Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality

This week: the fight in Afghanistan, Hungary, Uganda, & Ghana, a looming wave of anti-trans policies in the U.S., HRC’s 990, the pronouns debate, the new relevance of Lord of The Flies, and much more…

Do you feel a little anxious? (see the survey below). With 70% of the global population now living under authoritarian rule, 2024 being the warmest year on record, worsening armed conflicts, and the rise of AI technologies, you may have some good reasons to be.

When facing headwinds, our community must never make peace with oppression - even the slightest - and focus on its strengths. Consolidating networks, investing in channels for embattled LGBTQ+ people to relocate, and creating economic opportunities are pathways to continue our liberation journey despite unfavorable conditions.

While Americans—and the world—are still processing the election results, our community experiences shock after shock. As a result, the community finds itself on its heels. It’s not good—inspiring leadership and strategic organizing are needed for them to get back on their toes. 

This week: the fight in Afghanistan, Hungary, Uganda, & Ghana, a looming wave of anti-trans policies in the U.S., HRC’s 990, the pronouns debate, the new relevance of Lord of The Flies, and much more…

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Global News

Afghanistan: Taliban's Brutality Escalates

Survivors of the Taliban’s crackdown recount on CNN harrowing experiences of rape, beatings, and torture in detention, with one young gay man, Sohrab, describing his imprisonment as “praying for my death” after being repeatedly assaulted. Human rights organizations have documented 825 cases of violence since 2021, though experts say the actual number is likely far higher. LGBTQ Afghans are now "hunted" by the Taliban, with checkpoints, social media tracking, and forced detentions becoming routine. 

Hungary vs. the EU

The European Union’s top court has begun hearings on Hungary’s controversial “Child Protection Act.” The law violates fundamental EU values and stigmatizes LGBTQ+ people by equating same-sex relationships with pedophilia. Sixteen EU member states have joined the lawsuit. Hungary, facing potential fines or suspension of EU voting rights, insists the law protects children. Meanwhile, European Commission lawyers call it a "frontal attack on European society." See on Al Jazeera.

France: A Sobering Reality on LGBTQ+ Acceptance

Only 56% of men in France believe homosexuality is a sexuality like any other, and just 33% would accept their child being transgender, according to a study by Inserm and ANRS published last week (see BFMTV). While women show higher levels of acceptance, these figures are sobering. 

Germany: Berlin Police Chief Acknowledges Unsafe Areas 

The head of Berlin's police force acknowledged that specific neighborhoods in the city, particularly those with large Arab populations, may pose risks for openly LGBTQ+ individuals and those wearing visible Jewish symbols like kippahs, sending conservative commentators into a tailspin. Her remarks follow a surge in anti-Semitic incidents, including an attack on a Jewish youth football team. 

Uganda: A New Antagonistic Law

Uganda's Human Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill, which limits IVF access to married heterosexual couples, is being criticized as part of a broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights and single parents. Advocates warn the restrictive law could further marginalize sexual and gender minorities already facing severe discrimination under Uganda's anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Devex also wrote about how Valerie Huber, a former Trump official and the Geneva Consensus Declaration (GCD) architect, has forged alliances in places like Uganda. 

Ghana’s Supreme Court to Rule on Anti-LGBTQ+ Law

Ghana’s Supreme Court will (reluctantly) decide on December 18 whether its infamous anti-LGBTQ+ bill violates the country’s constitution. The bill (reluctantly) supported by both presidential candidates in the upcoming December 7 elections even criminalizes people who fail to report LGBTQ+ individuals. Parliament, eager to expedite the bill, has criticized the court for delays, while the Finance Ministry warns the legislation could jeopardize $3.8 billion in World Bank funding. Read more on Bloomberg.

Mali’s Own Anti-LGBTQ+ Law

Francophone Africa is the forgotten corner of the movement. Human Rights Watch reports that, on October 31, Mali’s Transitional National Council passed a law criminalizing homosexuality. This legislation, justified by the junta as protecting “traditional values,” intensifies the climate of fear and violence for LGBTQ+ individuals who have already faced persecution under vague penal code provisions. 

ILGA world concludes in Cape Town

Returning to African soil for the first time in 25 years, Cape Town hosted the largest-ever ILGA World Conference, and people loved it. The next conference will take place in Buenos Aires in 2026.

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US News

January 2025: Preparing for an Anti-Trans Policy Wave

Forecasting people's behavior in the business of shocking you is a losing game. Yet, the LGBTQ+ community must expect the next developments: reinstating the transgender military ban, redefining “sex” to exclude gender identity (see below), cutting Medicaid funding for LGBTQ+ care, and removing protections under Title IX and Section 1557. HRW also had an interview with Ryan Thoreson on the topic this week.

