Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
This week: hostile rhetoric in Burundi, Uganda, & Kenya, America’s gradual descent into authoritarianism, Gigi Sohn throws in the towel, the NYC scene, CSW67, Ari Shapiro’s NYTimes interview & more …
Welcome to my weekly equality news digest, where I share important (and much less important) news, updates, and commentary about the global LGBTQ+ equality movement at the intersection with business.
This week: hostile rhetoric in Burundi, Uganda, & Kenya, America’s gradual descent into authoritarianism, Gigi Sohn throws in the towel, the NYC scene, CSW67, Ari Shapiro’s NYTimes interview & more …
First, I wish you a happy International Women's Day!
World News
Burundi: arbitrary arrest of 24 LGBTQ+ people
Twenty-four people have been arrested in Burundi as part of a security crackdown on "homosexual practices" (see here). Details of the case are unclear. On Wednesday, the President had these loving, cuddly words about the case:
"I ask all Burundians to curse those who indulge in homosexuality because God cannot bear it"
Uganda: more of the same
Since 2014, Ugandan politicians have learned that the best way to make a name for themselves is to peddle homophobia. Some are trying to revive a version of the good old 2014 « kill the gays » bill. After a motion to introduce the anti-homosexuality bill 2023 was approved, the bill went through its first reading yesterday (see Human Rights Watch’s report).
Kenya's First Lady declares national prayer against homosexuality
Last week, it was the Vice President who stated that “the practice of LGBT” (whatever that means, a.k.a, I am guilty of it) will not be condoned in Kenya. Now, right after Jill Biden left the country, first lady Rachel Ruto called for a national prayer against homosexuality (read here). I tried to “pray the gay away” in my childhood, newsflash: it does not work. I only got those bags under my eyes. Yet, Rachel feels strongly about it:
"We want to strengthen the family institution where we have a father, a mother, and children. LGBTQ is forbidden even in the Bible and the African culture. Let us hold on to family values,"
World Bank: US Executive Director reiterates commitment to LGBTQ+ people
Here is an interview with Adriana Kugler, representing the United States at the World Bank, in the Washington Blade. Kugler told the Blade one of her priorities has been to support the collection and dissemination of data that “can help to drive support and drive demand for LGBTQ+ inclusion here at the bank.” Concretely, the Bank has devoted very little of its resources to advance the agenda, contrary to the way it handled gender inclusion in the past, for example.
Sidney Pride closes: next stop Washington DC
An estimated 50,000 people took to Sydney Harbour Bridge for a historic Pride march to close the party. WorldPride has been criticized by some for being a little too indulgent, given the plight of LGBTQ+ people globally (see this Guardian article). Yet, there was a solid human rights Conference. As one international partygoer parading in Sydney the past few weeks, whose hedonism is legendary, would say: “there is nothing wrong with a little party”. The next WorldPride will be hosted in Washington, DC, in 2025 if the Commanders have not taken over by then. Hopefully, it will be more substantial in the movement building.
US News
Conservatives' program of “Eradicating transgenderism.”
Yesterday, I sent a piece reflecting Michael Kowles’ abhorrent comments at CPAC. You can read it here. Trans people are the perfect political scapegoat Republicans need to take a sharp turn towards authoritarianism. To be blunt, there is probably nothing scarier to the average American than the threat of having their golden boy turned into a woman by leftists. The fear of the unknown, peppered with accusations of child abuse, makes for great fundraising emails that start with “dear fellow patriot”. We must scale up our game before we lose that war. Flying planes with banners in New York State won’t cut it.
The “war on Drag” takes a turn for the worse
In what seems to be a US-exclusive focus, conservatives have intensified the war on… drag. A bill restricting drag performances in public spaces in Tennessee just passed. NPR reports on why this is a clear step backward. Whether you are a die-hard fan of Rupaul or hate drag with passion, one has to admit that a Government’s hostility towards any form of art is usually a side of authoritarianism. HRC sent Tennessee Governor Lee a message with an ad in The Tennessean today reminding him that he also did drag at one point (see here).
It has also come to this: the “save the rainbow flag” campaign
Among the many creative ways Republicans are steering homophobia and transphobia in the country, banning the Rainbow Flag, the global symbol of LGBTQ+ equality, is the latest trendy ban. The Gilbert Baker Foundation (named after the flag’s creator) has responded with a multi-part national campaign. Read and share the toolkit here.
