Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
This week: crocodile tears over Raisi, forgotten Ethiopia, acceptance decreases in Amsterdam, a very queer state dinner, Papal’s frociaggine and other unhinged Catholics, trailblazers on the Pines...
Welcome to this week’s edition, oscillating between lowbrow gossip and Papal faux pas. I just returned from queer fight club in Paris last night and was in a relatively upbeat mood, so do not take offense if this newsletter is slightly more uplifting than usual. I plan to return to my usual grumpiness by next Wednesday—I also apologize for the 30-minute delay; I am jetlagged.
This week: crocodile tears over Raisi, forgotten Ethiopia, acceptance decreases in Amsterdam, a very queer state dinner, Papal’s frociaggine and other unhinged Catholics, trailblazers on the Pines, and more…
Global News
Iran: crocodile tears over Raisi’s joyride to hell
LGBTQ+ activists are unhappy with Western condolences following Raisi fatal helicopter joyride. Charles Michel handpicked the chrysanthemums, and Politico called out “The EU’s pathetic crocodile tears for Iranian hangman.” oh, burn ! as the twins would say. In an open letter, LGBTQ+ activists, including Azad Queer and the Organization of Iranian Rainbows, called the condolences an "insult" to those fighting against the regime. Raisi is remembered more for his brutality against gays and women than his continental charm.
Your messages of condolence to criminals against humanity disgust us all
Netherlands: Declining LGBTQ+ Acceptance Among Amsterdam Youth
Should this worry you? I am worried. A recent study by the Dutch health service reveals a significant decline in LGBTQ+ acceptance among Amsterdam's youth (see here if your Dutch is strong enough; mine is a bit shaky). Only 43% of young people now accept homosexuality, a sharp drop from 69% two years ago. The trend is particularly pronounced among boys, with just one-third expressing acceptance, compared to about half of the girls. The survey, conducted among 13 to 16-year-olds, reflects a broader trend of decreasing LGBTQ+ acceptance across the Netherlands, with similar drops in Utrecht and Zeeland. This translates into incidents of anti-LGBTQ+ violence, including attacks on individuals and vandalism.
France: a surge in homophobe guet apens
I did not make out with anybody in Paris, not for lack of trying *eye roll*. Maybe for the best: Le Monde reports this week that homophobic ambushes - setting up a date through an app only to rob the victim - are up 36% from last year in the country. For example, this Tuesday, nine teenagers, several of whom attend a middle school in Aulnay-sous-Bois, were arrested as part of two investigations opened following homophobic ambushes committed in April in Seine-Saint-Denis. These attacks often go unreported, making it difficult to gauge the accurate scale of the problem. Despite legal and societal progress, homophobia remains deeply rooted in France, affecting both urban and rural areas—a good reminder ahead of the Olympics to stay vigilant.
Uganda: honoring the resistance, an offensive Catholic lens
First, here is a link to donate to the Outright Uganda Fund to support civil society in the Supreme Court challenge. Rumor has it activists are still short $400K. Secondly, please read his horrendous piece by an American “theologian” in Crisis Magazine titled “Addressing Homosexuality in Uganda, Part I.” It showcases how foreign missionaries from the Catholic Church are also pouring oil on this fire. I was so annoyed that I wrote to the author Janet Smith: “Your recent post on Uganda was misguided and offensive and based on a superficial knowledge of the Ugandan context. The section on homosexuals grooming students was unnecessary: youth prostitution is far more a straight than a gay issue.” She did not respond.
he said poverty is a “cause” of homosexuality in Uganda and explained that homosexual predators, most of them allied with the LGBTQ-advocating NGOs, pay boys (or pay their school tuition) in exchange for sex and in exchange for the bought boys to introduce new boys to the predators. I heard this heartbreaking explanation several times.
Vatican: Pope Francis says no to “more faggotness”
While we are on the significant topic of the Church, after blasting surrogacy and trans people, Pope Francis used a homophobic slur during a private meeting with bishops, stating that gay men should not become priests (good luck with that one *triple-eye roll*). The Pope allegedly joked about there being “already too much frociaggine” (faggotness) in seminaries, which caused enough discomfort among attendees that they leaked it. Read about it here. The Pope apologized later on. I hate (read: love) to quote myself, but eight years ago, I compared our relationship with the Church to that with an abusive parent: at the slightest sign of love, we run cheerfully in their arms only to get the sh*t beaten out of us once again. Four months ago, I wrote about how insane his comments on surrogacy are.
The Pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he apologizes to those who felt offended by the use of a term, as reported by others.
Ethiopia: A Forgotten Battlefield in Eastern Africa
I did a little research project on Ethiopia last week. The Horn of Africa seems to be a forgotten battlefield even in the vast difficulties of the East Africa context. Yet, the reports that were generously shared with me by activists highlight widespread harassment, arbitrary arrests, and abuse in detention centers. Access to healthcare is severely limited, with most LGBTQ+ individuals concealing their identities. Advocacy efforts are stifled by restrictive laws, and anti-LGBTQ+ campaigns further fuel societal hostility. Let’s pledge to support LGBTQ+ civil society in the region.
Since August 2023, videos on TikTok openly encouraging violence, calling for the killing, burning, and beating of [people from the] LGBTQ+ community have been widely shared.
US News
DC: a very Queer Kenyan State Dinner
I worked hard to weasel myself into the Macron State Dinner at the White House earlier last year. I failed miserably, possibly because I antagonized some on the Biden and French sides over the years. For the same reason that my hopes for French décoration evaporated :) So I was amazed (read: jealous) by the number of “premium gays” (copyright Tiffany Kagure Mugo) who attended the Kenyan state dinner last week: The Honorable David Lane & Mr. Garrett Lam, Claire Lucas and Judy Dlugacz, Darren Walker, Michael Weinstein, Corey Booker, and of course le Rufus. Here is the complete list: you might recognize queer names I didn’t.
Media Matters: death by conservative billionaire lawsuits
Media Matters for America, which joined the strange New York Times boycott, might not survive Elon Musk and Texas and Missouri Attorney Generals’ legal onslaught. It laid off a bunch of people last week. This is punishment for MM’s encouraging advertisers to leave X and designed to drain its resources. Vexatious litigation is America's wealthiest weapon of choice. It is costly and traumatic; take it from a poor Frenchman who (successfully) fended off Locke Lord, Greenberg Traurig, and DLA Piper, in that order. Besides denting your limited savings, lawsuits will give you gray hair, 10 lbs, and a wrinkled forehead—an invisibility cloak for Mykonos or the Pines. Anyway, I digress again. MM’s problem is a significant blow to the media monitoring efforts essential for the LGBTQ+ community.
Cass Review: a digital duel between Ben Ryan and Erin Reed
I am not the only antagonistic Substacker. This does not make me feel more adult but less childish. Indeed, le torchon brûle as Reed called Ryan “an anti-trans blogger” while Ryan called her an “Activist-Blogger.” “Blogger” seems to be as terrible an insult as it gets in that world (my friend and fellow Outright board member Matt deemed this newsletter a “weekly matrimonial ad,” I am not offended). Their feud stemmed from their radically different analysis of the controversial UK Cass Report. I would suggest solving it in an AK47 duel, but it is illegal in the US (the duel, not the AK47s): an abusive restriction on personal freedom that I am sure Trump will repeal.
Florida: LGBTQ+ Relief as DeSantis Eases Anti-Gay Laws
Florida’s LGBTQ+ community is experiencing some relief following the rollback of several restrictive laws under Governor Ron DeSantis. Over the past year, the political climate has shifted significantly, marked by a federal court injunction against a drag show ban and a settlement restoring the rights of students and teachers to discuss LGBTQ+ issues in schools. Additionally, the recent passage of the HIV Infection Prevention Drugs Act represents a rare pro-LGBTQ+ legislative victory. Advocates like Nadine Smith of Equality Florida are to thank for the growing grassroots support and the diminishing influence of DeSantis’s previously aggressive stance against LGBTQ+ rights. Read about it in The Guardian.
Concerns over WorldPride2025 Human Rights Conference
The clock is ticking, and activists are sharing concerns that CapitalPride has not taken any significant steps to prepare for the human rights conference during DC World Pride 2025. The Conference will take place at a difficult time as the Dutch government, historically the leading supporter of the movement, just cut its budget for development cooperation (read HIVOS reaction here). While the human rights section of the WorldPride2025 website is empty, you can still subscribe for updates.