The Debate Over Transgender Rights Messaging

After Harris’s loss, Democrats continue to be divided over her campaign's response to Donald Trump’s anti-transgender attacks (see article in the NYTimes), with critics calling the lack of direct rebuttal “political malpractice.” While some argue focusing on the economy was the right move, others warn the party must stand firm on transgender rights. 

The Trump campaign spent more than $37 million on television ads that invoked transgender issues, nearly 20 percent of its overall ad budget

GOP Aims at Trans Rights After Historic Election

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced a resolution banning transgender women from women’s bathrooms at the Capitol, just as Sarah McBride prepares to take office (see in the Post). Mace, claiming to defend women’s spaces, invoked her history as the first woman to graduate from the Citadel, a Military College of South Carolina. McBride clapped back on X, accusing the GOP of manufacturing culture wars instead of tackling real issues like housing and healthcare. All of this is obviously meant to keep LGBTQ+ people in their place. 

Get your Mpox vaccine!

California has reported the first U.S. case of clade I Mpox, a more severe strain of the virus. The patient recently traveled from Eastern Africa and is recovering at home after treatment. Clade I, which historically caused higher fatality rates, has shown milder outcomes in recent outbreaks with proper care. While the CDC urges caution and vaccination for at-risk people, I suspect Kennedy is working on a home remedy. Read more here.

HRC’s FY23 Filing Reveals Executive Salaries

Per Michael Petrelis’ report, the Human Rights Campaign’s FY23 IRS 990 filing shows President Kelley Robinson earned $743,000. At the same time, former president Alphonso David received $309,000, likely linked to a legal settlement. Other top salaries included three executives earning between $361,000 and $381,000 and eight earning between $242,000 and $343,000. 

Government by Bro: Trump’s Cabinet 

Jess Bidgood of The New York Times coined “government by bro,” infusing his administration with the hyper-macho, meme-fueled energy that defined his campaign. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are set to lead a Doge-inspired efficiency initiative. Matt Gaetz, who was chosen for Attorney General, and Pete Hegseth, who was tapped for Defense, are marred with sexual misconduct accusations. Washington is veering toward becoming the capital of toxic masculinity: I think that was the premise of the terrible 2006 movie Idiocracy.

Racist and Offensive Text Messages 

The FBI is investigating text messages sent from anonymous phone numbers targeting Latino and LGBTQ+ communities, following last week’s wave of similar messages aimed at Black Americans.

Following check-in, you will be transported to an undisclosed location for LGB re-education camp for a period of no less than 8 weeks. Your new president, Donald J. Trump, looks forward to assisting you in becoming a mentally and emotionally stable member of society by eliminating lifestyles that have been detrimental to our American way of life through re-education.

Gen Z’s Rightward Turn

We have always been told that youth naturally become more progressive so what happened? This week, the Atlantic analyzes the surprising rightward shift among Gen Z voters in the recent U.S. presidential election. While this generation is often associated with progressive ideals like inclusivity and climate action, economic uncertainty and fear-based messaging have resonated more strongly this cycle. 

Should we worry about H.R. 9495?

The House will soon vote again on H.R. 9495, a bill granting Trump unchecked power to label nonprofits—including human rights groups and universities—as "terrorist-supporting" organizations, stripping them of their tax-exempt status without oversight. I can see why it would freak out some in the current context.

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Queering the Boardroom

Celebrating Progress: Association Board Meeting and Dinner in Miami

This week in Miami, the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors convened for an impactful two-day board meeting, culminating in a dinner hosted by Sidley Austin LLP at Lafayette. The organization’s commitment to fostering LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion in boardrooms is stronger than ever.

Join me at the PDA NY Metro Holiday Party

Please mark your calendars for December 4th and join me at the Private Directors Association’s New York Metro Chapter Annual Holiday Party, hosted at PwC in NYC. Register Here.

Boardroom Departures 

Dr. Esteban Lopez has stepped down as a board member at Axonics, Inc., effective November 15. Similarly, Elizabeth A. Mora announced her departure from Everest Consolidator Acquisition Corp, effective November 23. 

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The Gay Business

Are the Most Powerful Gays in Business over it?

I counted three gay men on the list: Tim Cook (no 6), Sam Altman (no 8), and Peter Thiel (no 34). This is quite an achievement; now the question is, can we harness this power to benefit the vast majority of LGBTQ+ people - their people - who are far from having a shot at dignity and economic opportunity? Last week I spoke to a wealthy gay man who dismissed the idea of prioritizing support for LGBTQ+ individuals abroad by basically framing it as "an island of poverty in an ocean of poverty." I emphasized that LGBTQ+ communities face compounded challenges—poverty, criminalization, and violence—that demand targeted action and that we owe a debt to “our people” given the sacrifices of those who came before us. He challenged me on the notion of “a people.” Some gay men might be over tribalism, which is a bit reminiscent of what Roy Cohn says in Angels in America:

Homosexuals are men who know nobody and who nobody knows. Who have zero clout. Does this sound like me?

