Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
This week: Russia antagonistic laws, Queer ban in Turkey, ILGA World, the US Blame Game, the return of Ric Grenell, Vivian Musk heads out, the Grindr’s Pleasure Ball and much more…
In the U.S., the blame game has succeeded in the election frenzy. Journalists are looking for dissenters within the Democratic party. A perfect storm which a fantastic opportunity for Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton and a few other Democrats to re-instrumentalize trans lives. The LGBTQ+ movement should not wait for politicians to design the way forwards: we have community leaders. Challenging the orthodoxy might be scary and uncomfortable but it is needed. The U.S. movement cannot just revert to the usual “resist Donald Trump” to avoid this discussion.
Abroad, LGBTQ+ people continue to face tremendous challenges, from Russia’s anti-LGBTQ+ obsession, illustrated by its new “child-free propaganda”, to dwindling funding from donors.
This week: Russia antagonistic laws, Queer ban in Turkey, ILGA World, the US Blame Game, the return of Ric Grenell, Vivian Musk heads out, the Grindr’s Pleasure Ball and much more…
Global News
Nigeria: Mob Justice and State Apathy Create a Dangerous Reality
In Nigeria, mob justice against LGBTQ+ individuals operates with chilling impunity fueled by deep-rooted homophobia and religious zealotry. In one recent horror, two men in Port Harcourt were beaten, stripped, and humiliated in a public spectacle, captured on camera while bystanders cheered. Mob attacks like these have been disturbingly common since the 2014 Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, which criminalizes not only same-sex relationships but LGBTQ+ advocacy, emboldening public hostility. They also echo similar trends in Ivory Coast and Ghana I highlighted before. Read more on LGBTQNation.
Russia: Crack Down on “Child-Free Propaganda”
Russia’s parliament, in dire need of cannon fodder, has approved a bill banning “child-free propaganda,” adding to its weird menu of anti-LGBTQ+ measures. The legislation penalizes content that promotes choosing not to have children whatever this means. This law, alongside a new restriction barring adoptions by citizens of countries allowing gender reassignment, aligns with Russia’s broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights. Since 2023, Russia has labeled the "international LGBT movement" as extremist (read about a recent arrest in the country here), making it harder every day to be LGBTQ+ in the country.
Turkey: Too ‘Queer’ for Istanbul
MUBI has canceled its annual film festibal Istanbul after Turkish authorities banned the opening film, Queer, directed by Luca Guadagnino and starring Daniel Craig (see in Variety). Based on William S. Burroughs’ novel, the Kadıköy District Governorate prohibited the film on grounds of “provocative content.” In response, MUBI stated that the ban struck at the “very essence and purpose” of the festival, which aims to celebrate artistic expression and cultural diversity.
World: Dwindling Global Funding
In their recent article for Inside Philanthropy, Michael Heflin and Katie Hultquist of Outright International, on the Board I serve, warn that current funding shortfalls for the LGBTQ+ movement pose serious risks. Despite progress, including the decriminalization of same-sex relations in 48 countries, dignity and economic opportunity remains elusive for most especially in the Global South and East. However, critical funders, like the Open Society Foundations and Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, are scaling back or exiting LGBTQ+ issues.
We need private-sector actors to scale their investment in our communities because it’s the right thing to do and it’s good for business.
World: Global LGBTI Funding Summit
At the first Global LGBTI Funding Summit in Cape Town preceding the 2024 ILGA World Conference (see below), the Global Philanthropy Project (GPP) launched the ambitious Fund Our Futures campaign to raise $150 million to support the global LGBTQ+ movement. So far, 28 foundations and governments have pledged $100 million in new resources. This might sound low, but the overall support for the movement barely reaches $1 billion annually: this would be a 15% increase.
World: ILGA World Conference in Cape Town
South Africa has rolled out the rainbow carpet for the Conference, which is taking place this week from Monday to Friday in Cape Town and bring together over 1,400 LGBTIQ+ activists, allies, and delegates from across the globe. The conference tackles critical issues, from navigating the digital divide to dismantling faith-based barriers—all with the mission of fostering unity and resilience against a global backlash. Read more on MambaOnline.
