In a powerful new campaign video, New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani draws a direct line between the historic struggles of Sylvia Rivera, a trailblazing transgender activist, and today’s ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ equality. The clip, released this week on Mamdani’s social media platforms, intertwines archival footage of Rivera’s activism with scenes from modern-day New York, accompanied by an emotional soundtrack by the late artist SOPHIE.
The video pays tribute to Rivera’s enduring legacy — from her role in the Stonewall uprising of 1969 to her lifelong advocacy for transgender rights and social justice. Mamdani, known for his progressive platform and community-focused politics, uses the tribute not only to celebrate Rivera but to underscore his vision of New York as a city of inclusion, empathy, and equal opportunity.
“New York’s greatness lies in its diversity,” Mamdani says in the clip. “But true inclusion means protecting those still marginalized — ensuring our trans siblings have safety, healthcare, and dignity.”
The campaign’s creative direction reflects Mamdani’s signature storytelling style — blending art, activism, and politics. The video’s release has drawn widespread attention across social media, praised by LGBTQ+ advocates for bringing transgender visibility to the forefront of a major political campaign.
Rivera, who co-founded STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries) in the early 1970s, has long been hailed as a symbol of resilience and courage in the face of discrimination. By invoking her memory, Mamdani aligns his campaign with the city’s progressive movements, appealing especially to younger voters who see inclusion as a defining value of modern New York.
Critics, however, accuse the candidate of “politicizing identity,” while supporters argue that such messages are essential in a time when anti-trans legislation and hate crimes are on the rise nationwide.
Still, the tone of the video remains hopeful. It closes with Mamdani standing near the Christopher Street Pier — a historic site of LGBTQ+ activism — as the city skyline glows behind him. “Sylvia dreamed of a city that loved all its people,” he says. “Let’s finish what she started.”
