Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality

This week: Andrei Kotov’s death, the “danmei” crackdown, a victory for LGBTQ+ veterans, Alok’s Biology, Edusei’s debut, medals for the gays, Creating Change, and Davos, and much more…

Welcome back to the Zoo. I hope you took a little break and came back all refreshed. I did … briefly, and now I am a self-pitying wreck again (see my whining at the end of this newsletter). The world is at a standstill ahead of January 20th. Waiting in the antechamber of a new order. For LGBTQ+ people, the intensifying crackdowns in Russia and China did not take a break, though. As for the U.S., it is the calm before the storm: Biden is rushing to distribute medals to our leaders as if they were talismans against the evil to come. The tired DEI battle continues, with Cotsco and McDonald making headlines this week, but nobody seems to care anymore. I wrote last week that our North Star, a century-long endeavor for the global LGBTQ+ community’s liberation, will be our fortress amid temporary chaos.

This week: Andrei Kotov’s death, the “danmei” crackdown, a victory for LGBTQ+ veterans, Alok’s Biology, Edusei’s debut, medals for the gays, Creating Change, and Davos, and much more…

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Global News

Russia: LGBTQ+ Travel Agency Director Dies in Custody

Russia is a place where organizing an LGBTQ+ cruise on the Volga can get one detained and beaten and eventually lead to one’s death. Moscow may feel far away, but it is another wake-up call for our community. Andrei Kotov, the director of a travel agency catering to gay men, was found dead in a Moscow detention center after being arrested on charges of supporting “LGBT extremism.” Rights group OVD-Info reported that Kotov, who had denied the charges and claimed he was beaten and tased during his arrest, died by suicide while awaiting trial. Read more here.

China: Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Writers and Fanfiction

In a crackdown on online erotic fiction, Chinese authorities have detained more than 50 writers in Anhui province since June, targeting those who publish on platforms like Taiwan-based Haitang Literature. Among the arrested are writers of "danmei"—gay romantic and erotic stories—a genre that has long been popular in Chinese and international online communities. Sentences for these authors range from one to five and a half years, with harsher penalties for those who earned significant income from their work. Under China’s 1997 anti-pornography laws, the production and distribution of erotic content can lead to life imprisonment for earnings over 250,000 yuan ($34,500). While Chinese state media has largely remained silent on the arrests, social media posts from writers and their families reveal the human cost of the crackdown, with many pleading for help to pay fines or reduce sentences. Read more on The Advocate.

Vatican: Cardinal McElroy Appointed as D.C. Archbishop

Pope Francis has named Cardinal Robert McElroy, an advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion and immigrant rights, as the new archbishop of Washington, D.C. Known for condemning anti-LGBTQ+ prejudice within the Church, McElroy has called out opposition to same-sex blessings as evidence of “enduring animus” and urged Catholics to combat discrimination. A vocal critic of Donald Trump’s policies, including mass deportations, McElroy's appointment is a bit of a middle finger to the President. Read more here.

Virtual World: Meta’s New Hate Speech Rules

Wired reports that Meta’s overhaul of its content moderation policies this week has sparked backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates, particularly its decision to permit accusations of “mental illness or abnormality” based on gender identity or sexual orientation. While Meta claims this move aligns with “mainstream discourse,” critics warn it could encourage harmful narratives and harassment.

the company now says it allows “allegations of mental illness or abnormality when based on gender or sexual orientation, given political and religious discourse about transgenderism and homosexuality and common non-serious usage of words like ‘weird.’

United Nations: The Future of LGBTQ+ Refugee Protections

The UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (IE SOGI), Graeme Reid, is seeking input to inform a landmark report on the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing forced displacement. This report, which will be presented at the 59th UN Human Rights Council session, seeks actionable insights, data, and examples of good practices to strengthen global protection. Submissions are due by 7 February. You can contribute here.

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US News

The Rarity of Gender-Transition Hormones Prescribed to Teens

A new JAMA Pediatrics study reveals that between 2018 and 2022, only 1 in 1,000 privately insured 17-year-olds were prescribed gender-transition hormones, underscoring the rarity of these treatments amid an American obsession with them. By age 17, about 140 per 100,000 natal females were taking testosterone, while 82 per 100,000 natal males were on estrogen. Puberty blockers were prescribed at even lower rates. Researchers argue these low figures challenge claims driving restrictive laws in 24 U.S. states. In an NPR article, the director of LGBTQ health policy at KFF is quoted as saying:

Much more common [among trans youth] is to change hair grooming, style of clothing, using a different name

Defense Department Settlement For LGBTQ+ Veterans

In a landmark settlement, the U.S. Department of Defense has agreed to expedite the process for LGBTQ+ veterans to correct discharge paperwork that references their sexual orientation. This move, stemming from a lawsuit filed by veterans discharged under discriminatory policies like Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, will also allow dishonorably discharged veterans to seek upgrades to honorable status. Between 1980 and 2011, over 35,000 service members were discharged due to their actual or perceived homosexuality, but fewer than 1,400 have had their records amended. Read more on LGBTQNation.