Fentanyl deaths in Hell’s Kitchen were homicides
Two Hells Kitchen gay bar deaths back in November were ruled homicides by the authorities. The victims were drugged and then robbed. Other gay men have reported having had similar experiences. It is unclear which measures elected officials have taken to protect patrons of LGBTQ+ bars besides words of concern.
What is up with gay mayors in the DC area?
First, Kevin Ward of Hyattsville killed himself after embezzling $2.2 million. Patrick Wojahn of College Park was arrested last Thursday and charged with 56 counts of possession and distribution of child pornography. He was jailed without bail on Monday. Read more here.
The Boardroom
Mary Schapiro makes a case for Board Diversity
This week, former SEC chair Mary Schapiro called for greater Board diversity and workforce diversity disclosures. She suggested tying it to executive compensation. Read more here. Our friends at SEC still have to acknowledge our recent letter to Chairperson Gary Gensler on the topic (see here), urging him to revise its definition of what constitutes “diversity”.
Patrick O’Keefe joins a second Board
Out business leader Patrick O’Keefe, on the Board of Sun Airlines, joined the advisory board of a travel software company called ID90 Travel. O'Keefe has over 30 years of experience in the airline industry. He retired in 2020 as head of American Airlines' global people team.
Our survey is still open: please take and share it, particularly with recruiters
We have received 230 responses so far, 67% of which are from existing and aspiring LGBTQ+ directors, so please send it also to recruiters and members of nom/gov committees. Among the findings, recruiters continue to feel that racial and gender diversity are much greater priorities than LGBTQ+ diversity, but 57% of respondents believe Nasdaq could be a game-changer for LGBTQ+ board diversity. One of them suggested that LGBTQ+ candidates self-identify as LGBTQ+ on LinkedIn. I know this is an option, but I wonder if I self-identified myself. I will look into it.
Here is the link. Please take 10 minutes to complete it and share it with your networks.
The semi-cultural desk
Ari Shapiro's thoughtful interview in the NYT
This was a good read. Ari’s book is coming out soon: “The Best Strangers in the World: Stories From a Life Spent Listening.” I have to say that this sentence about Michael Pollan was enlightening:
“It’s because he tries to write books that give people hope, and he doesn’t know how to do that with global warming.”
Jon Waters suggests not hooking up with people who have no books at home (I wish I had read that memo in my twenties) - I would add that anybody who is not slightly depressed by the state of the world is not worth hanging out with. Oblivion is passé!
Read this interview with Mark Segal
Now, more than ever, making connections between historical activism and our ongoing struggles in the present is crucial. There is untapped wisdom in the historic leaders of our movement. As Mark tells us in the interview:
“We have to learn to fight back and to do so with unity.”
NYT reporter gets spat-on for trans coverage
Conservatives outlets reported this week that New York Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger revealed on Thursday that a staffer was accosted and spat on by a pro-trans activist on February 19th following the GLAAD-coordinated campaign against the Times. As SKE would say, “this is not partnership building”.
How do I punish myself?
Not only am I reading the French conservative “magazine” (I am being generous here) Valeurs Actuelles, but this week I listened to this interview between Father Matthieu Raffray and Gaëtan Poisson around the question of homosexuality and the Catholic faith. While the tone is sweet, the content is awful, with a call to abstinence and to condemn gay children. I guess they did not get the memo from Pope Francis:
“A catholic family cannot accept a son that wants to live in sin”
Coming and Going
James Loduca heads DEI at Nike
Openly gay James Loduca noted about his appointment: “Excited to be joining Nike as Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer! In a polarized time, the sport still brings us together. Nike believes that if you have a body, you are an athlete– and I’m thrilled to help lead efforts to create a level playing field where everyone can win.” See here.
Biden FCC nominee Sohn throws in the towel
After experiencing an intense backlash from big money to her nomination at the FCC and with lip-service support from LGBTQ+ organizations in responding to it, openly gay nominee Gigi Sohn gave up this week:
“It is a sad day for our country and our democracy when dominant industries, with assistance from unlimited dark money, get to choose their regulators. And with the help of their friends in the Senate, the powerful cable and media companies have done just that.”
George Santos remains in the news
I told you before that Congress would not let it go. Santos is too much of a constant reminder in Congress of what American politics are really about (see Gigi’s comments above). A House panel announced last week that it would investigate Santos’s past business practices, campaign spending, and an allegation of sexual misconduct. Now GOP freshmen have tabled a bill, titled the “No Fortune for Fraud Act”, aimed at Santos - I wonder if they could make the same law aimed at Anna, the Fyre Festival guy, Elizabeth Holmes and all the villains cashing on their villainies:
“Should fraudsters like George Santos be indicted or convicted of crimes listed in my legislation — our legislation — they won’t be able to make money from a book deal, a TV movie, Dancing with the Stars, or the next Netflix special.”
