Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
This Week: UN Week, Elton John’s WH concert, launching LGBTFootprint, is Sinema to blame? Ron Hicks, De Santis, & other ghouls, a new ED at HRC, the return of the Gayla, and 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: A UN core-group event, Elton John’s WH concert, launching LGBTFootprint, is Sinema to blame? Probably, Ron Hicks, De Santis, and a cast of other ghoulish characters, a new ED at HRC, the return of the Gayla, Ciccilline’s new book, and new blood in Congress…
Global News
Serbia: EuroPride clouded by violence
Nikita Baranov told us it was the “most intense Pride march [he] ever had but we made it. Indeed it was shocking to watch the rioting of ultra-right groups which had to be controlled by 5,200 police officers. Apparently, 10 law enforcement personnel were injured and 5 cars were damaged in the process. The government’s back and forth on freedom of assembly was not a good look. On the other hand, this post by Pavel Subrt (East Meets West), who was in town, was uplifting.
Turkey : more of the same
Reminiscent of darker times in history, thousands marched in the streets of Istanbul to ask for a ban on LGBTQ+ groups in the country (see AFP). Turkey is one of several authoritarian governments, such as Hungary and Poland, and their supporters which responded to the medical, societal, and economic challenges of Covid-19 by doubling down on scapegoating LGBTQ+ people.
Europe: playing tough with China
The EU is replicating America's tougher stance toward China by aligning its policies with the US. Life has only gotten harder for the largest LGBTQ+ community in the World. It is easy to understand why LGBTQ+ identity is perceived as a threat by a party that has an historical monopoly on identity-building. Yet, our goal should be to ease the clamp-down on LGBTQ+ civil society. The powerful strategy I champion is for Europe and the US to celebrate Taiwan while engaging Chinese companies on the themes of inclusion and competitiveness. Read this article in Axios.
Qatar: you can host the game but you must be fair-play
This week, we were reminded yet again of the clumsy FIFA decision to hold the World Cup in Qatar in November. Dario Minden, the vice chairman of an umbrella group representing the interests of fans across Germany (a.k.a every single German person) courageously addressed the Qatari ambassador at a human rights congress hosted by the German soccer federation in Frankfurt. He highlighted that international sports competitions are about inclusion, and host countries with poor human rights track records should show signs of progress ahead of large events. FIFA and its sponsors must take note. Read about it on ESPN.
"You are more than welcome to join the international football community and also, of course, to host a big tournament. But in sports, it is how it is. You have to accept the rules.''
UN Week: Blinken and Allyn Shaw at the LGBTQ+ Core-group event
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday spoke at a U.N. LGBTI Core Group event on the eve of the U.N. General Assembly’s opening (you know the one that causes this week’s NYC traffic disaster). On that occasion, it was announced that Finland and the Dominican Republic were joining the coalition. Allyn Shaw brilliantly represented the private sector on the panel (see picture here, here and below). I am told as I grabbed dinner with him and the Independent Expert that evening at the Century Association. the room where the event took place strangely looked like a suburban basement though. The Washington Blade reported on Blinken’s Speech.
Belgium: Catholic Church will bless same-sex unions
Belgian Cardinal Jozef De Kesel and the Flemish Episcopate of Belgium have published a liturgy for the blessing of homosexual couples. They announced in a statement released on September 20. Read about the controversy on Catholic News Agency.
US News
Is postponing the Senate Vote on same-sex marriage Sinema’s idea?
Rumor has it that Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, of Arizona, is the one who asked to delay the vote. And we all know about Kyrsten. Some in the community see it as a missed opportunity to force Republicans to take a public stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion ahead of the mid-term elections. Read the Washington Post’s view on the topic here. Jim Manley tweeted:
“Fwiw- I was told by a good source that this was done at Sinema’s request- which is almost as bad as listening to Collins advice”
Article on Pennsylvania’s ranking on LGBTQ+ State Index ranking quotes Ron Hicks
I am all for bipartisanship (or am I?) but this reposted article on Pennsylvania’s ranking in yet another index gave a platform to gay Republican lawyer Ron Hicks who does not deserve one. As a reminder, Hicks came under fire on social media (and is now facing an ethics complaint) after the Presidential election for being part of a federal lawsuit that seek to undo votes cast in Pennsylvania. A first step to supporting LGBTQ+ Americans in the state would be not to undermine democracy.