Eliel Cruz on Your LGBTQ+ Donations

Eliel Cruz's latest piece, released in December, dives into the tricky terrain of LGBTQ+ nonprofit funding, asking tough questions about which organizations truly deserve your hard-earned dollars. Cruz encourages donors to scrutinize annual reports, check if staff are unionized, assess diversity efforts, and prioritize organizations that provide direct services. Read the whole piece here (free account required).

For salaries, LA LGBT Center, Trevor Project, GLAAD, Human Rights Campaign, and Lambda Legal paid $780,075, $622,559, $815,78, $743,000, and $420,889 respectively [...] for the Executive Director or CEO position in 2022/2023.

Are Queer Folks Stocking Up on Guns?

That’s what conservative media outlets want you to believe (see the DailyMail). Groups like the Pink Pistols ("Armed Gays Don’t Get Bashed") and the Socialist Rifle Association are allegedly witnessing a surge in LGBTQ+ memberships ahead of the regime change.

Ohio’s H.B. 8: A Dangerous Throwback to Discrimination

Ohio's legislature passed H.B. 8, misleadingly dubbed the “Parents Bill of Rights” as part of a flurry of anti-LGBTQ+ bills. The bill encourages the forced outing of queer students and bans discussions of queer identity in schools. If signed into law, it is yet another setback for our community. See here.

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Queering the Boardroom

Some Key LGBTQ+ Appointments and Departures

Robert Hanson has been appointed CEO of Duckhorn Portfolio, following Butterfly’s $1.95 billion acquisition of the luxury wine company. Brian Setzer has been named Chief Executive Officer at Newport Healthcare, a mental health and wellness provider for teens. Busy Burr left the board of Satellite Healthcare, Pamela L. Netzky left the Board of AirSculpt Technologies, and Jack Freund stepped down as Chief Risk Officer at Kovrr.

LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors Canada Launches Inaugural Board

The LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors Canada Association has announced its inaugural Board of Directors, on which I am proud to serve alongside distinguished friends like Heather Conway (Chair), Arthur Lam, Geffrye Parsons, Jane Griffith, and Mark Bonham. The announcement follows the organization's successful first year. Learn more here.

A New Type Of Corporate Clubs

Board directors are moving beyond traditional trade and professional associations, forming affinity collectives prioritizing shared experiences and identities in areas like gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. This shift may signal a new chapter in DEI as these communities grow in impact and foster connections. I recently joined Coco Brown, Founder of The Athena Alliance, and Ozzie Gromada Meza, President of the Latino Corporate Directors Association, to explore this trend on Art Stewart’s “What Matters Most!” podcast. Watch it here.

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The Gay Business

The Pride Fund: Pioneering Philanthropy for India’s Queer Future

India’s first dedicated LGBTQ+ philanthropic fund, The Pride Fund, will officially launch on February 4 at Godrej Vikhroli in Mumbai. Spearheaded by Radhika Piramal in collaboration with anchor partners like Dasra and Godrej DEI Lab, the fund aims to bridge critical funding gaps in LGBTQ+ initiatives. The Pride Fund is committed to sustained, patient philanthropy and focuses on empowering queer-led grassroots organizations. If you are in Mumbai, RSVP here.

Costco Stands Firm/McDonald’s Backs Down

Costco’s board has urged shareholders to reject proposals to dismantle DEI programs, emphasizing the importance of inclusion in retaining talent and driving success for its 300,000 global employees. Meanwhile, McDonald’s, citing legal risks and shifting political landscapes, announced it would end diversity goals for leadership and suppliers and rebrand its diversity team as the “Global Inclusion Team.” This is very timely, as I reactivated MyFitnessPal on my cell, in what could be my last attempt at being slim again. See Forbes. 

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The semi-cultural desk

“Emilia Pérez”: Musical, Crime Thriller, or Missed Mark on Inclusion?

Netflix’s Emilia Pérez has sparked debate after winning at the Golden Globes. t has drawn fire for its portrayal of Mexican culture and trans identity, with some calling it regressive. As expected, I was blind to its shortcomings, as I lauded the movie here multiple times. I say - watch it on Netflix and make up your own opinion.

“Squid Game” Tackles Queer and Class Politics

The new season of Squid Game introduces a trans character, Hyun Joo, also on Netflix.

