Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
Ghana's bill & PGLE, Italy's surrogacy saga, Frédéric Mitterrand, US pride flag woes, a global LGBTQ+ aid survey, Mixner's service, Dan Baer's book, exporting Maloney, Wong's charm diplomacy & more...
Welcome to this (1 hour late) issue of Fabrice Houdart's vibrant weekly dispatch on LGBTQ+ Equality, where we blend the bitter with the sweet and progress with the setbacks. From Ghana's legal tussles to Italy's crusades against surrogacy and the poignant goodbye to Mixner, we've got the scoop that keeps the global LGBTQ+ village talking. Join us for a roller-coaster ride through triumphs, tribulations, and the occasional absurdity that defines our journey toward equality.
This week: Ghana's bill & the PGLE, Italy's surrogacy saga, Frédéric Mitterrand, US pride flag woes, a global LGBTQ+ aid survey, Mixner's service, Dan Baer's book, exporting Maloney, Wong's charm diplomacy & more
Global News
Ghana: more arm wrestling around the bill
President Akufo-Addo'In continues to feel the heat as he does his best to delay signing the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. In the meantime, Ghanaians are awaiting their lawmakers’ final guidance on what is “proper human sexual rights” *eye roll emoji* creating a huge gay sex backlog in the country. The Speaker labeled the president's hesitancy as unconstitutional, and the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious, representing 71 Catholic organizations, despite not being asked their opinion, publicly called for the President's signing:
As consecrated persons, we join our voices to that of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference and other bodies in urging the President to sign the recently passed [...] bill into law.
Ghana: spotlight on PGLE and the WEF
In a Fortune article on the cocoa industry, I called out the Partnership for Global LGBTIQ+ Equality, yet another “coalition” created in 2019 by the World Economic Forum and a Pennsylvania farmer to “operationalize the UN Standards” I co-authored and socialized between 2017-2020, HRC, and GLAAD (who are ironically members of the PGLE too), for not even attempting to organize their chocolatiers “corporate Partners” around the bill. The Mars family, for example, had to be reached through back channels. A functioning “business coalition” would be more impactful than turning the “Promenade” in Davos into a rainbow once a year. PGLE’s paid coordinator, BSR™®, seemed oblivious that its role is actually to be “aware” when both Iraq and Kenya are next on the “Uganda contagion effect” list:
Wingfield said he wasn’t aware of companies that purchase cocoa beans in Ghana lobbying against the bill, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t because their advocacy may be “private.”
France: death of “homosexual Minister” Frédéric Mitterrand
The former Sarkosy Minister of Culture and nephew of President Mitterand (I know… strange allegiances) passed away at the age of 76 this week after a battle with cancer. Mitterrand was also a prominent figure in the cinema and television industry, known for his work as a producer, documentary filmmaker, and director of several films. It took him a long time to come out, but once he did, he crushed very publicly on Brad Pitt (see here). His memoir, “The Bad Life” (2010), was controversial as he discussed “sex with boys” right after having virulently defended Polanski. In May 2023, he confided to gossip magazine Closer:
There are a lot more people who do not accept homosexuality than what is said. The official world has become tolerant, the real world is much less so. And even though I am privileged by the persona I have created for myself, I still sometimes face aggression. Recently, a young man very violently insulted me in the subway.
Italy: Meloni’s animus
The Economist, which always had a soft spot for fascists, recently had a headline that read, “Giorgia Meloni’s not-so-scary right-wing government. Liberal fears have so far proved overblown.” Despite its neo-fascist heritage, the article argued that Meloni's tenure proved more boring than disruptive. Talk for yourself, Schumpeter! Meloni’s determination to make surrogacy “a universal crime” is a petty move to appease a bloodthirsty electorate before the European elections (June 6-9). The bill, currently under discussion in the Senate, would extend the punishment for surrogacy (2 years in jail already) to instances “even when committed abroad.” Concretely, Italian gay men who had a child legally in the US could be prosecuted for it when traveling back home. It sounds scary to me.
