Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
This week: trans-denationalization, the U.S. cultural revolution, Iran’s targeting of LGBTQ+ individuals, the risks of Ketamine, a White Lotus monologue, “Young Hearts,” IDAHOBIT, Pride, and much more
Welcome to this week’s edition. It is coming to you fresh from KOPPA’s Spring staff retreat in Massachusetts, where the “LGBTQ+ sovereignty” theme was high on the agenda. I learned last week that green cards are surprisingly flimsy. So much for my lifelong efforts to anchor myself in America. Still, my commitment to documenting the absurd, the enraging, and the occasionally fabulous in the U.S. remains intact. Outside, the world spins off its axis, too—Hungary bans Pride, threatening to use AI-powered surveillance, and Iran’s persecution of LGBTQ+ people is recognized as a crime against humanity by the UN. But don’t worry; we still have queer rom-coms like “Young Hearts,” messy lesbian dating shows, and The White Lotus queer subtext to keep us entertained. A mouthful spoon of sugar ….
This week: trans-denationalization, the U.S. cultural revolution, Iran’s targeting of LGBTQ+ individuals, the risks of Ketamine, a White Lotus monologue, “Young Hearts,” IDAHOBIT, Pride, and much more…
Global News
Iran: UN Recognizes Crimes Against LGBTQ+ People
For the first time, the UN has formally acknowledged that LGBTQ+ individuals in Iran were not only systematically discriminated against but were also victims of international crimes due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. A new report from the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, presented to the Human Rights Council, confirms that LGBTQ+ people were disproportionately targeted during the 2022-23 protests, facing arbitrary detention, torture, and persecution. Iranian authorities engaged in an intentional campaign of violence, with detainees subjected to sexual assault, threats, and forced confessions. The report concludes that LGBTQ+ individuals, alongside Kurdish and Baluchi minorities, were victims of crimes against humanity. The timing is perfect as the U.S. reminded Iran recently at the UPR that human rights are “passé.” Read more.
Westerners call you LGBTQ+, but you are part of the sexually deranged.
Hungary: Ban Pride and Expand LGBTQ+ Surveillance
We reported last week that Hungary’s government is intensifying its crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights. This week, they passed a bill that bans Budapest Pride and deploys facial recognition technology to identify attendees. The law triggered protests. By criminalizing Pride and using surveillance tools to monitor activists, Hungary is crushing lgbtq+ voices. The European Union’s response will be a critical test of its commitment to our rights. Read more: Associated Press.
Ukraine: LGBTQ+ Soldiers Face Both War and Discrimination
In Le Monde, a photo series by Jesse Glazzard, sheds light on the experiences of LGBTQ+ soldiers in Ukraine. The series captures the dual struggles of these young soldiers, risking their lives on the battlefield while seeking recognition for their identities. And you thought you had it rough. See Glazzard's portfolio here and follow him on IG here.
If I have to die tomorrow, I would like to be remembered not just as a soldier, but as a gay soldier.
France: Soccer Star Under Fire for Anti-LGBTQ+ Comments
French professional soccer player Aïrine Fontaine has issued a public apology after making anti-LGBTQ+ remarks in a religious interview, suggesting that queer people should "get out of this" and citing the Bible to frame homosexuality as a sin. Fontaine, who represented France at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, faced immediate backlash, with fans and advocacy groups condemning her words as harmful and discriminatory. The French Football Federation (FFF) has denounced her statements, while her club, FC Fleury 91, has left disciplinary action to the FFF’s ethics committee. She posted the half-hearted apology on social media. Read more: Outsports.
UK: The Vivienne’s Ketamine-Related Death
I retired from the queer scene circa 2013. It already had a Ketamine issue which apparently only worsened. The family of James Lee Williams, known to the world as The Vivienne, has confirmed that the beloved drag performer died from a cardiac arrest caused by ketamine use. The RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner, who had previously spoken openly about battling addiction, was found dead in January at age 32. Read more: BBC News.
Israel: Grindr Traps in Haifa
Attackers are using Grindr to lure victims into ambushes, according to The Aguda. Recent reports detail incidents of stabbings and attempted lynchings, with assailants creating fake profiles to arrange meetings in remote locations. While some victims have come forward, others fear reporting the attacks, complicating efforts to catch those responsible. The Aguda and the Israel Internet Association have issued urgent safety warnings, advising app users to verify identities, avoid secluded areas, and report suspicious activity. Read more: The Jerusalem Post.
