Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
This week: Uganda lawyerese, proxy season 2024, Citi, Bestbuy, CALPers fail us, DiNapoli and NYSLRS come to the rescue, autopsies and indictments, Lesbian Visibility Week, IDAHOBIT & much more...
Welcome to the latest issue of "Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality." From delusional judges, politicians, and bishops to the antics of Caitlyn Jenner, the Log Cabin Republicans, and hypocritical corporations, I spill the beans mercilessly this week. And because I hate to criticize, I also celebrate “Ripley,” Mélanie Vogel, and the NY pension funds. Enjoy!
This week: Uganda lawyerese, proxy season 2024, Citi, Bestbuy, CALPers fail us, DiNapoli and NYSLRS come to the rescue, autopsies and indictments, Lesbian Visibility Week, IDAHOBIT & much more...
Global News
Congo: is DRC next to join the gay hysteria bandwagon?
I started my career in Kinshasa in my early twenties, so I have a weak spot for DRC. 76 Crimes reports that lawmaker Constant Mutamba Tungunga has proposed legislation aimed at criminalizing homosexuality. It is the fifth attempt in 21 years to introduce such a law in the DRC, where same-sex relations are not currently illegal. This move ignites more fears of contagion from the Uganda/Ghana disasters.
Unfortunately, there is an increasing rise of practices deviating and devastating our morals, consistent with imposing and encouraging homosexuality in socio-professional, sports, religious, cultural, and other environments …
Senegal: a new President
44-year-old Bassirou Diomaye Faye was sworn in as President this week. Moïse Manoël-Florisse discussed implications for LGBTQ+ people in an article this week. In Senegal, you won’t find a party to support equality. Still, Faye’s entourage endorsement of toughening already strict anti-homosexuality laws - a move that the National Assembly thankfully dismissed - is preoccupying.
The new president comes from the same political background as Ousmane Sonko, who supported And Samm Djikko Yi’s demands that homosexuality should be punishable by ten years’ imprisonment and fines.
Burkina: Cardinal Ouédrago’s Easter rant
Even after the Pope gave them a hall pass on blessing same-sex unions, some African Bishops remain obsessed with homosexuality. Not corruption, not poverty, not climate change, not armed violence, no… just homosexuality. Here is an extract of Cardinal Ouédraogo's Easter message at Notre Dame de Yagma:
For us African Christians who have left the traditional religion to embrace the Religion of the One God […] it is certainly not to adopt and live the cultural flaws of Western societies that set themselves up as masters and governors of the world.
Thailand: gender reaffirming surgery attracts foreigners
CNN had a piece on how Thailand is a favored destination for gender affirmation surgery. Affordable healthcare, skilled surgeons, and hospitality make it a hub for medical tourists. Gender affirmation procedures are offered at a fraction of the cost in the West, from $9,000 to $20,000.
Qatar: A Dilemma for Western Universities
I always suspected I was only honest because I was never (yet!) offered a bribe (unlike some colleagues). Northern Ireland’s Ulster University is torn between its commitment to LGBTQ+ equality and the lucrative potential of its Qatar campus (see BBC article here). After the school reminded students to refrain from referencing Pride, some had the gall to point out its "double standards” on freedom of expression. Vice Chancellor Hutchinson reminded us of a provision in the Human Rights Declaration stating that it only applies when there is no money to be made:
sending things that relate to Pride, for example, to Doha as you can probably imagine is highly problematic now [...] we do need to be cognisant of different cultural expectations
France: Sen. Mélanie Vogel champions self-affirmation
In Têtu, Ecologist Senator Mélanie Vogel wants to empower transgender individuals to amend their gender designation at the local city hall simply by making a declaration, eliminating the need for judicial intervention. Vogel's proposal also addresses additional challenges, including ensuring the ability to obtain a birth certificate without mention of gender changes to protect individuals' privacy.
Uganda: “a misery-inducing and miserable piece of lawyerese” 🇺🇬✊
After my initial reaction to the Constitutional Court’s ruling, I read its full text this morning (see my analysis here): a single-argument decision tainted with cowardice and ignorance. One of my friends described it as “a misery-inducing and miserable piece of lawyerese”:
.. the public outcry, social and broadcast media discussions and homosexuality victims' 'painful and gruelling stories' of children and families that were 'dying in silence' from the psychological trauma of forced recruitment of children into homosexual acts. [...] the luring of gullible Ugandans into homosexuality [...] a recruitment campaign [...] bound to attract a clawback
US News
New York: The Poisoning of Cecilia Gentili
Michael Kuilan and Antonio Venti have been charged in connection with the February death of 52-year-old trans activist Cecilia Gentili, a tireless advocate for immigrants, sex workers, and trans individuals (see obituary in the NY Times). The District Attorney linked the two men to the distribution of fentanyl-laced heroin responsible for Gentili's death. Read more on CNN. There is a public health crisis affecting our community disproportionately, and it remains a huge taboo.