Libertarians Reject Trump, Nominate Gay Candidate
The Libertarian Party (2 or 5% in US elections) has made headlines by rejecting Donald Trump and nominating a gay man, 38-year-old Chase Oliver, who champions drag performances (whatever that means). This move underscores a shift towards inclusivity within the party, prompting lively discussions in the LGBTQ+ community about the candidate's stance on civil rights and the Equality Act, which classical libertarians often oppose due to their preference for market solutions over government mandates.
Queering the Boardroom
Coming and Going in the Pharma World
Our friend Marty Chavez (currently on the board of Alphabet), former Chairman of Recursion Pharmaceuticals, will step down after the 2024 Annual Meeting, passing the baton to Dr. Robert Hershberg. Chavez's tenure was marked by significant growth and innovation. Dr. Laurent Fischer has joined Atai Life Sciences as an Independent Director. He brings substantial expertise in biotechnology (see Financial Intelligence).
A lot of “Dicks” on Corporate Boards
That sounds terrible, but I am not the one who created this! The cosmetic company E.l.f. analyzed the names of nearly 37,000 board members of 4,429 publicly traded companies on the NYSE and Nasdaq. Of the male board members, 566 were named Richard, Rick, or Dick. Read about it on Inc.
The gay business
Venture Out - Empowering LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs
In Out Magazine’s Pride issue: LGBTQ+ venture capital funds and startup communities in the US are working with queer entrepreneurs to realize their business objectives. Despite systemic challenges, such as lower access to investment and the need to "go back into the closet" when seeking funding, organizations like StartOut or Colorful Capital provide vital support. StartOut says less than 0.5 percent of the $2.1 trillion in startup funding goes to LGBTQ+ founders. At Koppa, we want to foster or scale up similar efforts in the Global South, where entrepreneurship can be a lifesaver, particularly when societal progress stalls.
Melinda Gates and queer women
Yesterday we found out that our very own Lee Badgett has been tapped by Melinda French Gates to advise on $20 million of funding from Pivotal. This is amazing news for our community and the queer women's economic empowerment agenda.
Semi cultural desk
Emilia Perez
The conservatives hated Jacques Audiard’s new film, "Emilia Pérez," starring Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña. It’s a good sign, so watch the trailer below:
A Triumph for Truth and Tiaras
In a dramatic courtroom victory, Idaho drag performer Eric Posey/Mona Liza Million was awarded $1.1 million in damages after a far-right blogger defamed him with false claims of indecent exposure at a pride event (see here). This glittering ruling is enormous for our community: justice can be fabulously transformative, much like a well-applied lash.
I watched “Civil War” Monday Night
It was cute but tiptoed around the roots of a possible civil war. There was something a little strange about having an entire movie about a dystopian ending to the current culture war in the US with minimal reference to the…culture war. For example, there is no mention that if Florida were to secession, it would be over the decadent bi-coastal elite. Also, the alliance between Florida and California felt just… improbable. Finally, there was no LGBTQ+ character.
Watch Queen of New York
Presented by göt2b, "Queen of New York" is a documentary that unveils the effort of my friend Marty Cumming, for whom I always had a weak spot, to be elected but also showcased the vibrant drag scene of New York City. Available for free until June 30 on The Advocate Channel, this show blends performance, personal stories, and the city's dynamic energy.
The problematic selfie of the week: Milei and Altman
President Javier Milei's tour of the United States included a meeting with Sam Altman, the openly gay CEO of OpenAI, in San Francisco. Milei and Altman highlighted the "enormous possibilities" of a libertarian approach to AI. Milei's policies and affiliations often clash with the values of the LGBTQ+ community. Next on Milei’s agenda is Tim Cook of Apple. I wouldn’t expect him to raise the LGBTQ+ Argentinian question, either.
The Best Lesbian Films to Stream
Are you looking for movies featuring lesbian protagonists that are available for streaming? Here is the ultimate guide to help you find them. Numerama has compiled a list of the 23 best lesbian films on Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. Highlights include "Portrait de la jeune fille en feu," a critically acclaimed French film by Céline Sciamma, and "Let it Snow," a charming holiday movie featuring a lesbian love story. Other notable mentions are "Carol" on Canal+, a visually stunning romance set in the 1950s, and "Bottoms" on Amazon Prime Video, a hilarious lesbian take on Fight Club.