In a similar vein, this piece on dating app blackmail in Russia is a must-read
SAGE Launches Its Global Story Archive
As SAGE unfortunately winds down its international programs due to the Trump administration’s Executive Orders on foreign aid, the organization has unveiled its Global Story Archive. This first-of-its-kind collection features powerful narratives from LGBTQ+ elders worldwide, ensuring their histories and resilience. 🔗 Explore the archive here: SAGE Global Story Archive
US News
The Hidden Agenda Behind Trump’s Anti-Trans Attacks
In the NYTimes, Gessen argues that the Trump administration’s relentless targeting of transgender people is part of a broader effort to strip them of legal recognition and fundamental rights. From banning trans mentions in schools to invalidating gender markers on passports, these policies mirror historical patterns of “denationalization,” a tactic used to push marginalized groups out of political and social communities. I’d add to their analysis that there is a trend globally to assimilate identifying as LGBTQ+ to being a terrorist. It bodes poorly for our future.
Is Conversion Therapy Next On The Chopping Block?
We reported previously that the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear Chiles v. Salazar, a case challenging Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors. Legal experts predict a contentious debate as Colorado defends its law to safeguard against harmful and discredited practices, while opponents claim it unconstitutionally limits professional speech. With a Supreme Court increasingly willing to engage in cases involving gender and sexuality, this ruling could be another step backward. See on FoxNews.
HIV: The Fight Must Go On
Mark King reminds us on his blog My Fabulous Disease that HIV activism is as urgent today as it was in the 1980s. With a health secretary who questions whether HIV causes AIDS (see the Poppers story below) and vital programs like ADAP under threat, complacency is not an option. King calls on activists, allies, and even institutional leaders to return to the streets. The upcoming US Conference on HIV/AIDS in D.C. (September 4-7) presents an opportunity to demand accountability.
FDA Raids Poppers Manufacturer
The FDA has reportedly raided Double Scorpio (see the message on their website), a well-known poppers manufacturer, forcing the company to halt operations. The crackdown comes under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has previously promoted the false claim that poppers, not HIV, cause AIDS. While the FDA has long warned about potential health risks, including poisoning and even death, the targeted enforcement has raised eyebrows. Read more: NBC News.
Queering the boardroom
Two Board Dinners in NYC Last Week
Last week, the International Women’s Day Dinner and Retail & Beauty Dinner of the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors brought together LGBTQ+ executives, board directors, and allies to champion diversity at the highest levels of business. On March 11th, the Association’s Chair, Betsy Bernard, led a discussion on the progress and challenges of LGBTQ+ and women’s representation in corporate leadership, reminding attendees that while strides have been made, the work is far from over. The following evening, Rob Smith chaired the Retail & Beauty Dinner at the Lotos Club, which underscored the importance of LGBTQ+ leadership in shaping innovation, with insights from industry heavyweights like Mindy Grossman (fmr. CEO of Weight Watchers) and Torrence Boone (Board of Macy’s). The Association’s next dinner is in Detroit on April 29th.
Upcoming Webinars
Join the Association for a webinar on April 9 at 3 PM EST. Newly appointed LGBTQ+ board members share their journeys, challenges, and impact on corporate governance. This conversation is for anyone considering board service or curious about LGBTQ+ leadership in the boardroom. Register here. The day before (April 8), DDI is hosting Crafting Your Board Journey: Perfecting Your Board Resume and Board Bio (Register Here), which complements ours nicely.
LGBTQ+ moves in the Boardroom
Ruth Ann Marshall is set to step down from her role on Global Payments Board on April 24. On the appointment front, Gary Steele, CEO of Shield AI, will be joining its board on May 13. Additionally, Caroline G. Angoorly has taken on a board position at ICF International, with her appointment effective March 6.
The Gay Business
Trump Administration Targets Law Firms Over DEI Practices
"The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers". The administration is killing two birds with one stone with that one: undermining the rule of law and escalating its attack on DEI efforts. This week, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) sent letters to 20 major law firms questioning their DEI-related hiring and employment practices. Acting EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas claims the firms may have engaged in “reverse discrimination” by prioritizing diverse candidates. This move is one more nail in the coffin of private U.S. LGBTQ+ diversity mills often subsidized by law firms. The EEOC has also set up a tip line for reporting “potentially unlawful DEI practices.” Read more in the NYTimes.
