Republican vice presidential candidate and Ohio Senator JD Vance is facing backlash after a resurfaced photo from his law school days shows him dressed in drag. The image, which quickly went viral, appears to show Vance in a blonde wig and a dress.
The photo was first shared by X user Matt Bernstein, who claimed it dates back to Vance’s time at Yale Law School in 2012. Bernstein’s post was followed by Yale assistant professor Travis Whitfill, who confirmed the photo’s authenticity, noting it was originally shared in a group chat and later obtained from Facebook.
The Backlash and Controversy
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The image’s emergence has sparked widespread criticism, particularly due to Vance’s outspoken anti-LGBTQ+ comments and policies. Social media users have coined the drag name “Sofa Loren” for Vance, referencing a meme involving the senator. Critics argue that Vance’s past enjoyment of drag contrasts sharply with his current stance against it.
Whitfill wasn’t the only one sharing old photos. Bernstein received another image of Vance from his party days, further fueling the debate. Although Vance’s campaign did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment, a spokesperson did not deny the photo’s authenticity to the Daily Beast.
Public Reaction
The photo has prompted a wave of commentary on social media, with many accusing Vance of hypocrisy. Commenters have expressed frustration over what they see as Vance’s double standards—embracing drag in his youth while now denouncing it.
One Twitter user, Melanie D’Arrigo, stated, “Don’t call JD Vance weird because he wore drag. Call him a hypocrite and a bigot for demonizing others who wear drag.” Similarly, Justice Horn criticized Vance for attacking drag while having enjoyed it himself, stating, “I don’t share this to shame those who do drag, but rather to shame those who attack drag while having a history of enjoying the art form themselves.”
Political Implications
The revelation has stirred significant controversy, especially given the political climate and Vance’s prominent role on the Republican ticket. As the story continues to develop, it remains to be seen how this issue will impact Vance’s campaign and public perception.
JD Vance’s drag photo has ignited a debate over hypocrisy and authenticity in politics. The contrast between his past behavior and current stance on LGBTQ+ issues highlights ongoing tensions within political discourse and the challenges of reconciling personal history with public positions.