US News
The Blame Game and Trans Issues
The French adage “laver son linge sale en famille » does not apply here apparently. Depressed politicians are scrutinizing the Democratic Party's stance on transgender rights, suggesting it contributed to their loss. High-spending GOP campaigns spotlighted Democrats’ support for trans rights. The Atlantic’s top article this week, penned by Helen Lewis, aims at Democrats’ unclear stance on gender identity policies. In The Reckoning, Sam Harris is even more blunt in scapegoating trans issues. Rep. Suozzi (Long Island), who previously endorsed Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, argues that issues like trans athletes in sports make Democrats appear overly aligned with the far left (see NBC News). Embattled Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts went a step further in the NYTimes, angering Rep. Pramila Jayapal who has a trans child. Moulton was quoted as saying:
I have two little girls. I don’t want them getting run over on a playing field by a male or formerly male athlete, but as a Democrat, I’m supposed to be afraid to say that.
Recalibrating the U.S. LGBTQ+ Movement for a New Era
2017 was an accident of history; 2025 is just a reality. I was interested by the number of reactions to my piece on “A Makeover for the U.S. LGBTQ+ Movement” and the accompanying LinkedIn post - encouraging the movement to adapt its leadership and messaging to the new situation. Many agree that we will have to give “space and grace” to those who disagree with us and engage the new Administration to some extent. We need leaders who understand the stakes and are ready to navigate a radically altered reality. And yet, HRC Brandon Wolf’s Interview this week sounded a lot to the “Would you have done anything differently? Nothing comes to mind” proposition.
Ric Grenell and the Secretary of State Position
For memory, Ric Grenel was Trump’s former intelligence chief and gay diplomat. Reports suggest Trump is considering Senator Marco Rubio for the Secretary of state position. This potential nomination has sparked a backlash from some MAGA supporters (including the Log Cabin Republicans) and other Grenell pundits. Grenell’s bold style—think "MAGA troll" on social media and a self-declared “son of a b***h diplomat”—sparked notable opposition. Some close to Trump love his America First loyalty, while others in the party cite his prickly personality and lobbying efforts as negatives. MAGA fans took to the internet, declaring, “Rubio? Might as well give Liz Cheney the State Department!” Anyway in Trump-world fashion, nothing’s final until it’s on Truth Social.
Salisbury University Students Charged in Hate Crime Attack
Twelve Salisbury University students face hate crime charges for allegedly assaulting a man over his sexual orientation in a targeted attack. Police report that on October 15, the students invited the victim to an off-campus residence under pretenses, where they reportedly surrounded him, forced him to sit, and subjected him to physical and verbal abuse, including derogatory slurs. Read more on NBC News.
Will Rollins against Ken Calvert
I like Will and strongly dislike Calvert, but it’s not looking too good and his defeat would mean my predictions last week were too optimistic: our community would only have 11 seats in Congress or 2.2%.
Queering the Boardroom
Boardroom Updates: Elizabeth Burr, Stephen Cassell, and Keith Fox
Elizabeth Burr has concluded her board tenure at Silicon Valley Bank while Stephen Cassell recently stepped away from his role as Chief Marketing and Brand Officer at Point32Health. Our friend Keith Fox will step down as CEO of Phaidon Press at the end of 2024 after a decade of transformative growth, including expanding the publisher’s catalog and marking its 100th anniversary.
Ozzie Gromada’s Guide to Diverse Boards
Listen to this interview with Ozzie Gromada, CEO of the Latino Corporate Directors Association and Board member extraordinaire of the LGBTQ+ Association. His advice for aspiring board members focuses on three pillars: network, learn, and be patient. With most board roles filled through connections, he stresses the importance of building a robust professional network, gaining governance expertise, and selecting boards that resonate with one’s values.
