From Slate Magazine · Christina Cauterucci · · 2m
The sex scandal that wasn't really a scandal
A gay Democratic candidate's old BDSM photos barely dented his campaign, signaling a shift in how voters judge politicians.
In brief
A gay Democratic candidate's old BDSM photos barely dented his campaign, signaling a shift in how voters judge politicians. Consensual adult behavior from years ago no longer disqualifies candidates, especially when it reveals nothing troubling about their character or values. Originally reported by Slate Magazine.
Photos surface of gay candidate
Christopher Gallant, a Democrat running for Congress on Long Island, posed in bondage gear for photos taken years ago. The New York Post published the images this week, showing him in various BDSM scenarios.
Photos were for a friend's business
Gallant's lawyer explained the photos were taken during a private, consensual session with his then-partner. He allowed Mr. S Leather, a San Francisco kink shop owned by a friend, to use them for promotion from 2011 to 2020.
Conservatives attack, Democrats shrug
The Suffolk County Conservative Party questioned whether Gallant deserved office. Democrats responded by highlighting his résumé: Guardsman, firefighter, air traffic controller, union leader.
“Is this who you want to represent us in Washington DC?”
The photos didn't tank his campaign
Despite the controversy, there's no sign the photos will cost Gallant many votes. The Republican incumbent won by 10 points in 2024, and the district leans solid GOP anyway.
Voters already knew he was gay
Gallant's district knew his sexual orientation long before these photos emerged. A glimpse of fetish gear, increasingly mainstream in gay culture, probably won't shift their opinions.
Sex scandals need actual wrongdoing
Modern voters care less about politicians' sex lives unless there's immoral behavior involved, like affairs with staffers or harassment. Consensual acts between adults don't register the same way.
Not like other Democratic scandals
Unlike Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, whose campaign collapsed over genuine misconduct including victim-blaming and abuse allegations, Gallant's photos show only consensual activity.
No betrayal, no problem
If the photos depict consensual activity and Gallant wasn't betraying anyone's trust, there's no legitimate reason to question his fitness for office or his values.
Democrats want relatable leaders
Party strategists have pushed for imperfect, relatable candidates instead of polished upper-middle-class politicians groomed for office since childhood.
The right kind of relatability matters
Gallant's sexual history shows maturity and self-confidence in negotiating consensual scenarios. That's different from candidates whose relatability stems from disrespecting women.
A new standard for sex stories
Democrats have a chance to normalize the right kind of candidate sex story: one where everyone involved was a willing participant and no values were compromised.
The main idea
Consensual adult behavior from years ago no longer disqualifies candidates, especially when it reveals nothing troubling about their character or values.
