Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
This week: Ghana falls, a diplomatic spat, notes from Singapore, Australia's double-murder, the U.S. unravels, rainbow lunatics, the Galliano return, a guide to LGBTQ+ gaylas, and much more ...
Welcome back to the latest installment of your Wednesday noon (one hour late, I apologize; I blame Ghana) beacon of all things significant, stimulating, or depressing in the global LGBTQ+ sphere.
This week: Ghana falls, a diplomatic spat, notes from Singapore, Australia's double-murder, the U.S. unravels, rainbow lunatics, the Galliano return, a guide to LGBTQ+ gaylas, and much more ...
Global News
Ghana: beware the fury of a scorned LGBTQ+ community
Today, Ghana's parliament's irresponsible approval of the bill puts insane pressure on i) President Nana Akufo-Addo, ii) the World Bank and bilaterals, and iii) the cocoa supply chain operations. The parliament's approval of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill (see here), set to increase penalties for homosexuality and outlaw LGBTQ+ advocacy, signals a chilling step backward in human rights in Ghana but also poses intricate challenges for international business relations and ethical supply chain management. I foresee a prompt signature by the President, which will only escalate global contagion risks and unleash an international uproar against a country already traversing a grave economic crisis. There are only losers in this scenario besides maybe the politicians and evangelicals behind the bill.
Russia: US State Department calls repression out
On the 23rd, the US State Department finally issued a Business Advisory for Russia, which includes a relatively long section on domestic repression based on sexual orientation and gender identity, reminding us of the degradation of the climate there.
In July, President Putin signed a law that criminalized gender-affirming surgery and hormone treatments, effectively banning transgender identities. In November, Russia’s Supreme Court approved the designation as extremist of an ill-defined entity, the so-called “international LGBT movement,” effectively criminalizing any activity perceived as supportive of LGBTQI+ persons.
Morocco: Benkirane’s homophobic comments
Abdelilah Benkirane, 69 years old, a veteran politician who was Prime Minister of Morocco from 2011 to 2017, made inappropriate and unjustifiable comments about the sexual orientation of both Gabriel Attal and Stephane Journe in public. Journe, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, had just landed in Morocco Sunday in an attempt to repair the already fraught relationship between the two countries. Is it ignorance speaking through Benkirane or a geopolitical camouflé? In any case, it is a baffling critique given Mohammed VI‘s strange relationship with the Azaitar brothers, the widespread belief that he is a homosexual, and the fact that the Monarch has always suffered from a terrible case of “gay face.” Here is an extract from Benkirane’s comments
France, country of De Gaulle, Mitterrand and Jacques Chirac. What is that? What happened in the world? And [Attal] is proud in front of Parliament. How would each French person feel each time their head of government leaves for another country? He would wonder what he would do there or what they would do to him. […] When you see this in France today, are you not afraid for your country?
Singapore: A call for Reforms on HIV and LGBTQ+ representation
I spent five days in Singapore last week, witnessing a vibrant LGBTQ+ civil society flourishing in a conservative context. Brunch at Jian-Nang Chun, a hilarious show by Mona Kee Kee, the twins' private tour of the Air Show, and poolside ice cream at the Tanglin Club peppered an otherwise sobering meeting with activists in the subregion. While same-sex marriage is off the table for now, alleviating Singapore's legal stance on HIV and LGBTQ+ representation is a logical next step for the local movement. Indeed, The Infocomm Media Development Authority continues to rate shows with proper LGBTQ+ representation at least M18 (see here), while HIV Immigration and Criminalization remain in contradiction with international standards (see here).
Australia: crime of passion rocks LGBTQ+ community
The tragic discovery of Jesse Baird, 26, and Luke Davies, 29, concealed under rocks on a rural property after being fatally shot by Jesse's alleged ex-lover and police officer, Beau Lamarre-Condon, has deeply shaken the LGBTQ+ community. Their murder, using a service weapon while off-duty, raised significant concerns over police firearm access and has led to a strange reaction from the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras organizers, who have requested that police not participate in the annual parade. Police Commissioner Karen Webb commented:
We have been participating in Mardi Gras for the last 20 years and haven't missed a year, and I would hate to see that this is the year that we are excluded because of the actions of one person who is not gay hate-related.
US News
Oklahoma: Benedict’s death accentuates national debate
The tragic death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict on February 7th quickly turned into a political tool for the upcoming Presidential election. Nex, a non-binary kid, died following a brutal attack at Owasso High School. The response of the Owasso police to the incident, caught on camera, is questioned as “victim blaming,” while many noted the officer used the wrong pronouns for Nex. The police dispute the fact that Benedict died as a result of the fight and ordered a toxicology report. Nex’s necrology featuring her deadname was met with public outrage, eventually leading their family to amend it.
