Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
This week: cupcakes for Mullahs, super-Pressman vs. László Kövér, progress in India, spotlight on Visit Florida’s CEO, Kaos, the Cats Drag Ball, Garth Greenwell, the gay golden girls, and much more…
Welcome to this week’s edition of my newsletter: I am sorry for any possible mistake; I went out until 11 p.m. last night, which impairs my abilities at my age. Yet, this week's newsletter covers everything you need to know about, from purple Australian cupcakes for Mullahs to the superpowers of U.S. Ambassador David Pressman! We dive into the latest pro-LGBTQ+ policies s in India, explore some questionable tattoos in Macron’s vacation crew, and look at Florida’s ongoing battle with inclusion. Don’t miss a review of The Drag-Ball Cats at the Perelman Center, and check out Garth Greenwell’s upcoming novel Small Rain so you have something clever to say at all these back-to-school dinners popping up and a naked Gen Z housekeeper in the gay Golden Girls reboot. Oh, and Manu Chao is back after 17 years! All this and more—
This week: cupcakes for Mullahs, super-Pressman vs. László Kövér, progress in India, spotlight on Visit Florida’s CEO, Kaos, the Cats Drag Ball, Garth Greenwell, the gay golden girls, and much more…
Global News
Iran: Australian purple cupcakes for Mullahs
Iran has summoned Australia's ambassador following an Instagram post by the embassy supporting Wear It Purple Day on August 30th (who is the charming gay holding the cupcakes?). The post, which remains live, was deemed "norm-breaking" by the Iranian government (snowflakes *eye roll*). Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the post as contrary to Islamic customs, not clarifying if it is the gays or the cupcakes that it deemed offensive. Despite the backlash, the Australian government, including Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who happens to be a “norm breaker,” expressed pride in promoting Australian values of diversity and inclusion globally, reaffirming their stance on human rights. Read more here.
India: New Protections for LGBTQIA+ Community
It looks like the Indian Supreme Court’s promises a year ago that India would give equal financial rights and legal protection to the LGBTQ+ community, even though it fell short of legalizing same-sex marriage, are coming true. The Indian government has implemented some new measures in the past few months. Queer couples are now recognized as part of the same household for ration cards, and joint bank accounts are permitted without restriction (see Indian Express). Healthcare access has been expanded, with a focus on banning conversion therapy and providing gender-affirming care. Additionally, advisories have been issued to protect the community from discrimination and violence. My friend and spirit animal, Keshav Suri, shared his optimism with me:
It seems they are listening
Hungary: Super Pressman vs. László Kövér
IMHO, U.S. Ambassador to Hungary Pressman is an underrated X-man along with Iceman, Archangel, and Longshot. His superpower is guerilla diplomacy, and his superhero costume is a compelling dark suit with a navy tie. On September 3rd, he publicly condemned the actions of the Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, László Kövér, who denied elected representatives access to Hungary's parliament. Part of a caucus focused on LGBTQI+ rights, these parliamentarians were barred from using parliamentary space to conduct official business, forcing them to meet at a local university. Pressman and EU ambassadors and ministers attended the meeting to show support. Pressman expressed deep concern, noting that denying access to elected officials raises questions about Hungary's democracy and the nation's commitment to human rights. He omitted to mention that Kövér is in dire need of the Queer Eye For The Straight Guy crew: he is as frumpy as Pressman is sleek.
China: Cross-Strait LGBTQ+ Couples Face Marriage Ban
The Guardian ran a story this week about a cross-strait couple from Taiwan and China, unable to marry due to China’s ban on same-sex marriage, leaving them in legal limbo. Despite Taiwan legalizing same-sex marriage in 2019, cross-strait marriages require couples to marry in China first, where gay marriage remains illegal. Advocacy groups, including the Taiwan Alliance to Promote Civil Partnership Rights (TAPCPR), have supported legal battles to challenge this restriction. Ryan and Righ, who married in the U.S., are leading efforts to have their union recognized in Taiwan, aiming to set a precedent for marriage equality across borders. If you are interested in Taiwan, check out the stories by ICWA Mixner fellow Edric Huang.
