Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality

This week: knitting activism, funding Africa's anti-LGBTQ+ trend, the Ecuador case, U.S. LGBTQ+ results, the “normal gay guy” vote, Attal’s initiative, “Rivals”, honoring Cathy Renna, and much more…

Democrats did their best since August; it just wasn’t enough. It was both a close and decisive defeat. It was also a success: Americans almost elected a black woman into office. Unthinkable ten years ago. As the country grapples with its character, we cannot let this setback break our spirit. Of course, my first thought is that American trans people will suffer the brunt of the next four years because of the instrumentalization of their lives in American politics. But they don’t have to: again, we can adjust our strategy to win the battle of public opinion. As I discussed last week, for our community to rely almost exclusively on elections and courts is shortsighted and frankly self-indulgent. LGBTQ+ people are not electoral or jurisprudence material.

There is a (slim) silver lining: LGBTQ+ people have consolidated their power in Congress. Emily Randall will be the first LGBTQ+ Latina sent to Congress. Sarah McBride shattered the “trans ceiling,” the historical trans penalty in elections (see Prof. Reynolds and Magni's 2022 research on LGBTQ+ candidates). The embattled Tammy Baldwin won her race. While Will Rollins and Evan Low are in tight situations, I still hope one will prevail.

The rest of the World, months-long hostage to a debate they have no say in, is probably a bit relieved that the US election, often abusive and indecent, is over while fearful of what Trump II might mean for severe geopolitical breakdowns in the Middle East and Europe. The LGBTQ+ community should keep its global lens.

This week: knitting activism, funding Africa's anti-LGBTQ+ trend, the Ecuador case, U.S. LGBTQ+ results, the “normal gay guy” vote, Attal’s initiative, “Rivals,” honoring Cathy Renna, and much more…

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Global news

Africa: Anti-LGBTQ+ Push Supported by U.S. Conservative Groups

Bloomberg shared a new report by the Institute for Journalism and Social Change claiming a 47% surge in funding from U.S. conservative organizations to African countries, correlating with legislative efforts to restrict LGBTQ+ rights. The amounts mentioned don’t strike me as gigantic, but they do indicate a trend in exploiting African countries as new fronts for cultural battles lost in the U.S. 

Japan: Tom Daley Calls on LGBTQ+ Athletes to Do More

Tom Daley’s first solo exhibition, Made with Love, brings knitting needles and pride to Tokyo’s Parco Museum (see The Guardian). The show displays his Olympic-themed cardigan (I liked his knitted speedos, but they might have been too much for Japan), interactive yarn installations, and on-screen knitting tutorials. Daley, who went viral for knitting at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, sees his yarn art as a personal passion and a subtle protest, using the exhibition to champion LGBTQ+ visibility and raise funds for Japan’s Marriage for All initiative. Maybe you take on knitting as your act of resistance?

Chile: Elections Signal Progress on LGBTQ+ Rights Agenda

Chile’s recent municipal and regional elections marked a turning point, with candidates and coalitions increasingly embracing LGBTQ+ rights. This shift comes as the center-right Chile Vamos coalition, including the pro-diversity Evópoli party, gained ground despite the ruling leftist coalition’s hold on national governance. Progressive candidates like openly LGBTQ+ councilman Bladymir Muñoz won strong support, reflecting a public desire for more inclusive policies. Political figures, such as Evópoli’s Gloria Hutt, emphasized that diversity is central to their platform, promoting the right for all Chileans to live authentically without discrimination. See in The Blade.

The “CRINK”

That’s the word of the week. Peter Van Praagh coined the term for China, Russia, Iran, and Korea - “l’axe du mal” - which coincidentally are all anti-LGBTQ+ (see in Politico). I am unsure how it turns out when you add Saudia Arabia, Qatar, and … the Vatican. CRINKSQV.

