Rep. Ritchie Torres, a Democrat from New York, recently criticized The New York Times for what he perceived as bias in a report that mainly focused on his pro-Israel stance without interviewing him for the story. The article titled “The Gaza War Is Dividing the L.G.B.T.Q. Community” shed light on tensions within the gay community of Fire Island Pines. Torres, who is the first openly gay Afro-Latino member of Congress, had his flag displayed in Trailblazers Park alongside other LGBTQ figures for Pride Month. However, the flag honoring Torres was swiftly removed by the activist group ACT-UP and replaced with flags honoring “queer Palestinians.”
In response to the article, Torres expressed his disappointment, stating that the author had a predetermined narrative and only included quotes from fringe figures to fit the story. He questioned whether the LGBTQ community was truly divided or if a visible vocal minority was being mistaken for the majority. The Times quoted a pro-Palestinian activist who claimed that most queer people supported Palestine, aligning with the activist’s viewpoint.
While the Times did not interview Torres, they did speak with ACT-UP activist Jason Rosenberg, who criticized Torres for supporting Israel’s policies. Torres condemned the reporter for giving a platform to Rosenberg, whom he accused of celebrating a terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7. Despite the lack of an interview with Torres, the Times included quotes from Rosenberg, adding to Torres’ frustration with the bias he perceived in the article.
Torres has been vocal about his support for Israel, standing out among Democrats on Capitol Hill. He previously called out New York Magazine for an “anti-Israel hit piece” that mistakenly used a photo of Democratic New York Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado instead of him. Torres emphasized the importance of accuracy in reporting and highlighted the need to distinguish between individuals, especially within marginalized communities.
The media landscape’s portrayal of Israel and Palestine remains a contentious issue, with differing perspectives within the LGBTQ community and among Democrats. Torres’ criticism of The New York Times reflects broader concerns about bias in media coverage and the need for balanced reporting on complex geopolitical issues. The ongoing debate underscores the importance of inclusive dialogue and accurate representation in journalism to promote understanding and constructive discourse.