Graham Platner Cancels LGBTQ+ Fundraising Event Amid Controversy

Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maine, canceled a fundraising event scheduled at Industry, a gay bar in New York City, shortly after inquiries were made by The Advocate regarding the event. The reasons for the cancellation remain unclear, as Platner's campaign team did not respond to requests for comment, and references to the event were removed from his campaign website by Saturday afternoon.

The Advocate

Platner's campaign has been marred by his previous anti-LGBTQ+ remarks made on Reddit, which were highlighted by The Advocate last fall. In an October 2025 interview, he described those comments as “abhorrent” and has since apologized for them. His digital history also includes misogynistic and racist comments, as well as a tattoo resembling Nazi insignia, which he has covered up. Despite these controversies, Platner has publicly voiced support for the LGBTQ+ community during his campaign.

The Advocate

The cancellation of the event comes as Platner prepares for the Democratic primary election against Maine Governor Janet Mills on June 9. Mills has leveraged Platner's past comments in campaign advertisements aimed at women voters, questioning his credibility. In response, Platner released a video ad urging voters not to judge him solely on his past, stating, “If I saw these ads, I’d have questions... but who I am today.”

The Advocate

Critics have expressed skepticism regarding Platner's commitment to LGBTQ+ issues, particularly given his history of derogatory remarks. A gay Maine man running for the same Senate seat has publicly stated he does not believe in Platner's narrative of redemption. This skepticism is compounded by the abrupt cancellation of the event, which some view as indicative of deeper issues within Platner's campaign.

The Advocate

While Platner's campaign has not provided an official statement regarding the event cancellation, he has previously acknowledged the impact of his past comments on his current campaign. He has asked voters to consider his growth since those incidents, emphasizing a desire for redemption and a commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.

The Advocate

There is a lack of clarity surrounding the reasons for the event's cancellation, with no official explanation provided by Platner's campaign or the venue. Additionally, the absence of responses from Industry bar representatives raises questions about the event's planning and execution.

The Advocate

• “If I saw these ads, I’d have questions,” — Graham Platner, U.S. Senate Candidate

The Advocate

• “Maine, I’m asking you not to judge me for the worst thing I said on the internet on my worst day 14 years ago, but who I am today.” — Graham Platner, U.S. Senate Candidate

The Advocate