Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
This week: a custody case in China, Attal’s future, gay billionaires for JDVance, urban vs. rural gays, Lowe’s effet d’annonce, everything “demure,” Burning Man, Kaos, our Summit, and much more…
Welcome to this week’s edition. In France, "la rentrée" goes beyond the return to school; it’s a moment charged with fresh optimism and the thrill of new possibilities. La rentrée is upon us: look at the email traffic in your inbox. One must start planning for UN Week, the US election, and, before we know it, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and soon I will be 47. There is a good explanation for why time goes faster as you age, which I conveniently forgot, but I could never find a reasonable one for the acceleration of history. Yet, it feels like we are closer to the finish line. The next few months - and in particular, the US Presidential election - will have an impact on global LGBTQ+ acceptance.
This week: a custody case in China, Attal’s future, gay billionaires for JDVance, urban vs. rural gays, Lowe’s effet d’annonce, everything “demure,” Burning Man, Kaos, our Summit, and much more…
US News
China: A Custody Case on the road to same-sex couple recognition
In a significant case in China, a Beijing court has allowed a woman, Didi, monthly visitation rights to her daughter, marking the first instance where the legal system recognized a child having two mothers. Didi and her estranged wife married in the US and had two children through IVF, with one carrying the daughter and the other the son. While the ruling is a breakthrough in recognizing same-sex parenthood in a country that does not legally recognize same-sex unions, Didi was denied custody of her son. See in The Guardian.
Olympics: LGBTQ+ Athletes Shine at Paris 2024
Grindr’s CEO noted this week on Linkedin that LGBTQ+ athletes demonstrated their excellence at the Paris Olympics, winning 69 medals: 23 gold, 21 silver, and 25 bronze. This would position "Team LGBTQ+" as the sixth most successful nation. Also, this week, Tom Daley’s crochet speedos sold for £10,000. They were not very demure or subtle but still lovely memorabilia. As for the Paralympics, Outsports reports at least 38 out LGBTQ athletes, also a record.
Africa: "One Foot in the Closet”
I fear the news cycle has moved on from the dramatic situation for our community in Uganda, Ghana, or Mali. Check out One Foot in the Closet, a podcast offering underrepresented perspectives from queer Africans living with "one foot in the closet." This week's menu is appetizing: how people weaponize identity politics to avoid criticism and community, the obliviousness behind queering the ballot in Kenya, and how elite capture waters down movements. If we tell the truth around here, I am going to bed.
United Nations: new report and call for input
In a Facebook post this week, the UN Independent Expert on SOGI, the South African Graeme Reid, called attention to his report highlighting the alarming global trend of increasing restrictions on LGBTQ+ freedoms, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. Additionally, a call for input has been issued to inform an upcoming report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on combatting discrimination, violence, and harmful practices against intersex people. Contributions are due by November 20, 2024.
France: Gabriel Attal's Political Ordeal
In French Vanity Fair (yep, that’s a thing, and it’s better than US VF since Graydon left), I read about the future of Gabriel Attal. After being thrust into the role of Prime Minister by Macron Attal was left to grapple with the repercussions of a hasty dissolution of the National Assembly without prior consultation. Despite his efforts to navigate these challenges, Attal has been left bruised, humiliated, and isolated, with his political fate hanging in the balance. Interestingly, the piece shows that far from being the mini-me the media described, Attal was never emotionally close to his patron. While Attal may still have the title (Macron declined to have a leftist government yesterday), his ability to wield power effectively has been severely undermined. I am confident in his ability to rebound: gay people are often more astute strategists than they appear to be. As a side note, the article mentions that Attal is obsessed with méduses, so you know what to get him for Christmas.
US News
Census Reveals Geographic Preferences of LGBTQ+ Couples
The 2020 U.S. Census underscored distinct geographic preferences among LGBTQ+ couples, with gay male couples gravitating toward urban coastal cities like SF, Manhattan, and D.C., while lesbian couples tend to prefer smaller, rural areas such as the Berkshires in Massachusetts (or Northampton, like my dear Koppa partner, Prof. Lee Badgett). AP believes these trends may also reflect economic factors, such as the higher incomes often found in male same-sex couples, allowing them to afford life in more expensive urban settings. What I think is more fascinating is that still today, LGBTQ+ individuals seek safe and supportive environments, whether in vibrant urban "gayborhoods" or close-knit rural communities, showcasing how bruised we are by centuries of exclusion. Take it from someone who lived in New Fairfield, CT, for a year: being the only gay in the village can be demoralizing. This reminds me that the apartment above mine is on the rental market: an opportunity to stare at my legendary garden in the UWS.
Florida: the pettiness of DeSantis
DeSantis probably suffered from the lack of attention and is enjoying the current controversy. Last week, I mentioned that Visit Florida has quietly removed pages dedicated to LGBTQ+ travel, sparking concern from residents and activists. Reports of the removal, first by NBC and now by the NYTimes, have been met with silence from both Visit Florida and DeSantis’s office. Nadine Smith commented:
So if you take away that welcome mat, the only message that you can deliver is ‘We do not want you to feel safe and welcome you.’
