Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
This week: two weeks to India decision, Pink Migration, Swiss gay slurs, a tragic murder in Philly, the NASDAQ disclosures finally compiled, Stranizza Amuri, Charles de Vilmorin, Gala season an more…
Welcome to the 137th issue of my equality news digest. I share important (and much less important) news, updates, and (snarky) commentary about the LGBTQ+ equality movement at the intersection with business.
This week: two weeks to the India decision, Pink Migration, Swiss gay slurs, a tragic murder in Philly, the NASDAQ disclosures finally compiled, Stranizza Amuri, Charles de Vilmorin, Gala season, and more…
Global News
India: in two weeks, a birthday of seismic amplitude
Shripathi Ravindra Bhat is 64, and his birthday is on the 21st. I usually don’t keep track of birthdays besides my sons', but this one is particular. Bhat is an Indian Supreme Court Justice who will retire the day before. According to the Constitution, the judges of the Supreme Court must retire at 65. (Wouldn’t it be nice if the US had a similar provision? But I digress). The Court will, therefore, likely hand over its decision on marriage equality during the week of October 16th. I have written previously that this decision could have ripple effects globally. So keep your eyes on Bhat's birthday.
UK: reflecting on the Home Secretary’s remarks on LGBTQ+ migration
I wrote a longer piece last week reflecting on Braverman’s comments on asylum and what I refer to as “Pink Migration.” I am convinced that the gap in societal and governmental attitudes towards homosexuality globally has reached a critical point that could unleash mass migration in the following decades. I also saw some hypocrisy in the outcry over Braverman’s comments, given that there is such little funding - particularly development aid - dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ people in their home country. The GPP’s Global Resources Report estimates it at $138 million, less than 0.1% of total ODA for 2019-2020 (see World Bank Annual meetings below).
Vatican: atonement, forgiveness, and the Pope's courage
Before I even read the specific comments of the Pope, which I expected to be a very incremental gain, I thought about forgiveness. Forgiveness is the keystone of LGBTQ+ happiness, yet it is elusive for many. As individuals and institutions progress, can we forgive them without any indication that they truly understand the magnitude of the atrocity they committed and often continue to commit against us? Let alone take responsibility or apologize for it. I celebrate Pope Francis's genuine and revolutionary efforts to give LGBTQ+ people the crumbs they yearn for: the possibility of a meager blessing for their love. It is a necessary step toward atonement, forgiveness, and, ultimately, true reconciliation.
Morocco: the World Bank Annual Meetings without a queer flavor
Despite the recent earthquake, the 2023 Annual World Bank Group meetings will occur next week in Marrakech, Morocco. The (revolutionary!) theme is “Global Action, Global Impact.” While LGBTQ+ civil society won’t attend, the Bank has been central to LGBTQ+ development issues lately between the AHA in Uganda and the Bank's new gender strategy 2024-2030.
Ethiopia: taking a turn for the worse
After pictures of a private gay party in Addis Ababa were shared in August, the city authorities encouraged the denunciation of homosexuals on Facebook. A month in, Le Monde reports that the situation remains intense.
“This witch hunt allows us to put aside the problems linked to the resumption of war [in the Amhara region] and the catastrophic economic situation. Ethiopia is experiencing an identity and ethnic crisis, but homophobia is one of the rare subjects that unites the people, all Ethiopians agree”
Switzerland: 60 days in jail for calling a journalist a “grosse lesbienne”
Doesn’t sound very Swiss to me anyway. “Nowadays, we cannot say anything anymore,” some will surely think reading this news. Alain Soral, who had previously been sentenced to jail time in 2019 over denying the holocaust, received this new sentence for his homophobic rant against Catherine Macherel, a journalist, in a Facebook video two years ago.
US News
Philadelphia: the shocking murder of journalist and activist Josh Kruger
Josh Kruger was shot and killed in his apartment on Monday morning. Through many local outlets, his voice spoke to many LGBTQ+ people who struggle with addiction, homelessness, and health issues, often referring to his experience as someone who once lived on the streets. In the words of Mark King, who was close to him:
“Incredible writer who appeared on the cover of POZ Magazine only a month ago who wrote with intensity and beauty about HIV, civic news in Philly, and the ongoing politics of homelessness.”
California: a black lesbian sworn in late Senator Feinstein's seat
Senator Diane Feinstein died at 90 years old Thursday night in Washington. Feinstein once stood at the center of a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history. She is the one who announced Milk’s murder. Her legacy was amply discussed this week. Forbes wrote: “The Murder Of LGBT Icon Harvey Milk Propelled Dianne Feinstein To Political Fame.” LGBTQ+ leaders celebrated that Newsom appointed a black lesbian, Laphonza Butler, as a “caretaker” to the seat. She was sworn in yesterday, and Howie Klein had this tweet:
The Boardroom
NASDAQ: about 1.2% of seats occupied by self-identified LGBTQ+ people
The LGBTQ+ Association of Corporate Directors worked with Professor Wouter Torsin from the HEC Management School at the University of Liège to conduct the first comprehensive analysis of 3,288 NASDAQ Board diversity disclosures. 91% of NASDAQ-listed companies have disclosed their Board composition; the remainder had exceptions, such as SPACs, and a handful did not comply. However, 1,261, or 5% of directors declined to provide demographic information. While a full report is in the works, this groundbreaking research concluded that about 1.2% of the NASDAQ-listed companies' Board seats are occupied by an LGBTQ+ person (1.3% if you look exclusively at companies based in the US) which selected that category in the D&O questionnaires. As a reminder, the disclosures are not nominative, meaning companies don’t disclose which director is LGBTQ+, which probably made it easier for Directors to self-identify. Two hundred seventy-nine companies have at least 1 LGBTQ Board member, 12 companies have two LGBTQ+ Board members, and 2 have 3 LGBTQ+ Board members. The data confirms the severe underrepresentation of LGBTQ+ people that the Association of LGBTQ+ has been trying to address.