Alok’s Biology

Suppose Trumps introduces reeducation camps for queer people in Wyoming after inauguration day; pray that Alok is allocated to your barrack. From skewering TERFs (“I’m a knockoff Muppet and still look better than you!”) to turning “biology” into a punchline, their show Biology is a great way to start the year. Watch it here for FREE.

In tonight's show I'm going to be weaving comedy with poetry because I identify as a pretentious piece of shit

Symphonies, Sniffles, and Society’s Frailest

Despite my cold, I braved two nights of highbrow Upper West Side culture Monday and last night—JACK Quartet and the Philharmonic, respectively. Surrounded by an audience of frail, cashmere-draped matrons in orthopedic shoes, I was torn between appreciating the music and resisting my urge to leave mid-performance to nurture myself back to health. Though I can’t claim a deeper connection to symphonic beauty because I am not a “cultured gay” despite what I pretend, as my friend Chad always reminds me, I could appreciate both Bizet and Samy Moussa’s Elysium as well as Kevin John Edusei’s overeagerness to ingratiate himself with the New York public (see his reviews here).

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Coming and Going

Presidential Medal of Freedom For Tim Gill

Among President Biden’s 19 honorees for the Presidential Medal of Freedom was Tim Gill, the tech entrepreneur turned philanthropist whose contributions have transformed LGBTQ+ rights advocacy in the U.S. Gill’s foundation has funneled millions into advancing equality, marriage rights, and anti-bullying campaigns. See in the New York Times.

Presidential Citizens Medal for Evan Wolfson and Mary Bonauto

Biden also awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to Evan Wolfson and Mary Bonauto. Wolfson, a pioneer of the marriage equality movement, and Bonauto, the attorney who argued the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges case before the Supreme Court, helped secure the right to marry for millions. It irked conservative Catholics. Full details here.

Rashad Robinson Bids Farewell to Color Of Change

After 13 transformative years at the helm of Color Of Change, Rashad Robinson has stepped down as president. Under Robinson’s leadership, Color Of Change grew from a small startup into a powerhouse that reshaped industries from Hollywood to Silicon Valley. From launching the progressive prosecutor movement to forcing corporations like Airbnb and Facebook to implement racial equity policies, Robinson's legacy is one of bold, people-powered victories. Read Robinson's farewell message here.

​​Tammy Bruce Joins the Trump Administration

Donald Trump has nominated lesbian Fox News contributor Tammy Bruce as the spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State. Bruce, known for her fiery rhetoric and controversial takes, has made headlines for criticizing gender-neutral language, regretting her COVID-19 vaccination, and claiming Democrats fund research into "human-animal hybrids from hell." Once a liberal activist and NOW leader in the 1990s, Bruce shifted to the right, becoming a prominent conservative voice. Read more about it in The Advocate here. It reminded me of a friend who, gesturing toward the pomp of Washington, D.C., recently told me:

isn’t it sad to leave all of this to such tacky people

David Mixner Finds Peace Among "His People" on Hart Island

On December 19, LGBTQ+ activist David Mixner was laid to rest on Hart Island, New York City’s public cemetery. Known as a “potter’s field,” Hart Island holds the remains of over a million individuals, including those lost during the AIDS crisis and COVID-19 pandemic—communities David fiercely advocated for throughout his life. True to his humble spirit, David requested a quiet burial without ceremony, carried out by city workers. Learn more about Hart Island’s history here.

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The Gay Agenda

January 20-24: Davos

How inconvenient for World Leaders that they have, like Javier Milei, to jet between Trump’s inauguration in DC and the tremendous capitalistic mass in Switzerland. Trendy topics include jobs, AI, and geopolitical tensions. The gays will be at the margin as is customary at the WEF, but expect the usual article on a rainbow light-up of multiple venues and signs across the Promenade.

January 22-26: Creating Change 2025

From January 22 to 26, the annual Creating Change Conference will return, this time in Las Vegas, promising its largest gathering with nearly 4,000 LGBTQ+ advocates, allies, and changemakers. Organized by the National LGBTQ Task Force, the conference theme, “Rooted in Resistance, Power & Love,” underscores the need for collective action and compassion in confronting social injustice. Learn more and register here: Creating Change Conference.

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Well, that’s it for this week. Both late and a little messy. As I heavily alluded to, I have been battling a nasty cold since I returned from Asia. And I am not happy about it. It’s now day five: I’ve updated my will, asked the twins to remember me fondly as someone who tried, and built a blanket fort of solitude. My kids’ other father used to say, euphemistically, that I don’t “do sick very well.” It’s true. I am a bit ashamed of it, but on the other end, every cold feels to me terminal, endless, and all-encompassing. I am just fragile, I guess. I am French, you know. Think of me as the like of a luxury handbag with cold sores. On this note, thank you for your support and indulgence as usual, and see you next week in better health.