Oklahoma II: Already Losing The Plot with Conservatives
In a country where facts matter less every day, conservatives quickly built a counternarrative for Nex Benedict’s death. For example, a Facebook thread (now removed) focused on allegations of sexual assault by Nex's father and questioned Nex’s non-binary identity. Commentators claimed manipulation and cooptation of their death by "rainbow lunatics" (that would be YOU). The thread also peddled the old trope that gender identity and homosexuality are learned behaviors stemming from trauma and abuse.
Oklahoma III: Spotlight on American theocracy
Oklahoma Senator Tom Woods described the LGBTQ+ community as "filth" in the context of a discussion about the tragic death of Nex Benedict. This dehumanizing language, especially from an elected official, albeit one who was given a dairy cow at 12, underscores how much ground has been lost in America in the past few years and the role religiosity plays in the cultural divide.
We are a Republican state — a supermajority — in the House and Senate. I represent a constituency that doesn’t want that filth in Oklahoma. We are a religious state, and we are going to fight it to keep that filth out of the state of Oklahoma because we are a Christian state — we are a moral state.
Florida: Hundreds Rally for Trans Rights today
If watching the Resistance can improve your day, watch the "Let Us Live" March live here. Hundreds of Floridians gathered in Tallahassee at 10 a.m. this morning, protesting ongoing legislative attacks against the transgender community. This significant event convened at the Historic Florida Capitol Building, spotlighting the implications of the Trans Erasure Bill (HB 1639), which threatens the rights and dignity of transgender people with harsh barriers to care and legal recognition.
Texas: Governor shows profound ignorance with recent UN Comments
Eleanor Roosevelt must turn in her grave listening to Governor Greg Abbott's stupid response to the United Nations critique of Texas's recent anti-LGBTQ+ -targeted laws. Indeed, America played a pivotal role in human rights until it started recently destroying what it contributed to painfully build. Abbott irresponsibly said this week:
The UN can go pound sand.
Et tu, Long Island?
But wait, the gender identity American obsession is not limited to Oklahoma, Florida, or Texas. Nassau County, New York, has also placed a blanket ban on transgender girls and women from participating in sports on public grounds. Spearheaded by County Executive Bruce Blakeman, this policy effectively sidelines teams with transgender athletes from over 100 public facilities, which is both discriminatory and legally dubious. The policy, which demands sports organizations to classify teams strictly by birth-assigned sex, has been met with immediate threats of legal action from New York's Attorney General and the ACLU.
South Carolina: Case Marks Historic Hate Crime Conviction
I would feel bad if I did not include one piece of good news in America. In a landmark decision, Daqua Lameek Ritter has been found guilty in a federal hate crime trial. His 2019 crime, fueled by bias against transgender individuals, led to the death of Dime Doe, a Black transgender woman. This verdict, achieved after a four-day trial, stands as the first under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act to convict for a hate crime motivated by gender identity. The unified jury’s decision was hailed as a victory by LGBTQ+ activists in the country.
Queering the Boardroom
Key LGBTQ+ Departures this month
Peter Thiel has left the Board of AbCellera Biologics, Jenna Lyons (now Digital fashion publication Coveteur’s new editor-in-chief), left Shake Shack Inc., and Jacinto “Jase” Hernandez left Altria (ranked 23 in Fortune 500), bringing the number of LGBTQ+ people in the Fortune 500 Boardroom to 27.
An award for Jeff Gennette
Big cheers for Jeff Gennette, the Chairman of Macy's Board and former CEO, who's just been honored with the HRC Visibility Award 🏆for his 40-year journey as an openly gay leader. See Rob Smith’s post.
Tips to ace your Board interview
As interest in prospective LGBTQ+ Board Members increases, the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors published a “Quick Guide to Accing your Board Interview.” If you have more thoughts or suggestions, please share them with us, and we will bolster the article.
The return of the Board “potiche”
In a virtual slap to Jay Blum, Superior Group of Companies has rolled out its Board Observer Program on February 13th. Kelly Richmond Pope snagged the first seat. Michael Benstock, SGC's CEO, is proving that inclusivity can be savvy business acumen. See the press release here.
The semi-cultural desk
LGBTQ+ movies to watch
“All of Us Strangers” is finally streaming ($14.99 on YouTube), and I would have watched it after my Georgetown class yesterday if jetlag had not gotten the best of me. Sebastian should also be on your radar screen now that it has found a US distributor. Here is the plot: Max, a 25-year-old aspiring writer living in London, begins a double life as a sex worker to research his debut novel. Trailer below.
The Crown’s First Lesbian Wedding Makes History
Ellen Lascelles, a proud cousin of King Charles III, 74th in line for the crown (the equivalent of Peter Buttigieg for the U.S. Presidency, I believe), and a 39-year-old mother of two, and her beloved Channtel McPherson have officially tied the knot, marking a historic moment as the British Royal Family's first lesbian wedding. Amidst the lush landscapes of Byron Bay, the couple exchanged vows.