Brazil: World Bank to Estimate Economic Costs of LGBTQ+ Exclusion

The World Bank’s Department of Social Development is commissioning a firm to conduct a comprehensive mixed-method survey in Brazil focused on the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in the workforce and their exposure to violence. This initiative, leveraging methodologies previously applied in North Macedonia and Serbia (and, well, the first study I commissioned for India in 2014), aims to quantify the economic costs of LGBTQ+ exclusion. Firms interested in this contract can review the details here.

Ecuador: World Bank Inspection Panel Faces Claims of Census Bias 

The World Bank’s Inspection Panel—a watchdog to ensure World Bank projects respect community rights—has opened a review into Ecuador’s national census project. Critics claim that insensitive questioning methods, poorly trained census staff, and limited consultation with affected groups may have led to exclusion, leaving LGBTQ+ populations underrepresented. This undercount risks reducing these communities’ access to public services and influence policymaking. The Inspection Panel will investigate. See the case here.

PlanetRomeo Polls Reveal a Conservative Shift Among LGBTQ+ Voters

A recent survey by PlanetRomeo, the LGBTQ+ dating app, suggests that LGBTQ+ individuals are increasingly leaning towards conservative political choices as they gain societal acceptance. A global poll conducted within the app showed that 25% of users supported Trump in various countries. See here. This is not what NBC observed in their exit poll yesterday:

US Global Impact: Global LGBTQ+ rights

Uncloseted Media fears that the Trump win means anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric spreading to other countries, reinforcing conservative forces from Turkey to Hungary. Princeton’s Kristopher Velasco notes how past Trump administration policies emboldened local opposition to LGBTQ+ rights globally. Again, it does not have to be; I would argue the community must engage with Trump’s apparatus to ensure LGBTQ+ rights globally remain a priority of the US Foreign Policy.

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US News

Presidential Elections: the recurrent question

It’s been a long time since there has not been a real winner in the U.S. Presidential elections: when the debate gets more acrimonious, the rift gets entrenched, and polarization deepens, we lose. The World asks itself, how could last night happen? But what strikes me the most is that my American friends, even the most passionate Kamala campaigners, don’t seem that surprised today. Getting a black woman elected in America was always a long shot. There will be many other explanations. After my visit to NYSE last week, I mused that there is an inherent contradiction among Democrat “elites”: wanting more social solidarity at home and globally but continuous personal enrichment.

We are inching our way toward 2.4% representation in Congress.

The Advocate had a piece on the key LGBTQ+ races yesterday. We now have nine incumbents  + Sarah McBride, and Emily Randall (who identifies as queer). Based on my calculations, if Will (possible) or Evan (unlikely) wins over the next few days, the total will be 12.  That’s a 25% increase. Mondaire lost, perhaps for the best, read: Will NY's Mondaire Jones have any allies left if he returns to Congress?

Will Rollins’ Bid to Unseat Ken Calvert Leaves California’s 41st District. 

As votes continue to be counted, the race between Democrat Will Rollins and long-time incumbent Ken Calvert - who we all dislike - remains too close to call in California’s 41st Congressional District. It does not look too good. Rollins, an openly gay former federal prosecutor, mounted a vigorous campaign focused on transparency, infrastructure, and reproductive rights, drawing support across the diverse Riverside County district, including Palm Springs. 

Sarah McBride Makes Historic Win as First Transgender Member of U.S. Congress

Delaware’s Sarah McBride made history, becoming the first openly transgender person elected to the U.S. Congress. With an established record in the Delaware Senate, McBride has long championed LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare reform, and social equity. Her groundbreaking win arrives at a crucial time for the LGBTQ+ community, as many states grapple with anti-trans legislation. 

Tammy Baldwin Wins 

It looks like Tammy made it. As the nation’s first openly LGBTQ+ senator, Baldwin faced significant opposition this time. With a track record of championing healthcare access, LGBTQ+ rights, and reproductive freedom, Baldwin’s campaign was closely watched, particularly in a state that has become a national battleground. 

