Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
This week: EU elections hangover, a virtual hug to Attal, the Russian resistance, a baffling silence on transphobic violence, the infuriating Seminole sex sting, TMVII, decoding corporate Pride...
Bonjour. With DC, Boston, and LA Pride (yeah…Ricky Martin) in the rear mirror, we are now in the middle of the rainbow marathon in the U.S. Hang on; July is in sight. Things have been smoother than expected (i.e., the State Department’s prophecy thankfully did not concretize; better safe than sorry) despite the cloud of European Elections, the aftermath of unsettling transphobic violence in a Minnesota school and Justice Alito’s Wife issues with the Pride flag. But if you are waiting out Pride, don’t worry; I have your back. I have a long list of movies for you to watch over the weekend in this newsletter's “semi-cultural” section.
Global News
Europe: Rise of the Far-Right, A Threat to LGBTQ+ Rights?
On Sunday, the mood was somber in Paris when Macron called for a snap election after being overshadowed by the far-right National Rally in the European Parliament elections. French can be self-centered, but Macron could have found solace in the fact that we share this fate with most European Nations. Geert Wilders’ anti-immigration party in the Netherlands and the AfD in Germany signals a potential shift in European policies. While these parties are unlikely to govern Europe as a bloc, their increased influence on specific policies poses significant risks, including to those of us who are not migrants, my dear friends. Yesterday, Têtu challenged the notion that the Rassemblement National favors LGBTQ+ issues.
The RN has evolved a lot on these subjects. We don't know what they're thinking, which is far from reassuring. What we know is that they are subject to foreign influences which oppose the rights of LGBTQI+ people.
France: Macron’s Betrayal of Attal
In his delusional attempt at getting French people to come to their senses (has he heard about the whole Brexit mishap??? don’t get me started), did Macron f**d over Attal, you may ask yourself? Despite Attal’s Gaullist posturing: "I will fulfill my duty as a citizen devoted to his country who will do everything to avoid the worst”, Macron pulled the rug from under Attal’s feet, giving him the impossible task of governing a country that hates its President only to topple his government six months in. Macron did not even consult Attal about calling for parliamentary elections—a “douche froide” for the one many perceived as Macron’s heir (Macron will reach mandatory retirement in 2027). I would hug him virtually, but French people hate hugs. Although gay French people will shrug at my analysis, I found some toxic masculinity in the way Macron/Darmanin dealt with the outcome of the elections. Will Attal’s political career survive the turmoil of the months to come? Only time will tell.
Russia: Queendom, Queer Resistance
As I mentioned previously, Gena Marvin is a 22-year-old Russian queer nonbinary artist whose radical performances are taking a considerable amount of risk in sclerosed Russia. Queendom is now out of control: the film is opening in New York and LA next week. I urge you to watch it:
Vatican: wait, is Francis gaslighting us?
During a meeting with priests from his diocese in Rome on June 11th, Pope Francis once again used the Italian word "frociaggine," which in French would translate into "Tarlouze" (no, not Toulouse 🙄) while discussing the issue of homosexuality in the Church. On May 20, the 87-year-old Pope had previously used this term during a private meeting with 200 Italian bishops, sparking a widespread controversy only to apologize later on.
Belgium: a Crime Driven by Homophobia and Racism
Jérémy Davin has been found guilty of the murder of Mbaye Wade in Liège in 2020. Wade was tragically killed with 15 knife wounds during a rendezvous arranged on Grindr. The grim details reveal Davin’s deliberate intent to "scare" Wade as a form of revenge, showcasing the horrendous effects of internalized homophobia.
US News
Minnesota: a strange national silence on Cobalt Sovereign
On May 30, Cobalt Sovereign, a non-binary student, was brutally assaulted in the boys' bathroom. The attack left Cobalt with severe injuries, including a broken jaw and traumatic brain injury. Cobalt, a 17-year-old junior, regularly used the boys' bathroom to avoid trouble. While the local community shifted to ritualized communication, offering outrage and a go-fund, national organizations did not comment, possibly because they messed up after the death of Nex Benedict four months ago. I fear that LGBTQ+ Americans tragically switched to a firearm shooting communication model in which their ready-to-eat response to transphobic violence reinforces its trivialization. Read more on CNN or Fox9.
She's experienced like glimmers of transphobia before this, just naturally, as most, if not all, trans people do. But it's never been this bad. It's never gone to the point of full-on assault.
Florida: Charges Dropped in Seminole Sex Sting
This case still infuriates me (see my rant two weeks ago: “the handjob’s aftermath, a symbol of 2024 America”). Charges were dropped against former University of Central Florida Trustee Harold Mills and another man, Leroy Green, following their arrests in a Seminole County sex sting. Still, the damage to their life is irrevocably done. Harold Mills and his wife Rosy had already lost their son Daniel less than a year ago. Prosecutors stated that there was insufficient evidence to prove public exposure, as the alleged incidents occurred within vehicles and were only witnessed by undercover deputies. Despite the dropped charges, Mills and Green faced the infamous scarlet letter, the hallmark of America’s punitive obsession. Read more.