US News
Florida: the zealous and sneaky VISIT FLORIDA CEO
VISIT FLORIDA CEO, Dana Young, a DeSantis sycophant, made the dumbest statement of the week when she justified her petty removal of all references from LGBTQ+ tourists from the VISIT FLORIDA website by claiming that she just aligned herself with state law. First, obviously, no law requires such a move (not even the horrendous “don’t say gay” law). Secondly, VISIT FLORIDA is mainly funded by private partners, including Hyatt or Disney, who seek our business. The Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library already asked for its membership fee to be refunded. I think it is time all these companies take a stance, the language is re-established on the website, and Dana Young, who was appointed to the position by DeSantis in January of 2019, is removed from the job and sent back to tarpon fishing, her other passion besides human rights violations.
It’s fairly simple. Visit Florida is a taxpayer-funded organization and, as such, Visit Florida our marketing strategy, our materials, and our content must align with the state.
Florida: Retiree Sentenced for Threatening Judge Over LGBTQ Ruling
Stephen Thorn, a 66-year-old retired teacher, was sentenced to five years in prison for making threats against a federal judge in Florida who had dismissed a challenge to the state’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law. The law restricts classroom discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity for young students. Thorn, who is gay, left voicemails targeting U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger, expressing anger over her ruling that upheld the law. His case highlights the growing number of threats against federal judges, a trend noted by the U.S. Marshals Service. See NBC News.
Project 2025: A Threat Looming Over our well-coiffed heads
The problem, in a world of Dana Youngs, is that you will always find zealous implementers for outrageous policies that might even go the extra mile in the hope of getting crumbs from the dominant class. In a chilling analysis by Charles Kaiser for The Nation, the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 outlines sweeping plans to undermine LGBTQ+ rights. From eliminating gender-affirming care to rolling back workplace protections and sidelining same-sex marriage, the document is full of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. The most extreme sections liken transgender identities to pornography, prompting outrage from advocacy groups. Kaiser concludes that, if enacted, Project 2025 could dismantle years of progress for queer Americans.
Ohio: Lebanon Hosts Its First-Ever Pride Festival
It’s irrelevant to this story, but I once had a boyfriend from Parma, Ohio, who was both a Kramer-Levine lawyer and a dumpster-diver. The NYTimes tells us that Lebanon—a town of just 21,000 people—recently held its first Pride festival. Organized by residents James Reynolds and Brooke Handley, the event transformed the town’s Bicentennial Park into a vibrant celebration of identity and inclusivity, featuring drag queens, rainbow decor, and the message "Love always wins." Despite initial resistance and the presence of protesters, the festival was a resounding success, proving that Pride's spirit can thrive even in small-town America.
Leo Sapir on Persistence of Adolescent Gender Dysphoria
City Journal claims that a recent study by Leor Sapir of the Manhattan Institute, a leading free-market think tank on a crusade to undermine the gender-affirming model of care for transgender-identifying youth, reveals that only 42% to 50% of adolescents diagnosed with gender dysphoria (GD) retained the diagnosis after seven years. Using a comprehensive insurance database covering over 300,000 minors, the study suggests that many adolescents no longer experience GD as they mature. Frankly, I have no idea if these results can be trusted, so I count on you to do the due diligence.
Queering the Boardroom
Key Movements in the Boardroom
Maggie Lower was appointed Chief Marketing Officer at ABC Fitness Solutions, pivotal in shaping the company's strategic direction. Dr. Jan Berger assumed the Chairmanship of the Board at BC Platforms. Both appointments signal a growing trend of seasoned LGBTQ+ leaders stepping into critical roles to drive innovation and growth across industries. At the summit of the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors in two weeks, Professor Wouter Torsin will present the latest figures on LGBTQ+ representation in NASDAQ Companies, allowing us to show the 2023-2024 trend: spoiler alert, we only witnessed a very marginal improvement.
