted to enforcing a law against public nudity in liquor-serving establishments, a rule at odds with the state's allowance of public nudity elsewhere. This has caused a stir in the community, mainly as it seems to target LGBTQ+ venues disproportionately. See Pink News and the bars statements.
Citations were issued based solely on individuals’ clothing choices, such as being shirtless or wearing a jockstrap.
Florida: another antagonistic move toward trans people
The pettiness of Floridian officials knows no limit. Can’t these people start playing golf like everybody else over there? Erin In the Morning reports that the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has announced in a letter from Deputy Executive Director Dave Kerner, a conservative “democrat,” that transgender people are no longer permitted to update the gender marker on their driver's licenses, with gender now being defined as "biological sex." This policy asserts that any "misrepresentation" of gender on licenses could be considered fraudulent, carrying potential civil and criminal consequences, including revocation of licensure. This policy could also criminalize transgender individuals for using licenses that reflect their gender identity, significantly impacting their daily lives and freedom of movement within the state.
Gay Hill lobbyist dies from fentanyl laced-coke
I was in DC yesterday for my Georgetown class, and at dinner, I heard of another premature death, this time a 38-year-old gay lobbyist who was a partner at Squire Patton Boggs (see article here). While the obituary features the obligatory but cryptic “died unexpectedly,” the Washington Blade labeled the death as a Fentanyl overdose. Many in the community are starting to see a pattern with brilliant LGBTQ+ individuals having passed away mysteriously in the past year. As Fentanyl becomes the leading cause of death among young adults in the U.S., it hits hard our community already disproportionately affected by substance abuse. The Blade quoted David Peruzza as saying:
I [am] sick of people dying.
Musing on the American coming out
As someone who watches an equal amount of French and American movies, I am often reminded that God gave satisfying resolutions to Americans and cynicism to French people. I listened to this NPR piece about Corey Harvard, who co-founded Prism United in 2018. Many coming-out stories in the U.S. end up with full acceptance by parents and pecan pies, which remains rare anywhere else. Still, coming out here is a difficult journey, as Corey illustrates:
There is a part of that journey no one can join you on.
The Gay Business
Big Business prepares for potential Trump II
As the political chessboard heats up, big businesses readjust their strategies for a potential Trump comeback. Despite previous reservations, corporate giants are subtly changing tunes, with CEOs acknowledging Trump's "kind of right" policies. Not unlike Pope Francis, the financial world must balance human rights with business interests and political pragmatism. As the Game of Thrones continues, the business community braces for the rollercoaster that a Trump return could bring - all eyes on the boardroom. For more depressing news, click on this article from The Hill quoting the Mooch as saying:
I think they view Donald Trump by and large as benign to somewhat beneficial to the economy and business
Brian Lamb’s risky dance in Florida
Brian Lamb, a prominent JPMorgan executive and chair of the Florida Board of Governors, recently came under scrutiny after a tweet by Nadine Smith that got 108K views. Lamb’s actions have drawn criticism, particularly in light of his former role as Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion at JPMorgan, after the Board voted to ban Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs at state universities this week, along with other measures seen as stifling academic freedom. Smith pointed out that Lamb seems to have carefully edited his bio online, which is hilarious and tragic. I would suggest to the Chair the importance of basing education on knowledge and expertise rather than right-wing, ideologically driven educational policies.
The war on DEI is about hierarchy
Also this week in NYMag, in "The War on DEI Is About Hierarchy," Sarah Jones explores the deep-seated opposition to DEI programs, particularly in elite educational institutions like Harvard. The article shows that critics, mainly from conservative circles, view DEI as an authoritarian, society-altering project by 'woke elites.' The emails in the article reveal a shared disdain for minority groups among these critics and an entrenched belief in a natural social hierarchy. Jones argues that anti-DEI crusaders fear losing their dominant social status. The comments section reflects the polarization of Americans on diversity now that it is politicized.
Queering the Boardroom
Jonathan Mildenhall at Sonos
Jonathan Mildenhall joined the Board of Sonos this week, a leader in sound innovation. Mildenhall, known for his impactful tenure at Airbnb and Coca-Cola, brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to inclusive practices.
Looking for your first Board? Three webinars you must attend
DDI's 2024 virtual series offers two exciting tracks for those aspiring to board roles. Join "Crafting Your Board Journey" on February 15 to hone your board value proposition (🔗 Register here). Don't miss "Understanding Board Opportunities" on March 6, exploring roles in Nonprofit, Advisory, and Board Observer (🔗 Register here). Finally, perfect your board resume and bio on April 25 (🔗 Register here). It reminds me the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors hasn’t had an educational webinar in a while. Do not fear; we are working on one discussing the relationship of the Board with the CEO and Chief of Staff.