The Gay Agenda
PFLAG’s 50th Anniversary
I attended the emotional PFLAG 50th anniversary on Friday night in New York City. Congrats to Executive Director Brian Bond, Director Diego Miguel Sanchez, and Board member Stephanie Battaglino for a very successful and warm event. I loved seeing Marshall Sprung, Mario Acosta-Velez, Elise Colomer-Cheadle, and many other friends in the room. I also chatted with Dustin Lance-Black about the upcoming Rustin biopic. See pictures here.
David Mixner’s celebration in New York City
Monday night, the gay Who’s Who gathered in New York City to celebrate activist David Mixner at an event benefiting the Ali Forney Center. Mixner and others made significant sacrifices as part of the gay liberation movement. As he reminded us, they did not fear getting handcuffed. During the AIDS epidemic, they organized and developed an ethic of caring for each other when no one else would. For gay men to now de-solidarize themselves from transgender people, targeted because they represent the same threat to hegemonic masculinity we do, is a misunderstanding of our history. Igor Suran and his significant other had flown in from Milan, and Barilla North America CEO Jean-Pierre Comte and his wife were in attendance. I was accompanied by Zach Gitomer, who received compliments from Tim Warmath. At some point, Zach pointed out how eclectic the crowd was. Indeed, the Spanish waiter from Trattoria Trecolori, disgraced politicians, adult entertainment stars, and business gays mingled as if it was 2019. Every body had gigantic white teeth. Also in attendance were my friends Chandler Bazemore, Caecille Ealy, Andrew Schlager of Outright, Seth Schemer of the Victory Fund, Chris Cormier, Steven Guy and Rob Smith, both very close to Mixner, Ryan Bauer-Walsh in a skin-tight vintage denim jumpsuit and a cowboy hat, Mixner’s loyal companion Gary Belis, Jane Clementi, and many others. Former politician Brian Sims was reunited on stage with ex-boyfriend Mark Mackillop showcasing Mixner’s convening power. Zach Cohen was there in person, but you can now buy his rendition by Doron Langberg for $50K at Victoria Miro’s. I loved seeing Benson Cohen and Michael Russell: my favorites.
CSW underway at the United Nations
The sixty-seventh session of the Commission on the Status of Women is taking place this week from 6 to 17 March. Many LGBTQ+ activists are in town for an increasingly polarized event. See this campaign from anti-trans organizations.
Could you think of me this week? I am moving house for the 4th time in less than three years (VERY long story involving a pandemic). Don’t tell the twins, but I am giving away half of their toys and throwing away their pet rocks collection.
Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
Cher Houdart,
Your column, as I read it, is meant to be flippant and entertaining while presenting serious newsbites. For me, the tone of "What is up with gay mayors in the DC area?" crosses the line into unfeeling. After spending my 20-40's in downtown DC, I moved to historic Hyattsville 20 years ago. I knew Kevin Ward. He did not campaign as an out Gay man, but did talk a lot about his children, and stood with and introduced his husband at his election celebration. Supporters and others were distraught at the other side that surfaced after his death. Also, I know Patrick Wojahn from my early days in Maryland, as part of Equality Maryland campaigning together locally and in the Statehouse for civil equality for same-sex families. Patrick was widely known as the openly Gay Mayor of College Park, and what came to light last week really hurt and saddened me -- particularly because, when I was a child, "homosexuals" were conflated with pedophilia and widely claimed to be a threat to your children, to the point that even when I was a child myself I was afraid to be around younger children for fear I'd be assumed to be one of those homo-pedos. Both cases -- Ward & Wojahn -- are matters of mental health, not aspects of being LGBTQIA other than, perhaps, distant evidence of partial residue from wounds connected with growing up in 'otherness.' None of the circumstances -- embezzlement, pornography, possible pedophilia, homosexuality, leadership, private actions compared against public personas -- are topics that merit a quip. They're deep issues and behind those paths in these men’s' lives are doubtless painful, private twists in the course of each that, as we are all connected -- in the LGBTQIA community and the wider community -- merit treatment that at least respects how sad and awful the dénouement are. (Please see now if you can find balance by reporting on some openly LGBTQIA DC-area leaders who merit a newsbyte of praise.) Merci beaucoup.