Florida: what do we do with DeSantis?
I had the opportunity to meet with the amazing Congress newcomer Maxwell Frost, from Florida, last Friday at the BOLD and ASPIRE PACs reception in NYC. We discussed Governor DeSantis’ weaponizing of LGBTQ+ issues to bolster his political ambitions. Frost reminded me that DeSantis will have to give up his Governorship to run for President, leaving behind a rather weak Lieutenant Governor and opening an opportunity for much-needed change in the State. Later that day I also had dinner with Austin’s Greg Casar (along with Rep. Mark Takano and Rep. Ted Lieu who both avidly scrutinized the food at Le Coucou). Meeting all these young dynamic progressive Democrats getting into Congress made me feel hopeful.
On a side note, I am supporting two fundraisers in New York in the coming weeks in private homes: Will Rollins (Palm Springs) and Robert Zimmerman (New York): let me know if you are not maxed out and are interested to attend.
From the Boardroom
Who is attending the 2022 NACD (National Association of Corporate Directors) Summit?
We will be at the NACD Summit in DC on October 8-11 spreading the word on LGBTQ+ Board Talent at the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors and creating new partnerships. Give us a heads up if you will attend as the Association is planning a side event on the 11th.
Dilbert trolls ESG (fine) and LGBTQ+ Board Diversity (less fine)
Dilbert poked fun at both ESG And LGBTQ+ Board Diversity this Monday in its daily cartoon. The Association welcomed the attention including from the Twitter trolls. I plan to convince Scott Adams to give me the original so we can auction it off to benefit the Association. In the meantime, the New York Times also denounced “ESG makeovers” in an article this week.
“I worry that the growth in E.S.G. investing helps defer necessary conversation and action on planetary welfare.”
October 18: Speaking at NACD Nor-Cal for National Coming Out Day
The NACD Nor-Cal chapter is hosting an event in mid-October to discuss how board members can set the tone for DEI and impact culture within their respective companies and organizations through authenticity as well as allyship. You can register here.
Coming and Going
The long-awaited new Executive Director for HRC
Everybody congratulated Kelley Robinson yesterday on being appointed to lead the Human Rights Campaign! A meaningful development as human rights of LGBTQ+ people in the US are weaponized for political purposes. The Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors looks forward to partnering with her on LGBTQ+ representation in the Boardroom particularly in the context of the Corporate Equality Index.
Ambassador Randy Berry confirmed by Senate for Namibia post
Randy W. Berry, the former US envoy on LGBTQ+ rights, was just confirmed by the Senate. He tweeted “Sad to say farewell to Nepal, but excited for all that lies ahead in Namibia!”
From the semi-cultural desk
Gay characters in “House of Dragons”
Without spoiling it for you, the LA Times did not like the way Laenor Velaryon was introduced in the series. In other Dragon news, I am not the only one who is baffled by the very explicit décor of the Targaryen's little homestead.
David Cicilline’s new book
I just ordered David Cicilline’s House on Fire: Fighting for Democracy in the Age of Political Arson. I just wish he had dressed up as a fireman for the cover, although I understand it would have been risky in this day and age. Read about it in the Boston Globe.
Elton John’s concert at The White House
President Joe Biden will host Elton John for a performance on the South Lawn of the White House Friday for an event called "A Night When Hope and History Rhyme." 2000 guests will be in attendance. This is going to be the event to be seen at.
The etymology of LGBTQ+
This newsletter almost systematically uses the acronym LGBTQ+. I found this FastCompany interview of historian Bash Hendra, who recently founded Historical Homos, interesting as it weighs on the difficult balance between acknowledging our differences and creating some political cohesion.