Florida: DeSantis keeps on losing
A federal district court has permanently blocked Florida from enforcing a law that banned medical care for transgender adolescents and restricted it for transgender adults. The ruling in Doe v. Ladapo found that the law, motivated by bias against transgender individuals, violated their equal protection rights. Nadine Smith wrote in Equality Florida’s statement:
Despite the Governor and his rubber-stamp GOP supermajority continuously stripping away our rights, brave plaintiffs, lawyers, and judges have dealt another powerful blow to DeSantis’ agenda of censorship, surveillance, and government intrusion into our personal healthcare decisions.
SEGM and Genspect Designated as Hate Groups by SPLC
The Southern Poverty Law Center has recently classified SEGM (Society for Evidence-Based Gender Medicine) and Genspect as anti-LGBTQ+ hate groups. This designation is part of a broader report highlighting a 30% increase in anti-LGBTQ+ hate groups in 2023. The SPLC's report criticizes these groups for promoting harmful pseudoscience and anti-trans rhetoric, often under the guise of "evidence-based" approaches. Yet, others in the LGBTQ+ community are defending SEGM as a legitimate scientific organization. Read more.
White House: Immigration Executive Order sparks controversy
In addition to the Gaza war, President Biden's executive order aimed at closing the U.S.-Mexico border and capping asylum seekers is testing the extent to which the LGBTQ+ community is in bed with the current administration. The National #LGBTQ Task Force and other organizations action denounced it as harmful and xenophobic, while gay apparatchiks urged silence over what is a strategic move for political gain. Read more.
Pride2024: Looking back at Mixner’s 1993 speech
On this topic, I was listening to the late Mixner’s 1993 speech (part I here, and II here) on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” sent to us by his friend Steven Guy; the following quote felt ominous:
But if you try to shut the mouths of those that you have put around you to stop from discussing this issue and keeping them out of the loop as we discuss this problem, there is something wrong [amen], and you will meet us on the Campaign Trail.
TMVII: the Ringworm that is all the rage in Fire Island this summer
The STD of the summer was finally announced. While MPOX is still present in NYC, a rare, sexually transmitted form of ringworm caused by the fungus, Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII) has been documented in the U.S. for the first time. This highly contagious infection, previously seen in Europe and Southeast Asia, was identified in a New York City man in his 30s who developed symptoms after returning from travels. Dermatologists emphasize the importance of prompt treatment to prevent scarring and transmission. Read more about this case in Live Science.
Queering the Boardroom
Rob Smith joins the Association’s Board
Robert Smith, a pioneering leader in gender-neutral fashion and social responsibility, has joined the Board of the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors in replacement of Elizabeth Mora, who served two years on the Board. Smith, a Director on the Board of Steve Madden [SHOO (NASDAQ)] since 2014 and the Founder and CEO of The Phluid Project, brings nearly 30 years of industry experience. See the viral announcement here (anything Rob is involved with goes viral!).
Laurent Claquin joins Kering’s Executive Committee.
Kering has announced Laurent Claquin's appointment as Group Chief Brand Officer, effective July 1st. Claquin joins the Executive Committee: a big deal. Read more here.
Next week: life sciences dinner in San Francisco
I am heading to California next week (hopefully my last business trip before the fall) as the Association, our newest sponsor Cooley, NACD NorCal, and RSM US are hosting a life sciences dinner at Rosewood Sand Hill. Among the esteemed guests and corporate pioneers are Cathy Halligan, Deborah Kilpatrick, Emily Chiu, Mario Marte, and Gary Loeb.
Going back to school for C-Suite Executives
The 4th Annual Directors’ Academy at NYU School of Law is scheduled from October 31st to November 1st. It will focus on enhancing board effectiveness, particularly in corporate governance, compliance, cybersecurity, AI, climate change, DEI, and more. Registration closes on October 16th (eventbrite).
The Gay Business
Decoding Corporate Pride 2024
In specific industries, Pride this year feels demure. For too many corporate leaders, LGBTQ+ inclusion in business was a philanthropic and charitable endeavor rather than a genuine appetite to correct an injustice and change outcomes. As a result, many corporations have toned down their Pride celebrations because they are disposable engagements. It is shortsighted: LGBTQ+ people, specifically non-binary and bi+ people, exist not only in the United States but everywhere. And, as the IPSOS annual Pride survey data makes abundantly clear, our identities are not fads or phases and are increasing among younger generations.
Trevor Project: what lessons did we learn?
