LGBTQ+ Teens Furious That Pic At Medford Pride Used In Pol's Campaign

MEDFORD, MA — A group of Medford High School students is accusing State Rep. Paul Donato of using a photo of LGBTQ+ students for political gain.

The students say Democrat Donato, who is running for re-election against Democratic challenger Nichole Mossalam and has historically voted against LGBTQ+ rights, attended Medford pride in June and used a photo of students from Medford High School’s Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) on a campaign flier without them knowing about it.

“It was at Medford Pride and we were celebrating,” said student Greta Rubenstein. “The Medford High GSA was there, a few people gave speeches, there was the raising of the Pride flag, politicians came, and everyone had a good time.

"But then later, we got one of Paul Donato’s fliers stuck in our door and it had a picture of Medford High GSA at the Pride event.”

The students said this is particularly problematic due to Donato’s history of voting against gay marriage, transgender rights, and a woman’s right to choose.

However, the politician has since said he has “evolved” and fully supports LGBTQ+ rights.

“He said he has changed what he thought about those things, but I haven’t seen any evidence to support that,” Rubenstein said. “He used a picture of high school kids without anyone knowing about it, which is legal because it was a public place, but he is a child advocate helping children to be safe. It’s really not safe to be sharing a photo of kids who identify as queer."

In response, Donato said he understands the students’ concerns but also recognizes that it was a public place and many photos were being taken.

“I’m aware of their concerns and I feel bad, but it was a public place at a public time,” Donato said. "They were very involved, I was involved, and I thought I had a good meeting at the Pride Day celebration. It also wasn’t the first one I’ve been to, I went last year as well.”

“I understand that they don’t want to be targeted, but with all due respect it was public, and I was proud of that movement, I enjoyed it and participated in it."

Patch was unsuccessful at reaching Medford’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Director for comment.