Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
This week: Burundi's backtrack, Uganda's HIV challenge, Senegal's stance, Davos' diversity, Russia lingering party, Florida's fierce fight, fostering fears, boardroom battles, AI insights and more...
Welcome to this week's edition of Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality. We bring you the latest, most impactful LGBTQ+ developments from across the globe every Wednesday at noon sharp. Our journey this week takes us from the controversial remarks of Burundi's president to the cultural echoes of Davos, weaving through the intricacies of politics, business, and even very explicit country music.
This week: Burundi's backtrack, Uganda's HIV challenge, Senegal's stance, Davos' diversity, Russia lingering party, Florida's fierce fight, fostering fears, boardroom battles, AI insights and more...
Global News
Burundi: not a good look for Ndayishimiye
Human Rights Watch called out President Ndayishimiye’s LGBTQ+ comments a few weeks ago. Ndayishimiye suggested that embracing homosexuality could bring a "curse" to the country and advocated for gay couples to be stoned to death. His Embassy in Brussels attempted to backpedal, claiming his point might have been lost in translation. Maybe he did not mean “stoned,” but “lapidated”? HRW notes it is a regressive step for Burundi, harkening back to 2009 when same-sex relations were criminalized.
Uganda: AHA threatens to undo progress in HIV prevention
The New York Times warns us this week that the Anti-Homosexuality Act has already led to a significant drop in HIV testing and treatment, as the LGBTQ community fears legal repercussions of seeking care. Tragically, Museveniuse used to be proud of his response to the epidemic, which was lauded as a global best practice.
Senegal: still talking about the homosexuals
In a rather tone-deaf comment at the Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva, Justice Minister Sall reaffirmed Senegal's position against the legalization of homosexuality. During the Universal Periodic Review, a process evaluating human rights situations in member states every four years, she justified Senegal's consistent rejection of international resolutions on prohibition of same-sex sexual activity under the Penal Code 1965, by the country’s culture and morals.
For LGBT, I wanted to solemnly remind the position of Senegal. Senegal excludes any idea of legalization on the question of LGBT.
Davos: Yanzi Peng urges companies to do more
At the GLAAD annual meet-up this week, Yanzi Peng of China Rainbow Collective stressed the need for action by corporations in regions where LGBTQ+ challenges are most acute. In a reminder that while rainbows are beautiful, they shouldn't just be for show, he urged companies to implement DEI policies not only where they’re the most convenient but where they are needed most.
Two months ago in my city, the rainbow lights from a pop star concert were stopped; even people wearing rainbow pins and t-shirts were forced to take them off before entering the venue. The community is being erased, suffering, and losing hope in many places. Raising visibility [within corporations] is sending hope…
Davos (also): more women to shove in banks of snow
Sure, the LGBTQ+ symbolic event at Davos might feel performative, but then again, straight women don’t fare much better there. Semafor told us this week that the WEF gives participating companies an extra “white badge” if they have at least one woman in their delegation. They also get a coupon for free coffee if they bring a homosexual. I'm just kidding about that last one. As a result of the policy, the WEF set a record for the number of women on its official list — 28% of all attendees this year. The World's female population remains unchanged at 49.7 %. I checked.
Russia: celebrities still grounded by Putin
Weimar Russia is over. Earlier, I reported a lingering controversy where a high-profile party at a Moscow nightclub, attended by celebrities drew sharp criticism from Putin. The event (you can watch the footage here), featuring "almost naked" attire, was felt to be disrespectful to the troops on the Ukrainian front. This week, the New York Times explains why the incident reflects the tension between Russia's entertainment elite and Putin’s conservative stance and how it’s bad news for Russian gays.
Vasilyev [who wore nothing but a sock on his genitals at the party] apologized, then released a public statement that said, “I am a heterosexual guy, I follow the laws of the Russian Federation, and I am interested only in women.” He said he had “never been a supporter of the L.G.B.T. community
US News
Florida: “It’s not a threat. It’s a promise.”
Listen to this energetic and inspiring 5-minute powerful clip of Angelique's speech from Pride At The Capitol. It even moved me, and I have only a few feelings left. Angelique Godwin is part of the Equality Florida team. As a Black transgender woman and drag artist, Angelique was part of the “Drag2Talle” Nine, who traveled to Tallahassee again and again this year to fight back against anti-LGBTQ+ attacks.
You can take the book off the shelves, but you cannot take their memory out of my mind.