ROMBA is launching PRIZM
This week, ROMBA announced PRIZM, a new event to prepare mid-career LGBTQ+ professionals for C-suite roles. This hopefully is a start to closing the huge gap between the great work of Out for Undergrad, ROMBA, and that of the Association. We need a strong pipeline of Board Directors, and when it comes to supporting top LGBTQ+ business talent, it has been a nonman’s land of pay-to-play superficial initiatives in the US.
Four Questions for Aspiring Directors
As LGBTQ+ professionals increasingly seek leadership roles on corporate boards, this PDA article argues that prospective board members should reflect on their motivations, governance knowledge, time commitment, and potential conflicts of interest.
The Gay Business
Robby Starbuck is just an oversized mouse
Activist Nadine Smith told me last night to think of Robby Starbuck as a mouse forming a shadow through a flashlight. If companies would not pay attention to him, he would return to selling vitamins (HRC Kelley Robinson called Starbuck a “MAGA bully and Republican-reject” whose “only business experience is hawking vitamins marketed by people profiting off of COVID disinformation” this week, too). Smith also noted that Starbuck’s recent activism targeted brands with newly implemented diversity programs, which may be more vulnerable to pressure. In a CNN article, Shaun Harper from USC’s Race and Equity Center notes that Starbucks' campaign reveals the fragility of corporate DEI efforts, suggesting that if one person can disrupt them, they are likely not deeply committed or structurally sound from the start:
“The larger takeaway is about the fragility of corporate DEI initiatives. If one person can take to Twitter and ultimately inflame a campaign to dismantle DEI in large companies, it means those things were not strong to begin with. Most companies and the people who lead them were not committed to this in the first place.”
The LGBTQ+ philanthropy corner
Is philanthropy next on the corporate chopping block?
I suspect the next frontier for LGBTQ+ divestment by our “corporate allies” is philanthropy. Imagine companies being challenged by Stabuck for their contributions to HBCUs or local HRC galas. Of course, this does not matter for the marginal companies that have joined the Starbucks echo chamber so far, but if more companies like Ford fall, this could dent our movement.
Open Society Foundations abruptly cuts off its LGBTQ+ offspring
This Devex article discusses how the Open Society Foundation (OSF), a longtime champion for global LGBTQ+ rights now in dire existential crisis, has dramatically restructured, eliminating key programs that provided vital funding to LGBTQ+ organizations worldwide. This change comes at a perilous time, as anti-LGBTQ+ laws are gaining ground in countries like Uganda, Ghana, and Kenya but also as the vast majority of LGBTQ+ people are very far from even feeling the ripple effect of societal changes in the most progressive countries in the world. For years, OSF was a lifeline for many small organizations, offering large, multiyear grants that fueled their growth and resilience. Now, advocates are deeply concerned about the future of these groups as they navigate a world without OSF’s support. It is worrying, given how little goes to the movement globally ($1 bn/year, according to GPP). In the article, Alli Jernow says:
That’s a stream that I don’t see being replaced at all
OutVote Launches $20,000 Matching Donation Campaign
OutVote announced a matching donation opportunity this week, with a generous donor (thank YOU) matching up to $20,000 in new contributions. These funds will enhance their efforts in Arizona and Pennsylvania, focusing on mobilizing young LGBTQ+ voters and organizers for the 2024 elections. This is a worthy endeavor: I like to tell people Democrats misunderstand the young queer vote.
The semi-cultural desk
I loved Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Last night, I was seated next to Equality Florida’s Nadine Smith, behind Lydia Polgreen, Jon Tilli, and Jeremy Heimans, watching "The Drag-Ball Cats," running at the Perelman Performing Arts Center (see The TimeOut June review). I also noticed Billy Porter in the audience. The show reimagines the Jellicle Ball as a voguing competition, with ballroom legends and a dynamic cast. The set, costumes, and choreography were so amazing that I felt sorry for the Mullahs, Orban and Dana Young of this world that they cut themselves from queer genius. With performances from ballroom icons like the 78 years old André De Shields and powerful moments from the ensemble, this version of Cats transforms a beloved musical into a celebration of queer culture. The “Memories” tune has been stuck in my head for the past 12 hours, and I have been saluting everybody by crossing my paws since then.