🚨🚨 YOUR HELP: assessing International LGBTQI+ Aid🚨🚨
I am co-authoring a paper with students that attempts to map the landscape of bilateral and multilateral aid, focusing on its sufficiency, allocation, and impact on LGBTQI+ communities. If you are an LGBTQI+ organization or activist, please complete this 5-minute survey for LGBTQI+ activists and organizations globally. It is in English, French, and Spanish. Kindly share it with the LGBTQI+ global mafia.
In other global news
Thailand is one step closer to legalizing same-sex marriage (something Italy does not even have, by the way) as the bill heads to the Senate. The reaction in the region is read as a very positive sign. Georgia's ruling party introduced a bill to curb LGBTQI+ rights, sparking opposition and concern ahead of elections: Georgia's Ruling Party Proposes New Law Cracking Down on LGBT Rights."
U.S. News
Pride flag: the dead canary wrapped in a rainbow flag in the coal mine
By now, you probably heard that the $1.2 trillion government funding bill introduces a measure that effectively prohibits the display of Pride flags at U.S. embassies. In the US, gay people managed to go from “a danger to society” to “an oppressed minority” and back to “a danger to society” in less than 50 years. Full circle! We are that good. The Congressional Equality Caucus touted it as an accomplishment against “attempts to use the appropriations process for an all-out assault on LGBTQI+ rights have officially failed.” The Gilbert Baker Foundation did not see it that way:
This cynical political maneuver is typical of the GOP, the Party of Destruction. But equally egregious is that President Biden and Democrats approved the budget, knowing the poison pill line item that had already been added.
HRC Dinner: The Strange Bidens’ Strategy
Who the f***k is managing the Biden calendar this election year? Instead of attending fundraising events for our 2024 LGBTQ+ candidates, like the Victory Fund Brunch on April 7th, the Bidens have attended THREE TIMES for Human Rights Campaign fundraising events in the past few months. HRC might have a penury of ideas, but if there is one thing HRC does not need more of at this point, it’s money. Last Saturday, Dr. Biden was again at their Los Angeles Dinner, where she started her remarks with a nod to David Mixner but got interrupted by pro-Gaza demonstrators.
Oklahoma: Nex Benedict case closed
Our friends at GLAAD continued this week to condemn the Tulsa District Attorney's decision not to pursue charges in the tragic case of Nex Benedict. Despite Nex Benedict facing bullying and violence, culminating in their death by suicide after a school bathroom altercation, the lack of charges has been justified by claims of "mutual combat" and insufficient evidence by the DA’s office. SKE tweeted:
It is critical that an independent investigation is completed and the truth about what happened to Nex, and what all marginalized youth in Oklahoma schools endure, is brought to light.
David Mixner’s farewell on Monday
This Monday, a beautiful service for David Mixner took place at the Church of Saint Paul, The Apostle in Hell’s Kitchen. Among the many present in the Church were Senator Ivan Scalfarotto, Igor Suran, Floriana Notarangelo (Barilla), all from Italy, Jean-Pierre Comte’s family, Bill Baroni, Gary Belis, Kevin Wells, Mitch Draizin, Fred Hochberg, Steven Guy, Charles Myers, Rob Smith, former HRC President Elizabeth Birch, Ken Melhman, Richard Socarides, Marti Cummings, William Kapfer, Kevin Jennings (Lambda Legal), Brian Bond (PFLAG), Seth Schermer (Victory Fund), Wilson Cruz, Brian Sims with his fiancé (and some ex-bf in attendance such as Mark MacKillop who sung “if I had a hammer”), Bob Shrum and Oatsie (virtually) and Daniel Sinasohn. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, accompanied by his wife Tammy, who had dropped out of her race for mysterious reasons, gave a beautiful eulogy. Rep. Mark Takano was the only Congressperson who made the trip, while Gautam Raghavan represented the White House. Fmr. Congressman Maloney, who had gotten as close to the Democratic leadership as a gay man can be, was telling people about his upcoming Parisian exile (well, not Paris as much as the depths of the XVIth, I would know I was born in La Muette). HRC and GLAAD did not attend. At the reception afterward, I accidentally poured coffee on Schermer’s beige coat while my son, about Ashton Giese’s age, bonded with him over LEGO and the NFL. Besides sharing stories about Mixner hitting on every waiter on every 47th street, I exchanged trading tales and tidbits with other escapees from the pinkwashing factory where I was briefly employed. Attendees were invited to contribute to the Mixner Memorial Fund at Ali Forney, which is halfway to its $500K annual goal (so kindly donate).