LGBTQ+ Americans Hesitant to Foster Due to Discrimination Fears
A recent Gallup study highlights a worrying trend: nearly 40% of LGBTQ+ Americans are considering fostering, yet discrimination fears constitute a significant hindrance. This concern is notably higher in LGBTQ+ men, impacting their willingness to foster or adopt. Such apprehensions underline the damage of the rhetoric against LGBTQ+ people and the need for more inclusive policies in the foster care system.
Honoring the Resistance: "Queering the Donbass"
The American Conservative's Helen Andrews questions this week if the U.S. is in Ukraine to "queer the Donbass." She suggests that alongside defending democracy, NATO's agenda includes exporting pride parades and drag queen story hours to Eastern Europe. She also chastises Trump for not having shut down aid to global LGBTQ+ civil society during his mandate. While she starts strong, Andrews grows a little confused towards the end and starts blaming the gays for dwindling natality.
Rising STD rates among gay men have led the CDC to approve the continuous use of antibiotics as a prophylactic (DoxyPEP), even though this will surely result in antibiotic-resistant superbugs. Our birthrates are collapsing, and almost half of the children we do have are out of wedlock. There are lots of reasons other countries might look at us and think maybe we don’t have our sexual norms exactly right.
Queering the Boardroom
Artificial Intelligence (AI): What Boards Need to Know
EY tells us that AI is at the top of the agenda for Boards this year. Our friends at Women in the Boardoom are hosting an "Artificial Intelligence (AI): What Boards Need to Know," webinar on February 20, 2024, which will feature experts Howard Brod Brownstein, Brita Dagmar Strandberg, Andrea Euenheim, and Pamela Isom, focusing on the role of AI in board governance. The event is open to members and non-members of Women in the Boardroom.
The Art of Networking in the Boardroom: Elevating Diversity
The frequent dinners that the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors might seem a gimmick, but they are not. Our “Him for Her” friend Jocelyn Mangan's "The Power Of Intentional Networking For Corporate Boards" piece in Forbes this week reiterates why networking is a vital playbook for diversifying corporate boards. Mangan has seen firsthand the profound impact of expanding networks to include more women in boardrooms. Her approach underlines the adage, "It's not what you know; it's who you know," with a twist – it's more about who knows you. Her strategy emphasizes building trusted relationships and moving beyond transactional connections to foster genuine, long-lasting bonds.
The Gay Business
The anti-DEI Crusade
The New York Times had an alarming piece about the rising anti-D.E.I. movement in the U.S., particularly highlighted by the ban on D.E.I. programs in Texas universities. This trend, spearheaded by conservative groups, not only challenges the principles of diversity and inclusion but also directly impacts the LGBTQ+ community. The situation at Texas A&M exemplifies a broader, coordinated effort to reshape academic landscapes under the guise of opposing 'wokeism'. We will fight back.
Open for Business connects ESG and LGBTQ+ inclusion
As a beacon for LGBTQ+ equality in business, Open for Business illustrated in its new report "Open For Business Investor Guide to LGBTQ+ Inclusion," produced by Jon Miller, Dominic Arnall, and Juse Seimon, how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices intersect with LGBTQ+ inclusion. The report, launched at Davos, underlines that LGBTQ+ inclusion isn't just a moral imperative; it's a strategic business move. With the top 25 LGBTQ+-transparent companies being 2.3x more profitable, it's clear that embracing diversity in ESG strategies is not just about doing good—it's about smart business. 🚀💼🌈
The semi-cultural desk
Tim Scott's Engagement: More Than Meets the Eye?
Senator Tim Scott's recent engagement announcement has sparked a whirlwind of speculation in political circles, with insiders questioning if this marks a strategic move for a Vice Presidential bid. Amidst light-hearted jabs and skepticism, there's a buzz about the timing and implications of this personal news.
The 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards
The list of nominees is out and it is as endless as the GLAAD Media Awards infamous red carpet and programming. Streaming services - their main consulting practice clients - are setting the pace! Netflix is taking the lead with 27 nominations. This year, transgender and nonbinary stories are not just a subplot; they're front and center, challenging stereotypes and legislative narratives. And kids and family categories, from the 'Heartstopper' to 'The Dragon Prince,' prove that the rainbow has no age limit.
Mean Girls 2024: A Queer Triumph or Missed Opportunity?