The Gay Agenda
Last week: the Victory Fund’s event
I attended the LGBTQ Victory Fund Fundraiser in Columbus Circle. Many LGBTQ+ officials were in the house: Daniel J. O'Donnell, Jessica González-Rojas, Tony Simone, Fred Karger (who was wondering whether taking a picture with me would jeopardize invitations to other events), Robert Zimmerman, Lynn Schulman, Erik Bottcher, and Hon. Brad Hoylman. Also in attendance were David Hochberg, Howard Pulchin, Ashton Giese, Casey Ryan, Shameek Bose, and my personal favorite Ben Garett of Bolton St Johns. The rowdy crowd was silent for David Mixner who was accompanied by his loyal companion Gary Belis. I took the opportunity to congratulate Mayor Parker on her focus to bridge the local representation gap in the country.
Thursday: looking at a more sophisticated LGBTQ+ philanthropic engagement
Some checks are easier to make than others and some are also more impactful. I will join a luncheon event in New York City at Goals House - Tavern on the Green co-hosted by Outright and Google.org for an event titled, “From Idea to Action: A Four-Step Guide to Supporting Global LGBTIQ Causes Through Corporate Philanthropy”. The event will also introduce a new guide to assist the private sector to invest in supporting LGBTIQ civil society organizations globally in places where the movement is severely under-resourced.
Also Thursday: bring your black tie to the GMHC Gala
On Thursday, I will join the GMHC Fall Gala at Cipriani, as a guest of Ed Fogarty, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of GMHC! Let’s see if I fit in my tux after months without any exercise. If you want to see me “boudinée”(some French expressions just do not translate), get a ticket here.
Friday: Bi Visibility Day
If you missed Bi Awareness week this week, you can still mark bi-visibility day on Friday. The Bi+ community continues to be overlooked in most LGBTQ+ initiatives. In the US, bi organizers are meeting with the Government this week with a focus on health disparities. Read more here.
October 11th: National Coming Out Day
National Coming Out Day is observed annually to celebrate coming out and to raise awareness of the LGBTQ+ community and the civil rights movement. It is not too late for your organization to organize an event to mark the day. Let us know if we can help.
October 17th: The SAGE Gala
SAGE will host its annual Awards & Gala on Monday, October 17, also at Cipriani (I should really get a pied-a-terre there). You can buy your tickets here. I plan to pitch our 70 over 70 List to Michael Adams.
October 26-29: IGLTA Tu vuò fà l'italiano
I will attend the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA)’s 38th Global Convention in Milan from 26-29 October. I will be in Italy a bit longer as I have a few additional appointments. Or is it just an excuse to stay longer in one of my favorite places? you will never know. I hope you can join me. Register here.
March 2023: Sydney World Pride Human Rights Conference
WorldPride is coming to Sydney 17 Feb – 5 Mar 2023. The Human Rights Conference (1 to 3 March 2023) has announced some of its speakers including Sarah McBride, Kenita Placide and Yanzi Peng. Read about it here and book your ticket for Australia.
The non-profit corner
Launching LGBTFootprint.org
You no longer have to feel conflicted about hosting your conference in Texas, vacationing in Florida or even devouring the occasional Chick-fil-A on a roadtrip. Tobias Holfelt and I came up with a new initiative called LGBTFootprint. The idea is for individuals and companies to obtain a certificate offsetting their negative impact on LGBTQ+ human rights, the same way they would do on carbon, by spending money that could eventually end up supporting anti-LGBTQ+ initiatives. The proceeds are used directly to support specific counterinitiatives. You can visit our website here and send comments and suggestions to tobias@mbmarketmakers.com or myself.
Support trans employability in the tri-state area
As a Board member of Trans New York, I’m proud of our new fundraising campaign, #WerkTogether! Trans employability, dignity through work and economic empowerment is more crucial than pronouns or participation in Sports. We are raising money for our groundbreaking Workforce Development program for trans and gender-nonconforming individuals. Many individuals in our first cohort have already found a job. You can use this link to donate.