

Brian Lehrer Weekend: Zohran Mamdani; The Fight for Gay Rights; The NYC Democratic Party Machine
Jun 28, 2025
Join Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a rising star in NYC politics advocating for affordability and increased voter engagement. Journalist Will Brederman discusses the decline of voter participation in New York City, shedding light on its historical context. Professor Mark Stein takes us through a century of LGBTQ rights, tracing its evolution and intersection with political dynamics. Together, they explore how civic participation can reshape the future and the ongoing fight for equality in the political arena.
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A Family Story of Bonded Gay Partners
- Veronica shared a story about her gay grand uncle and his lifelong partner from the 1920s.
- They were kind, not flamboyant, and deeply bonded, with tragic love after his partner's death.
LGBTQ Social Hubs Emerge in Cities
- LGBTQ life thrives in both urban centers and rural areas, but major cities concentrate activity and create movement foundations.
- Neighborhoods with gay businesses and residential areas like Greenwich Village and the Castro played key roles historically.
Machine Politics Balanced Power Strategically
- Mid-20th century NYC Democratic machine balanced tickets across boroughs and ethnic groups for political power.
- Public disgust with corruption sometimes led to independent candidates winning despite machine control.