I went to see the new Mean Girls with the twins on Saturday. The inclusive casting and modern portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters were noteworthy. However, integrating these elements could have been more authentic, as though the attempts at inclusivity were forced or superficial, detracting from the original film's overall authenticity. Overall, the adaptation was seen as a bold step in updating a beloved story for a new generation, but you can quickly ship it.
Jake Hill/Dixon Dallas – Revolutionizing Country Music
In our series, “Things you might not enjoy but still need to know about,” we spotlight Jake Hill, better known by his stage name Dixon Dallas, who's breaking barriers in country music with his unapologetically queer lyrics. Dallas' rise to fame on social media, especially with his song "Good Lookin'," is a bold statement in a traditionally conservative genre. His VERY explicit gay lyrics mark a significant departure from country music's usual narratives. Hill's transformation of his music under the Dixon Dallas persona is a cultural phenomenon worth noting.
Bad Gays, the podcast
My charming Georgetown students called my attention to "Bad Gays," a podcast that delves into the complex stories of historically significant LGBTQ+ figures, exploring their lives beyond simplified labels of 'good' or 'bad'. Recent episodes include the story of Dong Xian, an influential figure in Han Dynasty China, and Tom Driberg, a multifaceted British public figure. You can find it easily on platforms like Apple Podcasts. Just search for "Bad Gays" in the podcast section and choose an episode to start listening.
Oscar Nominations 2024: A Milestone for LGBTQ+ and Diversity
The 2024 Oscar nominations have set a remarkable precedent for LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood. Colman Domingo's nomination for "Rustin" marks the first Afro Latino in the best actor category, and Jodie Foster's nod for "Nyad" sees her join Domingo as the first openly LGBTQ actors nominated for playing LGBTQ characters.
The Gay Agenda
February 1: inclusive finance at SIPA
Want to hear more about the intersection of LGBTQ+ inclusive finance? Join me for an exciting Sustainable Investing Research Initiative (SIRI) Series Panel Discussion on Inclusive Capitalism with Marisa Hodgdon, Otho Kerr, and yours truly on February 1, 2024 (6–8 pm) at Columbia | SIPA. SIRI's Director Caroline Flammer will serve as moderator. The panel discussion will be followed by a Networking Happy Hour. The event is generously sponsored by Out in Finance and SUMA Equity Alliance, and co-hosted with Columbia Impact Investing Initiative. You can register here.
February 15-25th: Japan/Singapore with the twins, suggestions?
I will arrive in Singapore for the Outright Board on the 20th, but before that, because it’s their winter break, I am taking the twins for a whirlwind visit to Tokyo (February 15th-20th). Let me know if you have any recommendations (and a hotel discount? I haven’t booked yet).
June 3: Outright’s Celebration of Courage
Talking about Outright International, our Celebration of Courage gala will take place in New York City on Monday, June 3, from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm ET. An unforgettable night awaits, packed with inspiration, unity, and the drive to champion LGBTIQ rights globally. Revel in our triumphs, uplift trailblazing activists, and mingle with allies shaping a brighter, equal world. 🏳️🌈 Reach out to me for your sponsorship, table, or tickets now for an evening that promises to be as empowering as it is exhilarating! To see what we have in store for you, check out our Celebration of Courage 2023 photos.
Coming and Going
A New Chapter Begins for Cherished Academic Lee Badgett
🎓 Today, we bid a bittersweet farewell to an esteemed UMass Amherst professor embarking on a thrilling new journey. After enriching minds in academia, Lee retired from UMass but is not slowing down. She is part of newlay launched Koppa – The LGBTI+ Economic Power Lab, a groundbreaking initiative to bolster economic power and opportunities for LGBTI communities globally. This "graduation" after four decades in academia marks a vibrant new beginning, promising innovative strides in LGBTI economic empowerment. See Lee’s announcement here and follow their exciting journey at Koppa on LinkedIn! 💼🚀
🌟 Other Moves in Business! 🌟
Effective January 17, Lourdes Fisher became Co-Head of the Client Solutions Group at Bridge Investment Group Holdings. 🌈🚀
Erratum on French Minister
In my criticism of the Attal government last week, I was unfair to Aurore Bergé. A reader sternly pointed out that while Bergé initially expressed opposition to marriage and adoption for same-sex couples, she later changed her position. Among LGBT rights activists, there has been concern about her conservative profile.
Well, this is it for this week. I have to take a train back to NYC to get the twins for school, so I am rushing out. See you next week. 🏳️🌈🌍✊