The Gay Agenda
June 1st: Fire Island gets a fresh paint job
On June 1st, the Fire Island Pines Trailblazers Park will kick off Pride Month by hosting Minneapolis City Council Member Andrea Jenkins, the first Black openly transgender woman elected to public office in the U.S. The event will also unveil 16 new “LGBTQ+ Icons,” a rather eclectic bag from the legendary Urvashi Vaid to the more pragmatic Rep. Ritchie Torres, now the leading Israel supporter in Congress and a hero among the most hawkish pro-Israel lobbyists, to be featured in the park. Read more here.
June 1st: nominate activists for the International Pride Awards
UNDP and ILGA World have launched the International Pride Awards to honor LGBTIQ+ heroes who drive positive change despite facing immense challenges. I’d love it if you would take 5 minutes of your time to submit the following names who have been exemplary: Charlene Liu (on China), Mauro Cabal Grinspan (intersex issues globally), or Dede Oetomo (Indonesia). Nominations are open through June, with categories such as "Movement Building" and "Emerging Leader." Winners will be announced on November 13 in Cape Town during the ILGA World Conference (see below).
June 2nd and 3rd: all things Outright
This weekend is Outright’s Board meeting, where I am honored to serve, and Monday is our gala. My table will be a mix of cute guys and my equally cute board member of the Association, Chiqui Cartagena. As a side note, Outright International brought 24 activists to NYC for Advocacy Week, engaging with UN officials and state missions. Critical discussions included shrinking civic space, the role of the UN in recognizing LGBTQ+ rights, and strategies to counter rising anti-rights sentiments. You can read more about it in the Blade.
June 7: Stanford LGBTQ+ Executive Leadership Program
Consider applying for this summer's Stanford LGBTQ Leadership Program, starting July 21. Established in 2016, this prestigious program has been transformative for many leaders, with over 250 alumni from diverse industries and backgrounds. The application deadline is June 7.
June 12th: Edafe Okpero for District 7
I know this is only of interest to Upper West Side residents, but apparently, my block is simultaneously a queer and orthodox Jewish haven. Edafe Okpero, Nigerian refugee and activist, is running for office. Consider joining his event on June 1st at Bird in Hand (register and donate here). There will be a performance by Ursula Oppens, and, among attendees, Charles King, CEO of Housing Works (on the Board of which I have the great privilege of serving) will be present.
June 13th: Equality PAC Gala
Rumor has it that Jennifer Coolidge will appear, and I might make the trip to DC (not that I am on par with Coolidge, although that specific brand of gays has tried to kill me, too). More information here.
Looking ahead to Fall 2024
The 31st ILGA World Conference, hosted by the Iranti and Gender DynamiX, will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 11 to 15 November. I am thinking of going. Register here. The countdown is also on for the 2024 IGLTA Global Convention (October 23-26) – their first in Asia, which will take place in Osaka! You can also apply to be a speaker here.
Coming and going
Welcome Soltan at Colorful Capital
Soltan Bryce has joined the Colorful Capital team as a General Partner. He first joined the team in 2022 as a Venture Partner, focusing on healthcare and technology deal diligence. Learn more about his background on their site.
Erratum and other newsletter issues
Jeffrey Marburg pointed out that my newsletter was full of typos last week (I retaliated by policing his French over the weekend), so I triple-checked it this newsleter. I had landed that morning and was in a fog from which I just emerged. If it’s not perfect, blame it on my ESL status.
A reader asked me, “Why don’t you start with US News first, then go to international news since your audience is more US-based?” Well, my readership is pretty global, and my friend Justice Michael Kirby once wrote to me: “Don’t let your position dump you into a siding of US affairs. Keep up your international perspective. There is a big world beyond USA.”
Okay, this is everything for this week. I am back in town (albeit only for a few days), and my kids and garden are healthy: you can see a picture of my thriving grass on my Instagram here. This week, the NYTimes championed gardening for remaining sane: in my case, the bar is a bit higher: return to sanity. Hopefully, I see you tomorrow at the Lambda Legal Gala. After that, the twins are turning 11 on Saturday, so I am hosting 20 kids at Dave and Busters, which is my and everybody else’s definition of hell.
Did Sam Altman really use the word "libertarian"? If so, I feel like that's harming his own brand. It's one thing to speak about OpenAI's specific priorities vis-a-vis governments and regulators. However, placing oneself definitively in one camp, whichever it is, may automatically alienate people in the other camps. Especially anyone who knows that libertarianism is one of the most dangerous philosophies for personal liberties, including or in particular, in relation to concerns that are being examined now, belatedly, over the potential harm of OpenAI and need to mitigate it with responsible regulation.