Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality
This week: Japan's rollercoaster, AHA in court, a pure Russia, ECHR vs Poland, US societal attitudes, Suozzi II, a lesbian wage premium, the Eni Blyton’s affair, 'Good Grief' & “May December"...
Welcome to the 148th issue of my equality news digest. I share important (and much less important) news, updates, and commentaries about the LGBTQ+ equality movement at the intersection of business. All this with a touch of French sarcasm and a side of reality check: what is there not to like? Let's start, shall we?
This week: Japan's rollercoaster, Uganda’s AHA in court, a pure Russia, the European Court of Human Rights vs Poland, US societal attitudes, Suozzi II, a lesbian wage premium, the Enid Blyton’s affair, Netflix's 'Good Grief' & “May December"...
🌏 Global News
Japan: Press on Till It Changes
Japan's LGBTQ+ community had a rollercoaster year in 2023. Legal battles swung like a pendulum around same-sex marriage, and the country finally bid farewell to the archaic sterilization requirement for transgender individuals. Tokyo Pride was a big success with 200,000 people participating this year under the theme, “Press on Till Japan Changes,” though the Trans March took a hiatus. Meanwhile, Japan's drag queens dazzled on screens, and unisex swimwear became the norm. Maybe 2024 will be the year, Japan 🇯🇵 finally sides with LGBTQ+ equality. Read more in The Japan Times.
Uganda: all eyes on the Constitutional Court
The Constitutional Court will have its hearing on the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) on December 18. At this point, Museveni must realize he has created another headache for himself as the country relives the 2014 saga and is increasingly relying on a legal off ramp. Here is a link to the activists’ statement with this quote from Richard Lusimbo, of the Convening for Equality (CFE):
This law serves no legitimate purpose. It is a blatant attack on basic rights enshrined in both our Constitution and international human rights law, further erodes our democracy, and obstructs access to essential health services. All eyes should now be on Uganda’s Constitutional Court to nullify it without delay.
Poland: ECHR names and shames
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has thrown the book at Poland for its 'see no love, hear no love' stance on same-sex unions. Five Polish couples denied the right to marry took their fight to the ECHR, which declared Poland in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights. Poland joins the not-so-prestigious club of Eastern European countries previously wrist-slapped for a similar stance, namely Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. See here. President Duda took this opportunity to pardon a nationalist jailed for being part of a group that attacked a woman carrying a rainbow-colored bag in an LGBTQ+ march. Great timing.
Russia: A Kremlin Crusade without Religion
While riot police forced their way this weekend into gay club Fame in Yekaterinburg, I read this analysis in L’Express: “la Russie Morale de Poutine.” The article describes how Putin’s focus on restoring a “pure Russia” not only stifles LGBTQ+ rights (EuroNews also an article this week describing the lives of LGBTQ+ citizens) but also overshadows pressing societal issues like inflation, poverty and a climbing death toll in Ukraine. Putin's reelection campaign in 2024 seems more focused on vilifying 'Western decadence' than addressing the many problems plaguing the country.
As for Russian society, it is not even conservative in reality. 1 in 2 marriages ends in divorce, and only 4 to 8% of the population attends Orthodox churches. This “moral Russia” is a complete fantasm.
🇺🇸 U.S. News
Post-Santos: Suozzi II - the Return
I predict that New York’s 3rd Congressional District seat will return to former Rep. Tom Suozzi as he was selected by the NY Democrats to run after George Santos reconverted in adult entertainment (Check out his Cameo capers). Tom Suozzi, who had left Congress last year to run for governor, eventually lost to Gov. Kathy Hochul in the primary after a surprisingly negative campaign. On the Republican front, retired NYPD detective Mike Sapraicone and Afghanistan war veteran Kellen Curry are emerging as top fundraisers but are not credible candidates. See here.
U.S. Supreme Court Upholds LGBTQ+ 'Conversion Therapy' Ban
The Supreme Court rejected an appeal to overturn Washington state's ban on LGBTQ 'conversion therapy'’ reinforcing the importance of medical integrity over ideological beliefs. The decision upholds a favorable decision from the Ninth Circuit. It is good news that the Court is at least not inclined to overturn laws regulating harmful conversion practices. Justice Thomas’ dissent was awfully Thomas-like (it reminded me of the French segment you can watch below; I cannot translate but you will get it):
There is a fierce public debate over how best to help minors with gender dysphoria. The petitioner, Brian Tingley, stands on one side of the divide. He believes that a person's sex is 'a gift from God, integral to our very being.