JD Vance and the “Normal Gay Guy” Vote

In a now famous interview with Joe Rogan, JD Vance stirred controversy by suggesting that upper-middle-class white youth might be identifying as transgender to boost their chances at Ivy League admissions. Vance argued that "becoming trans" serves as a “social signifier” in what he describes as a “hyper-woke” culture, especially for parents intent on elite college placements. Further, Vance voiced his expectation that “normal gay guys” might lean toward the Trump-Vance ticket, citing a desire “just to be left the hell alone” from progressive ideologies. Read more on CNN.

Young Trans Voices Leading the Fight Against Anti-Trans Legislation

Amid a wave of anti-transgender legislation in the U.S., transgender teens are emerging as beacons of resilience and hope. Through initiatives like the GenderCool Project, these young individuals share authentic stories to counter harmful narratives and foster understanding. The GenderCool Project, founded by parents of a transgender child, showcases the achievements of trans teens—highlighting that they are not defined by politics but by their unique passions and dreams. See The Advocate cover here.

LGBTQ+ Canvassing in Missouri Defies Expectations

I feel for these people who gave their everything to this campaign. Atem Richardson and a team of LGBTQ+ advocates from PROMO Missouri spent months knocking on doors across Missouri, engaging residents on LGBTQ+ rights, particularly transgender issues, in a state where the political climate is often polarized. Canvassers found that people’s views did not align neatly with partisan expectations in these encounters. Many residents opened up about personal experiences, such as struggles in healthcare access, and some shifted their perspectives after discussing their concerns and fears about LGBTQ+ issues. This is bravery!

A Christian Family’s Journey to Embrace Their Gay Son

A CNN piece this week highlighted the coming-out story of a Christian family. The story is a tearjerker and an introduction to Embracing the Journey, a support group for Christian parents with LGBTQ+ children.

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The gay business

The New York Times gives Robby Starbuck an undeserved full-page

A New York Times article by David Segal gave much-undeserved attention to Robby Starbuck. We get to learn about Starbuck's background and his privileged rural family. *yawn* Hopefully, yesterday’s Republican victory will obsolete Strabuck activism.

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The semi-cultural desk

Why We Must Share LGBTQ+ Stories Beyond “It Gets Better”

This piece by Dr. Warren Blumenfeld on his journey through the trauma of childhood bullying hit me hard. Being gay was always exhausting. While the message of “it gets better” offers hope, it doesn’t capture the total weight of isolation, mental health struggles, and scars left by years of prejudice. We should never stop telling our stories, even when Republicans indicate they are tired of hearing them.

A Woolly Revolution in Germany

A German farmer has a flock of 21 openly gay rams, saved from the slaughterhouse and now thriving on his farm in Löhne. The farm is behind Rainbow Wool, a project using the wool for LGBTQ+-themed merchandise. Read the full story on PinkNews.

PSG’s Auteuil Stand Partially Closed Following Homophobic Chants

Plus ça change… Following homophobic chants directed at Marseille fans during PSG’s October 19 match against Strasbourg, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has imposed a partial closure on the Auteuil stand at Parc des Princes for one match. This sanction, effective from November 5, aims to address discriminatory behavior, which persisted despite intervention attempts. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau reported that two instigators were identified but not detained, and an investigation is underway. 

These new discriminatory chants by Paris Saint-Germain supporters are unacceptable, despite the fact that professional football as a whole has been working for several seasons to ban homophobic behaviour and chants from stadiums.

Learning more about Stephen Tennant 

I am unsure what triggered it, but I bought “Serious Pleasures: The Life of Stephen Tennant” this week. British socialite Stephen Tennant was a legendary figure of the 1920s and 1930s, renowned for his striking beauty, eccentric style, and status as a leading member of the "Bright Young Things"—a group of aristocratic Bohemians who reveled in decadence and excess. Tennant, the son of a baron, spent his life drifting through a world of art, fashion, and high society without ever holding a traditional job. Despite grand ambitions, Tennant never completed his Proustian novel, Lascar, instead spending much of his later life in glamorous reclusion at Wilsford Manor, where he entertained friends like Truman Capote and Greta Garbo. 