The NACD Summit starts this Sunday in DC-ish
I am coming to National Harbor this weekend for “the largest forum for corporate directors in the world.” The Association is hosting the first LGBTQ+ event in the history of the Summit. The Conference will have many LGBTQ+ attendees, including Rob Smith (Board of Steve Madden), James Cole Jr. (Board of AIG), and Lynn Terowerds (Board of First Northwest Bancorp).
The gay business
No, 80% of LGBTQ+ workers are NOT out at work
An accurate headline would have been “80% of young, educated, rich white people in U.S. urban areas on our lists are out at work”. But obviously, it is less exciting and sexy. Another week, another “statistic.” The sampling explains it: “A global online survey of 2,790 LGBTQ+ and ally employees and college students. Participants self-selected to take the survey, primarily including employees from member firms, nonprofit partners, and business leaders”. Guess what these people have in common? Maybe a tendency to be….out? I share a principle with students: "First, do no harm."
Anti-DEI campaigns are going to make lawyers richer
That’s my takeaway from reading this Washington Post article on Companies DEI efforts:
[Willis] recommended that companies involve internal or external legal counsel in their evaluations.
Semi-cultural desk
Ryan Murphy’s Answered Prayers
Ryan Murphy continues to deliver on his massive five-year deal with Netflix. In Feud Season 2, Murphy will deal with Truman Capote’s fallout with his swans. While I expect it to be simplistic (the Swans will be tedious, filthy, rich, and vengeful, Capote will be even more caricatural than he was), it will surely be glamorous. Feud season 2 will debut in early 2024, following the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
Stranizza Amuri
Watch this marvelous trailer. The movie is inspired by the murder of two young boys in a Sicilian small town in the 80s. Exactly 42 years ago, which is wild. Stranizza Amuri is a story that Italy needs right now in light of Meloni’s pettiness towards LGBTQ+ families. Even Donatella Versace thinks so.
The Weatherman downfall
I know it’s a bit lowbrow, but it fascinated me. There is a lesson: wear a hood if you are a public figure doing things online. I selected some for you: get the 8-pack.
Do you know Charles de Vilmorin?
That’s part of my effort to bolster your queer dinner conversation. De Vilmorin is the most happening young Frenchman in fashion, famous for his gender-neutral capsule designs. You can start by following him on Instagram.
Coming and going
ILGA Europe: Evelyne Paradis left
She had announced it a few months ago, but this week, Evelyne formally stepped down from her role as ILGA-Europe’s Executive Director. We thank her for her service.
Zooey Sephyr and Dylan Brandt among Time 100 Next
Zooey Zephyr and Arkansas plaintiff Dylan Brandt are on the TIME100 Next 2023 List.
The Gay Agenda
October 4-7th: International LGBTQ+ Travel Association in Puerto Rico
Congratulations to John Tanzella for IGLTA's 40th Anniversary. The convention is taking place this week in Puerto Rico. I am missing it for the first time in years, but unfortunately, the NACD Summit had precedence.
October 12th: Will Rollins in the UWS
I am proud to co-host a fundraiser in the UWS with Sean Strub and others for the amazing Will Rollins. Please register here.
October 20th: I am a co-host for Athlete Ally Action Awards
Rumor has it that the wondrous Krishna Omkar will be in town for it. Could I interest you in joining me that evening? All details here
October 19th: Inaugural Summit of the Association
150 existing and aspiring LGBTQ+ Directors will meet in New York for our inaugural Summit hosted by JPMorgan Chase.
October 19th: Immigration Equality Gala
This year’s SHINE event – celebrating women and trans and non-binary people in the LGBTQ+, immigration, and advocacy spaces will take place at the Triangle Loft on Hudson Street. Tickets here.
November 12th: Ali Forney’s Dance-a-thon is back
You can get your tickets here.
November 24th: join me in Bangalore
Professor Lee Badgett and I will be in Bangalore during the second half of November, invited by PrideCircle for the Workplace Equality Index 2023’s launch. Incidentally, I had lunch with Keshav Suri and Cyril Feuillebois in New York this week, and we discussed their efforts to demonstrate an inclusive workplace in India.
Well, that‘s it for this week. I hope you are having a good week. I am not. CVS suggested I get both the Flu and COVID vaccines simultaneously, unaware that I am fragile, like a Birkin bag or a Bernardaud plate; I agonized all day yesterday instead of writing this newsletter, hence the half-hour delay.
Such irony in Morocco. Maybe the king will open the meeting ...providing some representation.