Keith Rabois to host JDVance fundraising
In July, TechCrunch reported that Jacob Helberg watched the Republican National Convention from his private box, donning a red yarmulke with “Trump” stamped on the edge. Politico reports that his husband, Keith Rabois, and he will host J.D. Vance for a fundraiser benefitting the Trump campaign on September 12th in Manhattan. Wikipedia notes, "Prior to the October 7th Hamas Assault, Helberg primarily donated to Democratic candidates, including the Pete Buttigieg 2020 presidential campaign.” As a non-sequitur, this photo of JD Vance in drag, allegedly from his Yale Law School days, is still making the rounds.
Pete Buttigieg Honored at Victory Event During the DNC
I had already left the event to go hobnobbing in the arena, but Buttigieg was inducted into the LGBTQ+ Political Hall of Fame at the “Victory at the DNC” event in Chicago. He thanked the LGBTQ+ leaders who paved the way, including former mayors Lori Lightfoot (???) and Annise Parker. The event also featured remarks from Wilson Cruz, Zachary Quinto (who is recovering from the Toronto meltdown), and comedian Dana Goldberg. This weird puff piece in The Atlantic this week also discusses Buttigieg being very busy and potentially becoming the next Ambassador to the United Nations. It would be a logical next step as Pete left Indiana now to become a resident of much more cosmopolitan Michigan.
The Christian Persecution Narrative Rings Hollow
In the NYTimes this week, David French argues that the widespread belief among conservative Christians that they are being persecuted in the United States lacks grounding. American Christians enjoy considerable liberty and power. French traces the roots of this narrative to competing visions of the role of religion in public life, with both sides perpetuating cultural conflict through constitutional errors. While evangelical circles focus on stories of Christian marginalization, outside perspectives reveal how some Christians actively work to restrict the freedoms of others. French concludes:
Christians who bemoan cultural hostility to their faith should be humbled by a sad reality. When it comes to inflicting pain on their political adversaries, conservative Christians often give worse than they get.
My last days at the DNC convention
The last two days of the convention were VERY gay, with appearances by Kelley Robinson, Tammy Baldwin, and Peter Buttigieg. On the sidelines, I discussed the critical need to refine our messaging on trans issues and regain control of the narrative to mitigate negative global impacts. Sarah McBride’s upcoming congressional role might be very helpful in that regard. Also, my red Caddis glasses (D28, $75) went viral in Ireland, and I missed the GLAAD event.
Queering the Boardroom
Reggie Van Lee to speak at our Summit on September 19th
The Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors was thrilled to announce that Reggie Van Lee, the OG Board Director, philanthropist, and appointed by Obama to the Kenndy Cente’s Board, will be our keynote speaker. His experience and vision make him an ideal speaker to inspire and guide discussions at our Annual summit.
The rest of the event’s program is shaping up nicely.
The event will begin with remarks by Ted Acosta, Americas Vice Chair at EY. Van Lee’s intervention will be followed by a panel on the "2024 Boardroom Landscape" with David Hedley of Sanmina’s Board, Robert Hanson, and Tracy Harris of Bally’s. Attendees will also hear from Stacey Friedman, General Counsel at JPMorgan Chase, who will discuss the evolving DEI landscape. The day will also include an engaging discussion on the role of AI in corporate governance, featuring Christy O'Gaughan from GE Healthcare, Heather Hiles of Udemy, and Patrick Chung from Xfund, moderated by Bryce Hall of McKinsey and a panel on Board service in smaller ventures.
The gay business
Corporate Backlash Against LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Lowe's recent announcement that it would scale back its LGBTQ+ support, including ending participation in HRC surveys and withdrawing from Pride event sponsorships, is part of a very tiring stream of “effets d’annonce” by corporations. Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Jack Daniel's, John Deere, Tractor Supply Company, and Best Buy have all made similar announcements in response to mounting pressure from conservative activists like the omnipresent Robby Starbuck, who have targeted "woke" corporate policies (see on Axios). Now that we lost that battle, it would be worth a little post-mortem to assess how we let efforts for a more just and fair-playing economic field become shameless. In addition, how have we let them imply that gay people are not buying tractors, driving motorcycles, and improving our homes? As for these companies, I am convinced they are making a short-sighted decision. The demographic revolution is pretty clear, and they have antagonized a growing segment of their consumers to cater to voices who wear blinders.
Colorful Capital shuts down its operations
Colorful Capital recently announced its decision to cease efforts toward establishing a VC fund. After three years of pioneering contributions, including investments, thought leadership, and impactful collaborations, the team has decided to pivot. This is another good reason to support the “LGBTQ+-inclusive finance” global conference Koppa plans to organize this winter.