HHS Engages with LGBTQ Leaders for Health Equity
The Department of Health and Human Services organized a meeting this week to advance health and service equity for the LGBTQ community, showcasing its commitment to inclusive health policies. It brought together Michael Adams of SAGE, Brian Bond of PFLAG, Carl Baloney of AIDS United, and other community leaders. See the press release here.
Family and identity: the end of secrecy for sperm and egg donors
Tyler Levy Sniff's journey, sparked by a DNA test that unraveled a family secret, is reshaping the conversation around sperm and egg donor anonymity. This week, the NYTimes rang the alarm on a trend that could end anonymous donations. I have skin in that game.
There’s a real legal risk in many places. And then there’s the idea these laws express, which is that biological ties are more important than other ties.
Declining Support for LGBTQ+ Rights: time to change course
Despite the baffling self-congratulatory attitude of many LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations leaders, a recent report from the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) reveals a decline in public support for LGBTQ+ rights. While a majority still favors marriage equality and anti-discrimination policies, overall support has dropped. In August 2021, about 72% of Americans supported marriage equality, but this figure dipped to 66% in 2023. The shift is significantly noted among Republican voters, with increasing support for policies like bathroom bills. While divisive politics bear the brunt of the blame, it raises questions about our community's leadership and its strategy. I am all for community cohesion but I also am for some level of accountability. If you are going to outrageously overpay yourself, the least you can do is deliver for our people. Am I being difficult here?
While the majority of Americans still support marriage equality and anti-discrimination policies, support for LGBTQ+ rights has gone down "across the board" in the past few years
🏢 In the Boardroom
LGBTQ+ movements in the Boardroom
Emily Drabant Conley has left her position as board member at Medrio Inc. Also tomorrow Agenda/Equilar is releasing its Top 50 Diverse Board Candidate Publication which includes four members of the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors.
Honoring the resistance SEC's Board Diversity Mandate
David McIntosh and Siri Terjesen's critique in The Hill of the SEC's push for board diversity on Nasdaq-listed firms this week lacked a backbone and merely repeated Jay Blum’s bland statements. When only 25% of NASDAQ board seats are held by women, their assertion that Boards will self-diversify is ludicrous. Their suggestion to focus on firm success during economic downturns felt weak: I am typing this while on the treadmill at Equinox (I reached 168 lbs - I blame my travels and lawyering up against sycophants and flying monkeys) American companies can do both, too (not the treadmill but focusing on diversity).
🏳️🌈 The Gay Business
Bill to Protect LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses from Lending Discrimination
U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Kirsten Gillibrand, alongside Rep. Ritchie Torres, have re-introduced a bill to protect LGBTQ+-owned businesses from lending discrimination. This legislation would require financial institutions to collect data on LGBTQ+-owned businesses' access to credit and capital. This would be a significant step toward ensuring equitable financial support for LGBTQ+ business owners. I am convinced that the potential of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship is vastly untapped because of an invisible “gay tax”.
Tristan Schukraft: The New King of West Hollywood Nightlife
Hold onto your cocktails! Tristan Schukraft (notice his abs), already reigning over the telemedicine app Mistr and queer hotspots in Puerto Rico, confirmed his title of the (real) 'CEO of Everything Gay' with the acquisition of The Abbey and Chapel nightclubs, Schukraft's vision? To keep these institutions pulsing at the heart of the gay community, and not just in West Hollywood, he is also eyeing the East Coast.
Who's Earning More? Lesbians, apparently!
The Scoop: Aria Velz discussed the strange roots of 'lesbian wage premium' this week. Hint, it really has to do with house chores distribution.
The Stats: Studies, including a thorough meta-analysis by Marieka Klawitter, reveal lesbians earn about 9% more than straight women. This is observed in various Western countries.
Food for Thought: Perfect conversation topic for Xmas dinner.
🎭 Semi-Cultural Desk
From Italy's Most Handsome to a Man of the Cloth
In a stunning life change, Italy's 2019 “most handsome man,” Edoardo Santini, is now pursuing a spiritual path as a priest. I am supportive, but it feels like a waste, too. Watch the photos and read the full story.