Chantale Wong shows you how it’s done
Read this portrait of Wong. Ambassador Chantale Wong, who embodies “charm diplomacy,” has been doing more to advance LGBTQI+ rights in Asia in the past few years than all of America combined. Her journey from a covert escape from China to convincing conservative institutions that LGBTQI+ rights are a development issue encapsulates a life less ordinary, blazing trails as America’s first openly lesbian Ambassador of color. Her role at the Asian Development Bank hasn’t just been about policy, opening doors, and smashing stereotypes. Her career narrative reads like a blend of an action-packed thriller and a heartfelt drama; Wong proves that whether in a blue safety vest or diplomatic attire, she's a force for change, championing the rights of the LGBTQ community with the same fervor as a Mardi Gras parade - making history, one impactful step at a time.
Queering the Boardroom
Four key LGBTQ+ departures
There were four notable LGBTQ+ departures from biotech and pharmaceutical companies this month: Dr. Kristen M. Hege (LENZ Therapeutics, Inc.) on March 22, Clarence Patrick Machado (Chimerix, Inc.) on March 21st, and Laurie J. Olson and Denice Torres from Karuna Therapeutics, both on March 18. I hope the seats stay in the family.
ALBEI in AICD Magazine
The only thing I learned from my previous boss is a deep appreciation for seeing my picture in print. So I was delighted to discover this illustration in April edition of Australia’s "Company Director Magazine". It illustrates an article on Board diversity in which the Australian LGBTQ+ Board & Executive Inclusion (ALBEI) discusses how companies like Woodside Energy disclose their board diversity, spanning gender, First Nations, LGBTQI+, cultural backgrounds, and racial diversity. It also mentions how Albei’s study revealed that while 32% of ASX50 companies have LGBTQ+ inclusive board policies (debunking erroneous numbers), 67 companies in the ASX 200 have a fully inclusive definition of diversity for their workforce but not for their Boards. With the new ASX Corporate Governance Principles currently under consultation, this is an excellent time for this discussion.
The proverbial tipping point on gender equality in US Boards
Fortune reports this week that the S&P 500 boards now feature women in 33% of their seats, up from 25% five years ago. Fortune speculates it could be a tipping point for female CEOs, as there is a proven correlation between board diversity and the appointment of female leaders. For example, Best Buy, Citigroup, and ADP, boards with higher-than-average female representation, have chosen women for the CEO role.
The Gay Business
SSE supports May 17th “ring the bell for LGBTQ+ Equality”
Open for Business (UK), CGLCC, the Canadian Association (Canada), and Koppa met this week with the Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) Initiative, which confirmed that it would invite its members to ring the bell for LGBTQI+ equality on May 17th. Discussions with the Toronto Stock Exchange and ASX are progressing, and we are awaiting contact with LSE and NASDAQ.
Richard Branson’s words reach Ghana
Branson comments that the bill would be a disaster made its way to Ghana’s press, showcasing how Open for Business remains the business coalition of reference.