Boardroom Revolution: A Playbook for Inclusive Leadership
The California Partners Project and Stanford VMware Women's Leadership Innovation Lab have launched a strategic roadmap for public, private, and non-profit boards to harness the power of varied perspectives, particularly emphasizing the inclusion of LGBTQ+ voices and experiences. It highlights steps like identifying skill gaps, expanding networks beyond the usual circles, creating equitable interview processes, and intentional onboarding. See here.
The semi-cultural desk
The Rise and Stumble of TikTok's Preppy Lesbian Couple
In the picturesque setting of Roswell, Georgia, Lunden Stallings and Olivia Bennett, the TikTok-famous lesbian couple, had a fairy-tale wedding. Their lavish ceremony at Naylor Hall, complete with designer gowns and watercolor portraits, even made it to People magazine. Lunden and Olivia have built a TikTok empire showcasing their idyllic Southern lifestyle to over 736,000 followers. The fairy tale hit a snag post-wedding when their old tweets containing racial slurs surfaced. Shocker: you should not believe the way people present themselves on TikTok. See Business Insider: Lunden and Olivia's TikTok Journey.
When we used to be castrated on the pillory
In "Forbidden Desire in Early Modern Europe," historian Noel Malcolm offers a poignant exploration of male homosexuality from 1400-1750, set against the backdrop of Christian Europe's harsh condemnation. This detailed work sheds light on the brutal punishments faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. It challenges long-held myths, revealing a hidden history chapter marked by suffering and resilience—well, mostly suffering, really—Pre-order it here.
The grossness of extreme wealth makes good TV
What have I been watching? Thank you for asking. Mostly Nicole Kidman plays a forty-year-old bereaved mother in The Expats. Have you noticed that almost every series is now a critic of indecent wealth, from the White Lotus to Saltburn? It might not be the best year to publish pictures of your month-long stay in St Barth. In July 2021, I wrote a piece titled “A strategy for 2021: stop celebrating extreme wealth,” coincidentally, the CEO of the organization I deride next responded, “good luck with that!”. He is proven wrong twice in this newsletter. If you haven't read about Prime Video’s future series, Malice, here it is.
Gossips from Gay Inc.
High-profile departure at the pinkwashing mill
A high-profile figure in a well-known private LGBTQ+ organization whose motto could be Insolvency in Integrity™ has quietly vanished from the team page (I'll let you figure it out; think of it as “Nancy Drew and the mystery of the missing Elite Gay”). This sudden departure, just a year into his role announced with much fanfare, adds to a long history of revolving doors in the company. It's less of a surprise and more of a "Who will be lured by the poisoned apple next ? How long will they last? Should we warn them?". If I weren’t busy reading the news for you, I would write my tell-all Netflix series titled “'Rainbow Rendezvous,” unveiling a dazzling drama of alliances, ambition, and greed under the glittering disco ball of LGBTQ+ advocacy in the U.S. Anybody to co-write it with me?
Hoping for the best on trans issues at cocktail parties
I read this piece with interest. I have made that point many times, and I probably annoy you. Still, the inability of our national leadership to effectively counter right-wing narratives, inadvertently endorsing these viewpoints, calls for more humility, not boasting. The focus on the spotlight often leaves the gritty, grassroots activism of the Nadine Smiths of our world - which is crucial for real-world change - in the background. As public opinion on LGBTQ+ issues shows signs of regression in some areas, it raises questions about the efficacy of these high-profile endeavors. Are they genuinely effective in reversing negative trends and fostering more profound societal acceptance in American society, or do they create a veneer of progress and publicity for those who lead them? The challenge lies in striking a balance where the glamour of advocacy does not eclipse the hard work and substantive change needed to address the complex issues facing the LGBTQ+ community. We are all complicit.
The gay agenda:
Pride 2024. A Milestone in LGBTQ+ History
Mark your calendars! The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center opens on June 28, 2024, coinciding with the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion. This event will feature my friend Stonewall pioneer Mark Segal and the architect Thao Quartuccio-Nguyen. Don't miss your chance to become a founding supporter by May 1 and join the grand opening of a landmark dedicated to the journey of the LGBTQ+ community. More info here.
Pride 2024: an Equality PAC gala you won’t want to miss
Rumor has it that Jennifer Coolidge - now hailed as the "Gay Icon Supreme," will be featured in this year’s Equality PAC gayla. Equality PAC is the political arm of the Congressional LGBTQ Equality Caucus.
Well, that’s it for this week (sorry for being 10 min late). I have to make my way back to NYC. I have a hectic day tomorrow (including this 6 p.m. event and reception at SIPA, where I hope to see you Nick Alm, Lee Badgett, Justus Eisefield, and Phil Crehan will be there!), starting with getting my bike from Chelsea, where my battery gave its last breath on my way back from a fascinating event on risks at the NYSE, leaving me stranded 20 minutes before the school closed (thank god, my kids have low expectation from me).