Gay U.S. Congressional Candidate Defends Old Leather Photos

The 37-year-old Christopher Gallant is running as a Democrat in New York’s 1st Congressional District, which includes the eastern parts of Long Island. On Monday he confirmed reports about photographs showing him roughly 16 years ago in leather and bondage gear. Earlier the tabloid New York Post and local outlets picked up the images, prompting conservatives to question his fitness for office in Washington on social media.

The openly gay Gallant, a military pilot, former air traffic controller, and volunteer firefighter, vigorously rejected these accusations. In a message to his supporters he wrote: “I am not ashamed — I have always been uncompromisingly myself.” The photos would neither disqualify him from flying a Blackhawk military helicopter nor diminish his ability to safely guide passenger aircraft through airspace or advocate for the people’s interests.

Shooting with Life Partner from 2010

Gallant’s attorney Sara Azari clarified that the photos were taken around 2010. It was a private, consensual shoot with his then long-time life partner. Because Gallant was friends with the operator of the longtime queer fetish brand “Mr. S Leather,” it had been agreed at the time to use selected images for product presentations — including a leather collar.

As Gallant later decided to pursue a career in public service, he asked for the material to be removed from the company’s website, which was promptly done. The images have now resurfaced from web archives.

Democrats: The photos prove Gallant has a six-pack

While conservatives tried to stir up outrage using the images — Gallant shirtless in a leather harness, mask, or with a blue “Avatar” hair strand — the local Democratic Party remained measured. On Instagram the party posted a photo of Gallant in uniform in front of a helicopter, accusing conservatives of a transparent smear campaign and dryly noting that voters on the ground are capable of making up their own minds — and that there is now “documented proof that Chris Gallant has a six-pack.”

The district is considered highly contrasting — it spans ultra-wealthy summer getaways and luxury estates in the Hamptons, suburban middle-class neighborhoods, and rural farming towns and working-class enclaves, making it one of the so-called swing districts. The party that wins the most of these competitive districts will hold the majority in the House in the next two years. Right now, Republicans hold a razor-thin edge in the chamber with 219 seats to 214 for the Democrats.

Contested Race in the District
The 1st Congressional District of New York is viewed as one of the most competitive in the upcoming November elections. Gallant is challenging the incumbent Republican Representative Nick LaLota, who won the seat two years ago with a ten-point lead over his Democratic challenger. Polls now show a tight, head-to-head race in the district.

The district is viewed as highly contrasting — it spans ultra-wealthy summer homes and luxury estates in the Hamptons, suburban middle-class neighborhoods, and rural farming communities and working-class enclaves, making it one of the so-called swing districts. The party that wins the most of these competitive districts will hold the majority in the House over the next two years. At present, Republicans hold a slim majority in the chamber with 219 seats to 214 for the Democrats.