The Zone of Interest
As the ANA movie selection and the meals were disappointing, I watched The Zone of Interest on my computer. Along with Origin, The Zone of Interest should be mandatory viewing for Ghanaian parliamentarians, Ghanaian Catholic bishops, American voters, and Xi's Inner Circle. Raphael Abraham wrote in the FT:
Glazer has achieved something much greater than just making the monstrous mundane — by rendering such extreme inhumanity ordinary; he reawakens us to its true horror.
The alarm bells for marriage equality ring louder
This fits this section because I did not have room for more bad news under “US News.” In a piece by Scot Lehigh for the Boston Globe, we are reminded of the precarious nature of marriage equality in the face of a Supreme Court that's shown a willingness to overturn longstanding rights. Lehigh highlights a concerning dissent from Justice Samuel Alito regarding the court's 2015 decision on same-sex marriage, suggesting a simmering inclination within the court to revisit and possibly overturn LGBTQ+ gains in the US.
Altogether, it is an excellent excuse to buy a French castle
This week, the Washington Post regaled us with the tale of Jim McDermott, an ex-congressman now residing in a quaint French village. McDermott, once a fixture in the halls of Congress, has chosen the serene life of Civrac-en-Médoc, over the increasingly likely return of Trump to power. McDermott's decision, borne out of concern for the country's democratic underpinnings and personal safety, echoes an increasingly familiar sentiment among those who once served its government. Tending goats in a French village may seem drastic to you, but growing inequality and political unrest in the US feels very real, too. Healthcare, gun control, women's rights, and balanced consumerism are addictive. The article does not mention what the Civraciens think about their new neighbor. Let it be known widely that I am only 45, have a French passport, and have never been married.
Rethinking Trans Youth Support: Insights from a Finnish Study
A landmark Finnish study published on February 17th and discussed this week in the New York Post, has sparked a global conversation about the care of transgender youth, challenging widely held assumptions about the efficacy of medical interventions in reducing suicide risks. This study's findings, juxtaposed against Finland's robust support system, highlight the multifaceted needs of trans individuals—suggesting that medical treatments alone may not address the broader societal and mental health challenges they face. Critics and supporters stress the importance of comprehensive care, including mental health services, education, and social support, to improve overall well-being.
Searching for a woman named Dorothy
Thanks, David, for bringing some levity to this week's newsletter with the Instagram post below.
The Gay Agenda
Tomorrow: Breakfast with Judy and Dennis Shepard in DC
I am in DC until Thursday as I have our final class at GTown for this semester tomorrow. I will grab breakfast with Judy and Dennis Shepard, hosted by The Raben Group, in the morning. You can join me by registering here.
April 24th: Groundbreaker Awards Dinner
Let’s honor champions in the fight against HIV/AIDS and homelessness next month. Housing Works' mission (I serve on their Board) remains primordial as overdoses and homelessness plague New York. This annual event, held on the eve of the Design on a Dime VIP reception, is an opportunity to shop while associating with the gay who’s who. Let me know if your company or you consider joining the Metropolitan Pavilion, and I will take the credit for your tickets or table purchase. You can do so here.
May 17th: IDAHOBIT
The theme for the 2024 edition of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) is “No One Left Behind: equality, freedom and Justice for All.” Think of holding an event to remind Governor Abbott that 75 years later, the Declaration of Human Rights still has more value than a cruel Texas politician who will be quickly forgotten by history.
June 3rd: Outright International's Gala
Instead of sponsoring SKE’s helicopter, why doesn’t your organization join the many that now support Outright International (I also serve on their Board), which makes a real difference for LGBTQ+ equality? This year's Celebration of Courage gala includes some impressive names (embargoed, but call me at 1 800 FAB RICE, and I’ll spill the beans). Although my status as a single mother prevents me from purchasing a table, I know YOU recently vested equity, and your company made a record profit by firing a 1,000-person to replace them with AI. I count on you to buy a table or give us stuff for the auction.
Coming and Going
The Improbable Redemption of John Galliano
America always loved a good redemption story. Suppose there is one lesson from Galliano’s triumphant return in 2024 after he disgraced himself with comments such as "fucking ugly Jewish bitch" and "fucking Asian bastard" in 2011; it is that a movie funded by Sam Bankman-Fried, produced by Harvey Weinstein, filmed by Woody Allen, featuring Gerard Depardieu and Kevin Spacey is probably in our future.
As we conclude this week's review, let me reiterate that jetlag, not my character, should be blamed for this week’s tone, while the delay is Ghana’s responsibility. I know the situation may feel dire, but I am also optimistic that it might end our complacency. See you next week.
Keep up the fight Fabrice! We need you.