I (binge)watched all of Kaos on Netflix
Someone accused me of “binge-watching” the series, which I resent, but true, it’s probably the only achievement of my Labor Day weekend (along with a bike ride with the twins all over Manhattan). Kaos is a very queer series: Misia Butler famously plays the romantic lead in the series, and Dionysus is unabashedly bi.
Now, I have to wait for “White Lotus” 3
I love “White Lotus,” and Parker Posey: so I will hold my breath until 2025. This week, Natasha Rothwell called it the “best” season yet and promised an “insane” and larger-than-life season.
What to read? Garth Greenwell
In Small Rain, released on September 3, Garth Greenwell crafted his most poignant novel to date. Drawing inspiration from his own life, Greenwell tells the story of a poet in Iowa City who experiences a life-threatening medical emergency, leading to deep reflections on love, forgiveness, and the inevitability of aging. I ordered it.
What to listen to? Manu Chao!
I stopped listening to music created after 1990 but made an exception for a few artists. French-born, Spanish-based artist Manu Chao is set to release his first album in 17 years, Viva Tu, on September 20. The album draws inspiration from his travels and everyday life, featuring Spanish, French, Portuguese, and English songs. Collaborations include Willie Nelson on “Heaven’s Bad Day” and French singer Laeti on “Tu Te Vas.” Chao has already shared the second single, “São Paulo Motoboy,” a tribute to São Paulo’s couriers. See in Variety.
Macron frolicking at Brégancon
As if Macron frolicking with muscled, tattooed bodyguards at the presidential vacation villa wasn’t enough to raise eyebrows, one of his guards sported a skull tattoo on his arm—a symbol of The Punisher, a Marvel anti-hero and far-right icon. I am supportive, though, as he does need a distraction from France’s political crisis.
The “Gay Golden Girls” coming on Hulu
Attitude reports that TV legends Matt Bomer and Nathan Lane are teaming up for Mid-Century Modern, a new Hulu series described as a gay take on The Golden Girls, set in Palm Springs. Created by Ryan Murphy, Max Mutchnick, and David Kohan, the show follows three best friends—“gay gentlemen of a certain age” (which is the way I like to think of myself) —navigating life together after an unexpected death. Bomer plays Jerry, a lovable but ditzy character, while Lane portrays Bunny, a businessman searching for love. With Linda Lavin as Bunny’s mother and a naked Gen Z housekeeper, I feel you might like this.
41 Best Lesbian Movies of All Time
Remember when there was nothing… I do. Lesbian movies still deserve more screen time, but Glamour UK created a pretty strong watch list of 41 movies.
The Gay Agenda
September 26th: Chinese LGBTQ+ Activists at Fordham
On September 26, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Fordham Law School will host the launch of a vital report, "You Are on Our List - Supporting Chinese LGBTQ Activists at Risk." The event, organized in collaboration with the China Rainbow Collective and OutRight International, will explore the increasing repression faced by Chinese LGBTQ organizations and activists. With insights from the report's authors and testimonies from activists, this event offers a unique opportunity to understand the challenges and the urgent need for international support. Register here.
That’s it for this week. Sorry for the 30 minutes delay, I blame these damn cats. Wow, autumn came in as it had somewhere to be—one minute, we’re advancing our melanoma on Fire Island, and the next, the temperatures dropped faster than my summer motivation to exercise! But honestly, I’m loving it. This is prime jacket season, and since 95% of my wardrobe is jackets, it’s my time to shine!
Erratum
Last week, my Lesbians Who Tech dates were not accurate—they are September 17-19, not November. Also, on Jaymes Black and the Victory Fund, I incorrectly stated that Jaymes Black interviewed with Victory Fund staff and their Board of Directors. Jaymes was never a formal candidate for the search. I also want to clarify that my mention of Jaymes’ identity(non-binary, black) was not intended to overshadow their qualifications and experience.