The Semi-cultural desk
Elon Musk: A Daughter's Defiance
Vivian Jenna Wilson, Elon Musk’s estranged trans daughter, denounced her father as a “grubby little control freak” and expressed intentions to leave the U.S. following Donald Trump’s re-election. Musk, who reportedly funneled over $130 million into Trump’s campaign, misgendered Wilson in a recent social media post, claiming she had been “killed by the woke mind virus.” Wilson, who legally changed her name and severed ties with Musk in 2022, publicly rebuked his narrative, describing his victim complex as “tired” and accusing him of needing control. Read more in the Daily Beast.
Kehinde Wiley’s Purgatory
In NYMag this week, Kehinde Wiley, the acclaimed artist behind Barack Obama’s official portrait, faces serious allegations of sexual misconduct, with accusations from multiple individuals who allege sexual assault and abusive behavior. Wiley has denied all allegations, calling them “baseless and defamatory” and sharing text messages to support his claims of consensual relationships. These accusations have significantly impacted Wiley’s career, leading to the cancellation or postponement of exhibitions at major institutions like the Pérez Art Museum Miami and the Joslyn Art Museum. Wiley has hired legal representation and public relations support, framing the allegations as a targeted smear campaign as the controversy unfolds.
Coming and going
Interview with Justice Edwin Cameron
This week, on an episode of MxsterMinds, Justice Edwin Cameron, retired South African Supreme Court judge and renowned activist, reflects on his journey with HIV, his LGBTQ advocacy, and the mentors who shaped his path. Cameron candidly shares his experience of coming out in apartheid-era South Africa, living with HIV, and his battle against the stigma associated with both.
The tragic death of Bryan Smith: A Beacon in DC's LGBTQ+ Nightlife
The DC community mourns the loss of Bryan Smith, a beloved DJ and hairstylist, who passed away following a violent robbery that left him critically injured. Smith was attacked on October 27 near U Street NW, shortly after performing at a local club, and remained in a coma until his passing on November 9. Police report claims there was no indication of a hate crime in the assault.
Farewell to Cornelius Baker
Cornelius Baker, a revered advocate for HIV policy and Black gay men’s rights, passed away from natural causes on November 9 at his D.C. home. A powerful force in the fight for LGBTQ+ and health equity, Baker’s decades-long career included roles with the National Institutes of Health, Whitman-Walker Health, and the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, where his advocacy spanned both the HIV/AIDS crisis and broader social justice issues. Known for his empathy, strategic insight, and commitment to intersectional activism, Baker will be missed. See in the Blade.
The Gay Agenda
Monday: Veterans Day at Arlington
Monday, I was in Arlington for the Veterans Day Ceremony (on the top left hand of this picture looking down). It was also an opportunity to thank Secretary Blinken for his efforts to promote LGBTQ+ rights globally. He suggested other countries would have to take the baton for a while. During the ceremony, I was seated next to the infamous Harriet Hageman. When I pointed out to the drones above us, joking, " We are well protected,” she responded, “Finally.”
October 31st: Grindr’s Pleasure Ball
Grindr’s inaugural Pleasure Ball turned Ideal Glass Studios in New York City into a kaleidoscope of Georgian-era extravagance with plenty of velvet, wigs, and powdered faces. Hosts Billy Porter and Frankie Sharp kept the night in character, while beats by Kevin Aviance and Kim Ann Foxman transported guests back to a time of unapologetic opulence. See the pictures here and in New York Mag.
December 11: Screening for "Humans of Pride" Documentary
Humans of Pride, a groundbreaking documentary by Kevin Ricupero, will have a pre-release screening on December 11 at the Visitors Center for a happy few. This documentary provides an intimate look into the lives and stories within the LGBTQ+ community and is poised to spark meaningful conversations.
Well, that’s it for this week. I arrived in Palm Springs late last night - it took me 4h30 to drive from LA, so I am a bit of a wreck today. I hope you are having a better week: stay fierce, and remember to keep challenging the status quo—complacency is not an option for Trump II: the sequel. 🌈