S.F. Pride Loses Sponsors
San Francisco Pride is scrambling for alternative funding after major corporate sponsors—including Comcast, Anheuser-Busch (see our piece last week), and Diageo—dropped out of the 2025 celebration. Executive Director Suzanne Ford described businesses as "hedg[ing] their bets." Read more: San Francisco Chronicle
Semi-cultural desk
Sam Rockwell’s White Lotus Monologue
Sam Rockwell’s monologue in The White Lotus Season 3 was the best part of last week, with its take on queerness, masculinity, and power. Social media buzzes with praise, drawing comparisons to Jennifer Coolidge’s Season 2 outburst. I can’t wait for Sunday night.
What to watch? Young Hearts
8.1 on IMDb! Now that’s good. It’s playing at the IFC Center.
What to watch? Overcompensating
We must wait until May 15, when it premieres on Prime Video. Benito Skinner navigates college life as a closeted student in EW's exclusive first look at 'Overcompensating,' his new comedy series featuring Connie Britton, Kyle MacLachlan, and Charli XCX.
Bowen Yang and Lily Gladstone In ‘The Wedding Banquet’
The Wedding Banquet offers a fresh take on Ang Lee’s 1993 classic, with “Fire Island” director Andrew Ahn at the helm. Starring Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Joan Chen, and Oscar-winner Youn Yuh-Jung, the film follows a staged wedding between Min (Han Gi-Chan) and Angela (Tran) to secure a green card and IVF treatment—only for Min’s grandmother to arrive from Korea, turning the ruse into a massive celebration. It hits theaters on April 18. See Out Magazine.
New Lesbian Dating Show You Hauled
A new queer reality series, You Hauled, is set to take the infamous lesbian U-Haul stereotype to the next level. The show brings singles into a mansion where they’ll navigate whirlwind romances and decide whether to move in together. The first trailer teases plenty of drama, passion, and chaotic decision-making. While no official release date has been announced, the series will premiere on YouTube soon. Read more: Out. 🚛🏳️🌈
Where to shop? Le Printemps in NYC
French luxury retailer Printemps is
entering the U.S. market with its first location in the Financial District of New York City. Read more at Fast Company.
What to read? Réprimer et réparer
In Réprimer et réparer (Textuel, April 2nd), historian Antoine Idier uncovers the long history of state repression against LGBTQ+ people in France, drawing from previously unexamined police and judicial archives. As the country debates a reparations law, following Germany, the UK, and Canada, Idier questions the scope of justice: Should reparations be purely symbolic, or should they include financial compensation? 🔗 More info
Coming and going
Rainbow Railroad Seeks New CEO
Rainbow Railroad is searching for its next Chief Executive Officer. Candidates should have significant executive leadership experience and a strong commitment to LGBTQI+ justice. Based in the U.S. or Canada, the role offers a salary of $230,000–$260,000. Interested individuals can apply or nominate candidates at search@kevinchasesearch.com.
OutVote is Hiring
As the 2025 election cycle heats up, OutVote is hiring a Director of Organizing to lead LGBTQIA+ volunteers and a Digital Manager to expand their online presence—both roles pay $20/hour with funding caps.
The Gay Agenda
May 17th: IDAHOBIT In A Difficult Context
This year's International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) will feel VERY different, as U.S. embassies and international organizations, traditionally vocal supporters, are expected to adopt a lower profile. In the past, these entities have actively participated in IDAHOBIT events, issuing joint statements and organizing public commemorations (check out the 2024 report). However, I am excited about the inaugural "Ring the Bell for LGBTIQ+ Equality" initiative this year. Organized by the UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) initiative, in collaboration with partners such as the UN Global Compact, UN Human Rights (OHCHR), and KOPPA, this global event is scheduled from May 14-23, as the 17th falls on a Sunday.
June: Will Pride 2025 Look Very Different?
Pride 2025 is shaping up to be markedly different. We can expect a muted response from several governments, with fewer official statements and diplomatic engagements than in past administrations. A worst-case scenario could involve permit withdrawal. What will happen to World Pride in DC this year is still unclear. The mood in the streets may also feel more defiant than celebratory. Meanwhile, the extent of the private sector’s presence is for anybody to guess. While some companies may continue their support, the majority might scale back amid rising political pressure (will the crowd that “reject corporate influence” celebrate? They seem to have disappeared). As a result, Pride 2025 could see a return to its activist roots, with a renewed focus on protest, advocacy, and visibility in the face of evolving challenges.
Well, that’s it for this week. Hopefully, you’ve secured your poppers ahead of any impending crackdowns. As for me, I’ve been putting off a much-needed spring cleaning—both in my garden and on my windows—so that’s what’s on my agenda this weekend. I’ll start with this piece on the 90/90 rule for decluttering. It is time to clear out my internal chaos to better deal with a world in turmoil.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations, institutions, or individuals mentioned.