Oliver Sachs / letters 

The NYTimes had an article about the new collection of letters by neurologist Oliver Sacks, an intimate glimpse into his wild years before fame transformed him into a renowned author and thinker. Edited by his longtime assistant Kate Edgar, the collection’s early letters reveal Sacks’s exploration of America in the 1960s. In this era, he was as likely to be found lifting weights on Muscle Beach or speeding along the West Coast on a motorcycle as practicing medicine. “Queer self-discovery” is how I define my own journey, so I will read them.

What to watch? Rivals

Distract yourself in any way you can is my suggestion. Disney+’s Rivals is a romp through Jilly Cooper’s 80s classic, capturing all the scandal, luxury, and naked tennis that defined her “bonkbuster” era. The show dives into the decadent lives of Rutshire’s elite—where champagne flows, egos clash, and every line could use an exclamation mark! Despite its retro flair, the adaptation manages a clever balance, keeping enough 80s audacity while freshening up for today’s audience. The result? A deliciously indulgent escape from Trumpian America.

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Coming and going

Cathy Renna Honored with Trailblazer Award

This week marked a series of well-deserved accolades for Cathy Renna, a distinguished figure in LGBTQ+ advocacy. Beginning in Denver, Judy Shepard recognized Cathy at the Matthew Shepard Foundation's final gala, highlighting her support for the Shepard family during their tragic journey. Renna’s achievements culminated in New York, where she received the 2024 Barbara Way Hunter Trailblazer Award, honoring her influential work in LGBTQ+ media spanning over 25 years, including milestones like WorldPride and Global Pride. Congratulations to Cathy for her unwavering dedication to our community.

Mark Takano to Lead Equality Caucus

California U.S. Representative Mark Takano, who will be comfortably reelected, is poised to take on a pivotal role as the incoming chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. As the first openly gay person of color in Congress, Takano brings historic and personal significance to this role, offering a solid voice for inclusivity and representation. He will also ensure global LGBTQ+ rights are front and center at DC World Pride this summer. See his plans in The Advocate.

Gabriel Attal launches “faire face” 

Today, Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is launching "Faire Face," an association dedicated to combating school bullying in France. With this association, Attal, who remains active as leader of the Renaissance group, seeks to create a lasting impact outside the political sphere.

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🗓️ The Gay Agenda 📍

Friday: ICWA’s Annual Dinner

I am coming to DC for the Board and Annual Meeting of the Institute of Current World Affairs, of which I am the incoming chair. The Institute hosts the David Mixner Fellowship, which I created in 2022; you can support it here.

November 9: Homobloc in the UK

Move over, Pride parades—Homobloc is a 13-hour rave inside a cavernous, abandoned railway station. Dubbed “Queer Christmas,” this festival has everything: drag, techno, streamers, and a venue so big, you’ll likely find yourself lost in the depths of Depot Mayfield by hour seven. Critics say it’s all getting a bit “corporate,” but Homobloc’s organizers argue that our community deserves more than a basement bar after fighting for visibility.

November 27: Forum on Business and Human Rights 2024

Don’t miss the "Harnessing a Smart Mix of Measures to Protect and Respect the Rights of LGBTI+ Persons in Business Activities" session at this year's United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights. This discussion will also feature an important announcement involving Koppa. 🔗 Register here: Forum BHR 2024 Session Link

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Well, today is a day to take care of yourself. I am off shopping with my friend Shruti right now. I think about the people who worked so hard to get Kamala elected, the politicians who feel devastated, and the people who might fear their lives will worsen after the acrimonious debate in this election cycle. In The Atlantic, David Frum argues that the U.S. will transform under Trump and Vance’s influence, prioritizing loyalty over democratic principles (The Atlantic). Still, a measured, strategic approach to protect progress is possible. This is what the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors and Koppa Lab will focus on. I wish I’d have more reassuring words. Keep the faith, and do not despair.