France: DEI is a Key Driver of Growth for Brands

According to a Kantar study, 71% of French consumers value brand efforts to combat discrimination (in Les Echos here). Inclusive advertising can increase sales by 3.5% in the short term and up to 16% in the long term. Brands like Amazon and McDonald’s are recognized for their efforts. I happened to be at my L’Oréal Advisory Board meeting today and am glad to report the company’s commitment is steadfast.

Donald Trump Jr. Bets on the “Anti-Woke” Economy

Donald Trump Jr. partnered with 1789 Capital to invest in a “parallel economy” that promotes conservative values. The firm aims to raise $100 million by targeting sectors deemed “impaired by ESG mandates. " See “Donald Trump Jr. Goes All-In on the Anti-Woke Economy” in the WSJ.

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Semi cultural desk

Idea Man on Disney+

I encourage you to watch “Idea Man” because we need to focus on being the light in the darkness. Ron Howard's Jim Henson: Idea Man chronicles the life of the beloved puppeteer, exploring his personal and professional relationships.

Lesbian Takeover: Samantha Nye’s Queer Art Project on Fire Island

The New Yorker had a piece on Artist Samantha Nye, known for her vivid depictions of older women, as she holds a casting call for lesbians over sixty to film a “pleasure party” at Fire Island’s all-male Belvedere Guest House. 

What to watch? Gladiator II

Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II revives the sword-and-sandal genre with a gripping tale of revenge. It follows Lucius (Paul Mescal), son of Lucilla, as he rises against his oppressors in Ancient Rome. Despite standout performances from Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington as a chilling praetorian villain, the film is not getting good reviews.

What to read? Alan Hollinghurst’s Our Evenings

Alan Hollinghurst’s Our Evenings, reviewed in The Economist, offers a poignant exploration of queer identity against the backdrop of Brexit-era Britain. Through the eyes of David Win, a biracial gay scholar, the novel navigates themes of exclusion, belonging, and the personal impacts of political upheaval. 

The French Academy’s Dictionary Definition of “Homosexuel”

The French Academy’s latest dictionary edition is criticized for its definitions of “homosexuel” and “hétérosexuel.” While the term “homosexuel” is defined neutrally as a same-sex attraction, “hétérosexuel” is described as a “natural sexuality” between people of opposite sexes, sparking accusations of bias. 

AOC’s Pronoun Removal Artificial Controversy

The right-wing media misrepresented U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s decision to remove pronouns from her X (formerly Twitter) bio, framing it as a cultural shift following Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory. Prominent conservative voices like Libs of TikTok and Riley Gaines linked the move to a retreat from “woke” politics. However, reports reveal the change occurred months before the election. Let’s be honest: putting pronouns in your business bio is over now.

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Coming and Going

Ted Olson: A Straight Ally Who Fought for LGBTQ+ Equality

Ted Olson, the conservative attorney who passed away at 84, was a rare and remarkable ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Though straight and deeply rooted in Republican values, Olson shattered expectations when he co-led the fight to overturn California’s Proposition 8, a law banning same-sex marriage. Discover more about his legacy here. Karen Ocamb wrote:

I deeply appreciated his genuine modeling how strong pre-MAGA Republicans and Obama Democrats could work together to achieve an authentically shared goal of Constitutional freedom and equality for everyone. 

Chappell Roan: The Queer Pop Superstar you need to know about

Here is something to discuss with your much younger boyfriend. At just 26, Chappell Roan—born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz in Missouri—has become a rising icon in LGBTQ+ pop culture.

Scott Bessent, the surprise Trump gay

“Bessent is gay?” is the reaction I got the most this week when discussing the fact that a gay man was being considered for Treasury. The Trump team is considering Scott Bessent for the White House National Economic Council director role. 

How do you feel?

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The Gay Agenda

Today: Transgender Day of Remembrance

TDOR calls us to honor the lives of transgender individuals lost to violence and discrimination. What began in 1999 as a tribute to Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman, has become a global day of mourning and resolve. Each name read aloud is a reminder of the vibrant lives stolen from our communities and the urgency to fight for a world where transgender individuals can live safely and authentically. 

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Well, that’s it for this week. I read in Esquire this week that Lord of the Flies turned 70. The plot aligns with our current experience: a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island and their disastrous attempts to govern themselves. Where have all the adults gone? perfectly describes my feelings for the past few weeks. However, the stakes are a little higher because 42% of the children in this sequel live in a household with firearms and have access to AI innovation. 

I have been in Miami for the past three days as the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors held its in-person Board meeting, an inspiring event. I am now heading back home and am very excited to hug my children and stay put for a while.