Oklahoma: the Battle over Nex Benedict’s corpse
The full autopsy report of nonbinary and two-Spirit Nex Benedict, who tragically killed themselves in February, was released last week, along with more information on the sexual abuse they experienced. Conservatives immediately claimed “the anti-trans hate crime that wasn’t: Nex Benedict was abused — by her father, not transphobic peers." Progressives are understandably uncomfortable after claiming that officials were covering up a murder. GLAAD’s coroner-in-residence commented:
This report cannot be seen as a conclusion of the investigation into the death of a teenager who should still be here. [...] Why has the state medical examiner’s office been operating without accreditation for at least fourteen years?
Caitlyn Jenner: Easter Vs. TDOV
I was in Hudson with my children for Easter with no intention of working—until Caitlyn Jenner accused Biden of plotting an attack on Christ. Rather than perceiving the calendar coincidence as a nefarious move or a scheduling oversight, 2015 Caitlyn would have celebrated the message of renewal. In the spirit of Easter, I will send you a virtual hug, Caitlyn.
KFF’s survey: LGBTQ+ health disparities off-the-chart
The recent KFF Survey of Racism, Discrimination, and Health revealed that 65% of LGBTQ+ adults in the US reported facing discrimination in their everyday lives over the past year, double the rate of their straight/cis counterparts. In healthcare, one in three LGBTQ+ people report experiencing negative interactions compared to 15% of straight/cis adults. The survey also highlights that LGBTQ+ adults are twice as likely to have experienced homelessness, with pronounced disparities among Black and lower-income individuals. Mental health disparities are also stark.
Queering the Boardroom
🚨 NYC Comptroller Champions Board Diversity this Proxy Season 🚨
In collaboration with three of NYC's public pension funds, Comptroller Brad Lander has launched a shareholder proposal targeting Electronics retail company GameStop (NYSE) and NextEra Energy (NYSE), which incidentally has a gay Board Member, Amy Lane. The proposal suggests reporting Board composition in a Nasdaq-esque matrix. Both Boards urged shareholders to reject the proposal. See Lander’s press release.
The worrying retreat of CalPERS from the Board Diversity Agenda
In 2016-2017, the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), the largest US pension fund, led the conversation on Board diversity, including LGBTQ+. It even articulated this vision in its 2019 Governance & Sustainability Principles. However, contrary to the NYC Retirement System (see above), it shifted its attention away. One element of explanation is the departures of California Controller Betty Yee in 2023 and Investment Director Anne Simpson in 2022. Another possible explanation is the repeal of AB979, which scared the fund into toning down its engagement.
Two key LGBTQ+ appointments this week
Gary Steele, EVP and General Manager of Splunk was appointed to the Board of Cisco Systems on March 27th. Dr. Kristina M. Johnson was appointed to the Board of Minerals Technologies on May 13th.
April 12th: Webinar of the Association
Join us on the 12th at 12 p.m. as the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors welcomes Glenn Ramsdell, COS, Chewy, and Mackenzie Lee, CEO, Cedar, for "Navigating Board & CEO Synergy," with a focus on the role of the Chief of Staff in managing this relationship. We will also discuss what is at the top of CEOs' minds, pathways for COS to Board Service, and Board diversity. Kindly RSVP here.
The Gay Business
Pension Fund Advocate for LGBTQ+ Equity
While California retreats, Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, doubles as highlighted in Fortune. A recently unveiled shareholder proposal mandates the International Paper Board of Directors to divulge efforts towards LGBTQ+ equity and inclusion. This initiative also appeared at Lennar and NVR, Inc. The NYS retirement funds message is that inclusive practices aren't just ethical but a cornerstone of innovation, talent cultivation, and superior financial outcomes.
Best Buy's Donation Screening Controversy
In 2024, HRC recognized 545 businesses with a 100 percent rating and the new designation of being a 2023-2024 “Equality 100 Award: Leaders in LGBTQ+ Inclusion” recipient. One of them, BestBuy, promised shareholders to screen employee donations to LGBTQ+ nonprofits based on criteria defined by the ultra-conservative National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR). This came to light through an SEC filing but not in the HRC due diligence. The screening process mainly focuses on ensuring donations do not support causes deemed controversial by NCPPR, including medical care for minors—a characterization the group misleadingly describes as harmful. This led to the cessation of donations to The Trevor Project.