The semi-cultural desk
Queer lexicon: everything must be “demure” this week
Jools Lebron’s viral “Demure” TikTok has turned “demure and mindful” into a buzzword embraced by everyone from Kim Kardashian to political circles. What started as a tongue-in-cheek expression of queer discomfort has morphed into a campy anthem. With brand deals from significant companies and widespread support, especially after Jools announced the proceeds would fund her transition, “Demure” illustrates how Queer culture continues to transform anxiety into power. Try to use demure at least three times in your weekend conversation.
Uncanceled: Kevin Spacey’s Awkward Attempt at a Comeback
Spacey's latest film, Peter Five Eight (trailer here), is far from demure; it is a clumsy mix of religious allegory and anti-alcoholism PSA, showcasing the actor’s struggle to regain stardom. As Spacey leans into his "cancel culture" narrative, Hollywood seems hesitant to fully embrace his return, which is urgent, as he just got foreclosed from his Baltimore mansion.
What to read? “The Last Dream” by Almodóvar
La rentrée must be litéraire, so always walk around with a book in September. I ordered “The Last Dream” by Almodóvar because it had good reviews. Other entries in the collection include a love story between Jesus and Barabbas.
What to watch? Kaos on Netflix
“The perils of fame and fortune and the dangers of divine caprice” is the theme of anything produced in Hollywood and describes the fate of all my nemesis these days. This seems like the show to check out this week - it’s out tomorrow.
"Lover of Men" on Abraham Lincoln's Life
Directed by Shaun Peterson, "Lover of Men" is another take on Lincoln’s alleged homosexuality.
All your friends are at Burning Man
Business Insider cut a corner with this headline: “Hundreds of private planes are touching down at a makeshift airport for billionaire favorite Burning Man.” Bacchanalia, baked goods, and being oblivious: it sounds like Fire Island on steroids but with straight supervision. I guess we can go together next year!
Sarah Schulman on Queer Subculture, Activism, and Storytelling
I also read an interview with Sarah Schulman in French Society. Schulman has taught literature at the College of Staten Island in New York while writing prolifically. Schulman. She discusses the “chaos” that characterized the gay subculture when societal and familial systems neglected queer individuals. It spoke to me as I always felt I lived an involuntary exile, which led me to make A LOT of bad decisions in my formative years, a narrative my kins would challenge.
Coming and Going
Sphen is dead
Sphen, a gentoo penguin who found international fame because of his relationship with another male named Magic, died at 11. See on NPR.
Victory Fund’s ED search stalls
Rumor has it that Victory had paused the search, hoping it would manage to woe Jaymes Black, but did not have money to compete with Trevor where Jaymes ended. I guess, there are only that many black non-binary executive directors out there.
Two surveys for activists to take
2024 F&M Global Barometers LGBTQI+ Perception Index Survey Now Open
The 2024 Franklin & Marshall Global Barometers LGBTQI+ Perception Index (GBPI) survey allows you to share your experiences regarding safety, acceptance, and violence through six simple questions. The survey is available in 15 languages and is open until November 19. Take it here.
Outright’s Global Survey on LBQ Activism: A Call for Inclusivity
Outright, on the Board of which I serve pretty much since I was born, is currently researching the state of LBQ (Lesbian, Bisexual, Queer) activism within LGBTQ+ movements worldwide. This survey, part of the LBQ Connect program, aims to understand how LBQ movements operate within and independently from broader LGBTIQ spaces and identify steps needed to ensure the total inclusion of LBQ women and their priorities. The survey is available in six languages and will be live until September 12. Take it here.
The Gay Agenda
August 20th: SNMVC Reaches 10,000 Visitors Milestone
Congratulations to the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center (SNMVC), which welcomed its 10,000th visitor just eight weeks after opening. Maddie and her friends from Milwaukee, who made it a point to visit the 9/11 Museum and the SNMVC, marked this special milestone. See the warm welcome Maddie received.
November 17-19: Lesbians Who Tech in NYC
LWT announced that Emmy Award-winning writer and producer Lena Waithe will be a featured speaker at the 11th annual New York Summit, joining a stellar lineup that includes Mal Wright from The Ultimatum: Queer Love and The L Word stars Leisha Hailey and Kate Moennig. These trailblazers will be in conversation with other industry leaders like Arlan Hamilton, founder of Backstage Capital, and Kara Swisher, podcast host of Pivot, who will speak with Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI. Join the three-day Summit on your way to the Association’s Summit. Secure your spot here.
Well, that’s it for this week. I am in recovery mode from the DNC convention. Some delegates brought back COVID-19, but I am glad to say I seem just to have a bad cold. I am also spending time with the twins, as they are starting 6th grade next week. (Terrifying). But I am not complaining; I, too, am trying to be very mindful. Very demure. As usual, please be kind enough to share this newsletter with friends and colleagues if you think they will find it useful and enjoy these last few days of calm.