This story originally appeared on The Advocate.
A gay congressional candidate whose fetish modeling drew right-wing media attention has responded to the coverage, saying he will not be shamed out of his race for Congress.
Democratic candidate Chris Gallant, an Army veteran and New York Army National Guard Black Hawk pilot running to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota, called the coverage of his past modeling for Mr. S Leather a political attack. Rupert Murdoch's New York Post first published the story.
“By now, you've probably seen the stories and the pictures, but let's be clear about what this is. This is a coordinated political hit meant to drive me out of the race, and this represents everything that is wrong with our politics today,” Gallant said in a video message posted on social media.
“The establishment is clinging to power, mudslinging as a means of skirting accountability at the ballot box. Look, I am very proud of who I am, and I won't be shamed into silence, and I won't allow my private life to be distorted and weaponized against me.”
Related: Gay congressional candidate goes viral for X-rated BDSM ads
VoteVets has endorsed Gallant in his campaign against LaLota, who has campaigned on promises to “protect girls’ sports” while describing himself as an ally to LGBTQ+ communities. Gallant said voters should care more about his military service record than photographs taken when he was younger. He did not disavow the modeling photos, instead describing himself as a political outsider who has spent his adult life serving his country.
“I am not a politician, actually, far from it. But I've been fighting for this country since I first enlisted in the Army at 17 years old,” he said. “I wasn't scared flying Black Hawk helicopters in the Middle East. And I sure as hell won't let some pictures from my past scare me out of this race. So hear me when I say this: I'm in this to win. I've never been one to back down from a challenge, and I'm not backing down now. Thank you for all of the ongoing support that we've received.”
Gallant has served in the Army National Guard since 2006 and pilots Black Hawk helicopters. He previously worked as a Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controller and union leader and serves as a volunteer firefighter on Long Island.
The 37-year-old confirmed through his attorney, Sara Azari, that the photographs from the Mr. S Leather shoot were authentic. One showed Gallant wearing a leather collar attached to a chain. Azari told the Post that the photographs were “intended to be fun and personal” and that Gallant understood the company could use selected images to promote its products. She said Gallant later asked that the photographs be removed from Mr. S Leather’s website, and the retailer honored his request.
The Post separately alleged that images found on adult websites showed Gallant nude and engaging in sexual activity with another man.
Although conservative media outlets sought to embarrass Gallant with the photographs, many LGBTQ+ social media users rallied around the soldier and his refusal to retreat.
“Republicans get away with everything vile and disgusting meanwhile all you did was pose for BDSM gear and in porn,” posted Bruder Schwartz.