Citi is hoping to fly under the radar in Uganda situation
While TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné wrote a letter to President Museveni reaffirming the company’s attachment to Human Rights and inclusive values, Citi and Standard Chartered kept a low profile. Citibank Uganda, a subsidiary of Citi, which partners with the Human Rights Campaign, OUTLeadership, and Out & Equal, is also listed among the signatories of the UN LGBTQ+ Corporate Standards of Conduct on the PGLE website.
The DEI funeral
In Axios Markets, Emily Peck takes stock of waning DEI efforts amid increasing backlash and litigation fears. I had lunch with someone this week who told me the word Talent is the new DEI. I might be missing something, but if we are winning as much as our LGBTQ+ organizations claim, how come the conservative narratives are always the ones that take hold?
The semi-cultural desk
“Ripley”: the series
For some strange reason, Ripley is an iconic gay movie. Is it because we are compulsive liars or because we look great in beach wear (well, you do)? A new series, “Ripley,” is coming to Netflix tonight. It will bring Andrew Scott into the spotlight as Tom Ripley. It's an excellent alternative to Young Sheldon, which the twins insist I watch.
Being Trans en Corréze
You may never make it to Corréze, but you should. The region is even the subject of a viral song. That’s why I was very interested in this article in La Montagne on a trans man and two lesbians rural Corrèze.
The first question people always ask me is always the same, very intrusive: "Have you had surgery?" whereas if I meet someone, I'm not going to ask them if they've had an appendectomy or how things are going with their prostate.
Biden's TDOV Message irks Log Cabin Republicans.
Besides Caitlyn Jenner, Log Cabin Republicans, an organization representing LGBTQ+ conservatives, voiced their discontent, critiquing the administration for what they perceive as a disregard for Christian observance. (see here)
This entire episode shows extreme disrespect to Christians or extreme malpractice of Biden's advisors. Either way, it's […] creates unneeded division in America […]. They're needlessly making it worse, not better, for all of us, with stunts like this.
AI shares your grandmother's perception of queer people.
Amidst the technological advancements in artificial intelligence. WIRED explored OpenAI's Sora depictions of the LGBTQ+ community, which they claim overuse purple hair for nonbinary individuals. That’s funny because when I asked Sora today, it overused… marinières.
The Gay Agenda
April 9th: join me at the UN Church center
I will moderate "Reframing the Global LGBTQ+ Narrative: Family, Tradition, and Spirituality," presented by the NGO Committee on Human Rights, on April 9th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Church Center's 11th-floor conference room. Register here.
April 22nd-27th - Lesbian Visibility Week
Last year, the cast of "The L Word: Generation Q" visited the White House; I cannot wait to see what Biden will do to annoy Caitlyn and the Log Republican this year. Painting the Washington Monument in the Lesbian colors or placing Ellen DeGenneres’ face on the $5 bill? The sky is the limit.
April 24th: Groundbreaker Awards Dinner
Housing Works' mission (disclaimer: I serve on their Board) remains primordial as Fentanyl overdoses and homelessness plague New York. This annual event, held on the eve of Design on a Dime, is an opportunity to shop while hobnobbing with the gay Who’s Who like Vivian Bond. Let me know if you are up for it, and I will take the credit for your tickets or table purchase. You can do so here.
May 17th: Join me in Manila
The theme for the 2024 International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) is “No One Left Behind: equality, freedom, and Justice for All.” I will celebrate in Manila as the Asian Development Bank brings a perfect mix of LGBTQ+ leaders and allies to its headquarters. Manila is the new Washington.
June 3rd: Outright International's Gala
Instead of sponsoring a CEI rating, it will lose anyway because it donated to anti-LGBTQ+ politicians; why doesn’t your organization join the many that now support Outright International (I also serve on their Board), making a real difference for LGBTQ+ equality? This year's Celebration of Courage gala includes some impressive names. I count on you to buy a table or give us stuff for the auction.
Erratum
Yesterday, in my irritation, I referred to the Uganda Supreme Court when it was the Uganda Constitutional Court.
Well, that’s it for this week. I'm sorry it’s coming one day and 2 hours late. First, I did not want to spam you too much after my rage-fueled email yesterday, and second, the Uganda judicial disaster and surprises of the proxy season (go New York! boo California !) distracted me from writing you my weekly love letter.
I grew up in Louisiana, very near the border with East Texas. You might not find Young Sheldon funny (I do), but I can assure you it’s a realistic portrayal of life in that place at that time. Good for the twins. Consider it anthropological study time.