The mayoral candidate’s attempt to gain the support of Asian-American and LGBTQ+ groups backfired when he misjudged what issues they really care about.
The mayoral candidate's attempt to gain the support of Asian-American and LGBTQ+ groups backfired when he misjudged what issues they really care about.
According to the New York Times, Yang met with the Stonewall Democratic Club of New York, one of the most prominent LGBTQ+ groups in the city. While the audience was expecting Yang to discuss policy, they were instead treated to a series of remarks later described as "pandering and tone deaf".
Yang voiced his desire to visit the famous lesbian bar, Cubbyhole, talked about reviving the NYC Pride Parade, and constantly mentioned that he employed gay people in his campaign.
Harris Doran, who attended the event, told NBC News that "It was like he never met a gay person in his life ... it was like tokenizing us".
It was reported that Yang continuously referred to members of the club as "your community", which made some feel like they were being 'othered', separated from society at large because of their identity. "You're so human and beautiful", he said. "You make New York City special. I have no idea how we ever lose to the Republicans given that you all are frankly in, like, leadership roles all over the Democratic Party".
He also received criticism for not being inclusive enough, primarily referring to gay and lesbian members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Yang is also in hot water with many Asian-Americans; a group which calls itself Asian and Pacific Islander New Yorkers Against Andrew Yang has garnered more than 400 signatures for a petition against him. According to NBC News, "the group cited his 'pro-police' policies in the wake of calls for widespread reform and racial justice, his appearances on right-wing media and his Washington Post op-ed urging Asian Americans to show their 'American-ness' during the Covid-19 pandemic."
The group stated that "representation alone is simply not enough", adding that "There are candidates more aligned with social and racial justice values, with deeper commitments to APIA and BIPOC communities, whose mayoralty would actually benefit our communities, and they are not getting the attention they deserve".
Yang is currently ahead in the polls, with 22% of likely Democratic voters favouring him. Given the current political climate, however it likely that his recent losses with the LGBTQ+ and Asian-American communities may cost him.
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