The semi-cultural desk
To show its open-mindedness, Russia sends homosexuals to Ukraine
Or at least that’s what LeGorafi, the French equivalent of The Onion, claimed in a piece on a hypothetical gesture of love by Vladimir Putin towards our community:
We are in the 21st century! It is inconceivable that we allow heterosexuals to die violently under bombs for a cause that is beyond them and not homosexuals!" declared an outraged Vladimir Putin this morning during a press conference, banging his fist on the table. "That's why I've decided to make a gesture and announce the exceptional deployment of more than 30,000 LGBT people in Ukraine," he continued. "This will make room among the enemy troops while also making room in our prisons.
George Santos, our deformed mirror
Former Congressman George Santos refuses to disappear into oblivion. He announced his departure from the Republican Party to run independently under the 'Ultra MAGA' banner. The GOP leadership's handling of the spending deal disappointed: he was hoping “fags” to “flags” would be banned in the small print. Criticizing the Republican Party for betraying its base, Santos aims to bring his "Ultra MAGA/Trump supporting values" to New York 1st District, challenging both Republican and Democratic candidates in a bold attempt to reclaim a seat in Congress amidst his ongoing legal battles.
The Debt-Free Guys
Do you know these guys? I only heard about them this week. They are a big deal. However, I am doubtful about their spending-conscious modus operandi. What’s the point of being gay if you cannot stay in an uber-luxury hotel in Tokyo when your SME is firing employees left and right?
Run Dan, Run
I just ordered Dan Baer’s manifesto “The Four Tests: What It Will Take to Keep America Strong and Good.” The "four tests" America must navigate are: i) maintaining scale in the face of rising global powers, ii) directing investments towards future success, iii) ensuring fairness within its economy and society, and iv) fostering a unifying national identity capable of withstanding the tests of time. Interestingly, Baer was US Ambassador to the OCDE, Maloney’s new job (see below); it’s such a small newsletter. If there is one lesson from this book, it is that Baer still has his eyes on John Hickenlooper’s seat.
Coming and going
Sottolano leaves Visa
Greg Sottolano is FOLX’s newest addition to the team, led by CEO Liana Douillet Guzmán as Chief People Officer. FOLX Health is the first digital healthcare company designed by and for the LGBTQI+ community.
Who is going to replace Annise Parker at the Victory Fund?
I like the Victory Fund. I think that’s what we need in America: to have the votes, particularly at the local level. I would have liked for Annise Parker to stay longer. However, turnover is healthy, especially when some LGBTQ+ Executive Directors who will remain unnamed have followed in Xi Jinping's and Bokassa I's footsteps in becoming “CEO and President for Life.” My grandfather would always tell me how Bokassa once stopped in some défilé to say to him, “My people have asked me to become Emperor,” my grandparents attended his subsequent sacre.
Maloney gets Senate approval
How perfect that we get a gay OECD Ambassador just when I am about to produce a report that recommends tracking development aid for LGBTQI+ people globally. This is a great job that comes with a great apartment and a lot of boring meetings.
The Gay Agenda
April 9th, United Nations Church Center
Join us for "Reframing the Global LGBTQ+ Narrative; Family, Tradition, and Spirituality" on Tuesday, April 9th, from 1 pm to 3 pm at the Church Center's 11th floor on East 44th St. and 1st Avenue. Spearheaded by Dr. Bobbi Nassar, with panelists Bruce Knotts, Edafe Okporo, and Dr. Elizabeth Zick, and moderated by yours truly, the gathering seeks to address the current challenges faced by our community and the importance of reigniting LGBTQ+ rights within the United Nations. Register here.
ERRATUM
Just a couple of corrections. Jonathan Groff is starring in Merrily, and the show is Illinoise, with an “e”- it’s not my fault, Chad Dobson is sending me his cultural recommendations with typos - a lifelong dedication to LGBTQI+ safeguards has left him half-senile.
As we wrap up another week of pride and protest, let's not forget that it is always about power and resources. Keep reading, sharing, and, most importantly, fill out the survey in this newsletter. I am off to Hudson and Pawling this weekend for a well-deserved Easter R&R with the twins; see you next week.