There is no better time for an autopsy than right after the crisis. At the end of 2022, Trevor had more than $40million in reserves. It went from that to having to fire 20% of its staff in just under two years. The troubles at Trevor are a lesson for LGBTQ+ non-profit boards to lead the org through a leadership transition responsibly. Because it is a non-profit, Trevor avoided the scrutiny of a private company, and yet these developments affected countless LGBTQ+ people seeking life-saving support. I was glad to see that Daniel Zelikow, recently joined the Board: a sign that things might soon turn around.
Semi cultural desk
Lesbian Romance Under the Influence
I know what I am watching this weekend. In the gritty film "Love Lies Bleeding," now streaming, Kristen Stewart takes on a transformative role, portraying a tough, lovestruck character entangled in the world of bodybuilding and underground dealings. The film, set against the backdrop of the 1980s, also stars Katy O’Brian, who delivers a compelling performance as Lou, a volatile arms dealer, and Ed Harris, whose makeup is a little much—no offense to the makeup artist.
A Hypnotic Pair: Gary Oldman and Celeste Dalla Porta
In the fog of airplanes and Air France lounges, I saw a sexy picture of Gary Oldman and rising star Celeste Dalla Porta in matching Saint Laurent Tuxedos (did I tell anybody that my tuxedo pants cracked at the Outright gala last week?) and a Saint Laurent gown by Anthony Vaccarello (#Gay). That reminded me that I wanted to put their mesmerizing performance in Paolo Sorrentino's "Parthenope" on your radar screen. Chose faite!
Hunter Schafer: Transcendent Beauty in “Kinds of Kindness”
Transgender actress Hunter Schafer graced the Cannes Film Festival red carpet, representing Yorgos Lanthimos's film "Kinds of Kindness."
KINDS OF KINDNESS | Official Trailer | Searchlight Pictures
A puff piece on Andy Cohen in New York Magazine
Feel free to get annoyed by the following comments and let me know. There is something odd about NY Magazine lamenting Trump on the first pages of this month’s issue and celebrating Andy Cohen, the embodiment of the great dumbing down of America, on the next page. The piece feels more like US Weekly than Adam Moss. I got flacked a few weeks ago for questioning America’s anti-intellectualism in its selection of graduation speakers. However, influence requires legitimacy and some intellectual authority; society gets out of whack without it. In the Trump era, the capacity to sit and reflect is crucial, and from the article, it is not Andy’s cup of tea. I would consider canceling my subscription, but I don’t know my password.
Roy Cohn gets another movie: The Apprentice
Am I the only one annoyed that Roy Cohn gets way more attention than Harry Hay?
A House Is Not a Disco
Brian J. Smith's debut documentary, A House Is Not a Disco, offers an intimate look into the lives of Fire Island Pines residents, blending the hedonistic past and the challenges of a climate-impacted future.
The NYTimes was at Jenna Lyons’s stoop sale.
Jenna Lyons did not call me after last week, but here is what the NYTimes found at her stoop sale.
Coming and Going
Sophie Delannoy Awarded Knight of the National Order of Merit
On June 7th, our friend Sophie Delannoy, a transgender woman who worked at Fondation Le Refuge and volunteered at L'Autre Cercle for many years, was appointed a Knight of the National Order of Merit by presidential decree, following the recommendation of the Prime Minister and the Minister for Gender Equality and the Fight against Discrimination, Aurore Bergé.
Fabrice joins CUNY TV Foundation’s Board
Am I allowed to write about myself? Do I have to abide by some deontology code here? I was elected an hour ago to the iconic City University of New York TV Foundation Board of Directors today as part of an effort to broaden my interest beyond LGBTQ+ issues. We aim to raise $500K to produce high-quality programming that costs between $100-150K per year. Read more here.
The Gay Agenda
June 24: Join the Uncloseted Media PRIDE Fundraising Party
Fund a substack worth it for a change: the Uncloseted Media PRIDE Fundraising Party (see their Welcome Video) will take place in two weeks. Hosted by the founder Spencer Macnaughton and Gaingel’s Paul Grossinger, the event aims to raise $100K to launch a substack dedicated to exposing America's anti-LGBTQ ecosystem. Enjoy a rooftop evening at the Mercedes Club in Hell's Kitchen, NYC, from 6-8 PM. RSVP here.
A boycott of the Pride Month celebration at the White House,
Chappell Roan announced they declined to perform at the White House Pride Celebration over Gaza. Rose Montoya took the opportunity to remind the Bidens she would be glad to attend this year again (just kidding, she is not invited).
Excited for the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center festivities
We are only two weeks away from the SNMVC's grand opening (June 28th), and I will attend several events to celebrate. Read more here.
June 28th: Bidens to Highlight Pride Month at LGBTQ+ Leadership Gala
On the eve of the NYC Pride March, Jeffrey Marburg invited me to the 25th annual LGBTQ+ Leadership Council Gala featuring Elton John. See here.
Well, that’s it for this week. I wrote this early this morning as I was jetlagged from my NYC garden, which is now in peak season. My péché mignon are ferns. After July 2nd, I plan to take all my calls from there and not leave my apartment.