Chris Appleton and Lukas Gage: A Short-Lived Union
The White Lotus' fourth episode ending in the first season changed TV forever. Well, actor Lukas Gage, who plays a crucial part in that specific scene, divorced from celebrity hairstylist (had no idea that’s a job, it wasn’t when I went through orientation) Chris Appleton after six months of marriage. This news follows their highly-publicized wedding featured on "The Kardashians" (I have no idea what that is either). I would judge him, but I famously split from the father of my kids 1 years after they were born: “il n’y a que les cons qui ne changent pas d’avis”. Read more
Raquel Willis, through Eliel Cruz’eyes
Eliel Cruz covered transgender activist Raquel Willis’s memoir. The stunning photos offer an intimate look into Willis's life and advocacy. Read the feature
Enid Blyton’s not-so-secret lesbian affair
British people are obsessed with the fact that renowned children's author Enid Blyton, had lesbian affairs and a tumultuous marriage. An academic has brought to light a supposed affair between Blyton and her female illustrator, Lola Onslow.
Andy Cohen's Fashion and aging gracefully
I handle my rapid aging by going for a 70-year-old retired, disheveled professor look. The principle is that people think I am older than I am then they will think I look good for my age. Andy Cohen is going the other direction, as highlighted by his outfit at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball: a red-and-green checkered flannel and baggy jeans combo. He referred to it as 'lesbian toddler' chic, oblivious that he is next on the list of gays to be canceled after Don Lemon descended into oblivion.
Netflix's 'Good Grief'
Netflix's upcoming release 'Good Grief' (December 29) is highly anticipated in the LGBTQ+ community who loves anything with Dan Levy in it. It will explore the themes of loss, love, and identity which will also be the tag line of the year 2024. Watch the trailer
Netflix's 'May December': A Queer Christmas Classic
Director Todd Haynes's "May December," which premiered on Netflix, is being celebrated for its queer subtext and unique narrative. Starring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, the film has been praised for stepping out of societal boundaries and creating a narrative that resonates deeply with queer themes and is already a camp classic.
🎗️ Non-Profit Corner
Mackenzie Scott's Philanthropic Journey
Billionaire philanthropist Mackenzie Scott continues donating billions to various causes, including LGBTQ+ initiatives. Fortune Magazine had a story on how it is reshaping the landscape of charitable giving.
A bizarre piece in the Wall Street Journal
SKE, who continues to have great difficulties staying in the very wide GLAAD’s lane, penned a piece in the WSJ touting the support of 60 companies for a “joint statement” this past June. This figure pales compared to the over 100 businesses that opposed North Carolina's HB2 in 2016, for example. But it gets worse when you dive into the “list of companies,” which includes Taimi, “Be Kind To All”. What is next local coffee shops, dry cleaners and nail salons? This « coalition » only highlights the deafening silence of the private sector on over 500 anti-LGBTQ bills. Where did our corporate allies go? Clearly the large delegations to Davos and Cannes haven’t paid off besides for the delegations themselves 🙄
✨ Jobs
Opportunity at HACE: Colores Program Co-Leads Wanted
The Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) seeks dynamic individuals to co-lead the Colores: Leading with Pride program. This role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in LGBTQ+ communities. Apply here
Policy and Advocacy Officer at Dignity Network Canada
Dignity Network Canada is hiring a Policy and Advocacy Officer. This full-time role focuses on developing policy materials, engaging with governmental bodies, and coordinating advocacy efforts for SOGIESC issues. Apply by December 20th, 2023
Coming and Going
The reinvention of Chuck Wolfe
Here is an article on my friend Chuck Wolfe's pivot from queer politics to the business world. Once the CEO of the Victory Fund championing LGBTQ+ candidates, Wolfe now flavors the hospitality sector as CEO of Chiles Hospitality. If you didn’t pick on the theme of this newsletter, there are a bunch of LGBTQ+ leaders that I would like to send to the kitchen🍴🏳️🌈✨
Erratum: I was wrong on Clément Beaune’s portfolio last week, he is the French Minister of Transports.
And that, dear readers, wraps up the 148th whirlwind tour of the ever-twisting, ever-turning world of LGBTQ+ equality. As we jingle all the way through this holiday season, let's not forget that for many in our communities progress is in reverse gear. Keep your eggnog spiked (I’ll have a diet coke) and your spirits high – we'll be back next week with more serious and saucy tidbits. Until then, remember: In the grand theatre of gay life, the holidays are just another scene and I gave you the authorization to skip any party you do not want to go to. In fact I am looking for someone to babysit the twins tonight so I can go to the FIAF holiday party ! Curtain down for now, but the show goes on next week!
I agree with Franklin...you are a gift to all of us who read this.
always informative!