4 hours ago
Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner Admits to ‘Indefensible’ Antigay Slurs in Unearthed Reddit Posts
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Graham Platner, who is currently running for a Maine Senate seat, admitted this week to having used antigay slurs in a series of old Reddit posts that were recently brought to public attention. The posts, described as “indefensible” by Platner himself, contained language that he now says is antithetical to his current beliefs and values. The revelations were first reported on October 22, 2025, by The Advocate, a leading LGBTQ+ news outlet, after the posts began circulating on social media and were verified as originating from Platner’s account .
Platner was approached for comment and responded by stating, “Today I find that stuff abhorrent,” adding, “And I am sorry that I ever used it” . The candidate did not dispute the authenticity of the posts, instead taking personal responsibility for their content.
Upon the publication of the posts, Platner issued a public apology. In his statement, he expressed regret not only for his language but also for the harm it may have caused to LGBTQ+ individuals and the broader community. “There is no excuse for that kind of language. I am deeply sorry to anyone I have hurt, and I am committed to being an ally today and in the future,” Platner said in a written statement to The Advocate .
Reactions from political opponents were swift, with several Maine Senate candidates and local party officials calling on Platner to further clarify his current positions on LGBTQ+ rights. Some have demanded that Platner meet with local LGBTQ+ organizations to demonstrate his commitment to inclusion and equality. At the time of reporting, Platner’s campaign had not indicated plans to withdraw from the race.
The resurfacing of homophobic slurs by a public figure, particularly one seeking elected office, has significant implications for Maine’s LGBTQ+ community. Local advocacy groups, including EqualityMaine and regional chapters of the Human Rights Campaign, issued statements condemning the language and urging all candidates to uphold respectful, inclusive discourse .
In interviews with The Advocate, community leaders emphasized the emotional impact such revelations can have on LGBTQ+ youth and adults alike. “This kind of language, even if it’s from the past, can be deeply harmful and triggering for many in our community,” said a spokesperson for EqualityMaine . “We hope Mr. Platner’s apology is sincere, and we encourage him to take active steps to show support for LGBTQ+ Mainers.”
The incident has reignited national discussions about the relevance of a candidate’s past statements, online behavior, and the possibility of personal growth. While some voters and activists have indicated they are willing to accept Platner’s apology if it is followed by tangible advocacy, others maintain that the use of antigay slurs should be disqualifying for public office.
Experts on political accountability note that the internet’s permanence means candidates are often judged by their digital footprints, sometimes years after the fact. “Voters are increasingly demanding transparency and authenticity from those who seek to represent them, especially on issues of equity and inclusion,” said Dr. Lisa Martinez, a political science professor specializing in LGBTQ+ political participation .
Recent studies have shown that LGBTQ+ representation and allyship in state legislatures can have measurable positive impacts on the well-being of queer and transgender people, making the vetting of candidates’ records a matter of deep importance for many voters .
Platner has stated that he is engaging in dialogue with LGBTQ+ leaders and intends to participate in local forums on equality. He has also pledged to support nondiscrimination legislation and to consult regularly with advocacy groups to ensure his policies reflect the needs of the LGBTQ+ community .
At press time, Platner’s campaign website had been updated to include a new section outlining his commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and detailing actions he plans to take if elected, including co-sponsoring bills to protect queer and transgender youth from discrimination in schools and healthcare settings .
The Maine Senate race now faces heightened scrutiny as voters weigh Platner’s apology and subsequent actions against his past language. LGBTQ+ organizations continue to call for accountability, but have also welcomed opportunities for education and progress.
As the election approaches, the story remains a focal point for broader conversations about inclusion, historical accountability, and the standards to which public officials are held. Platner’s candidacy, and the reactions surrounding it, will likely serve as a case study for how political figures can address and move forward from past mistakes in the digital age.
