The photo and its origins
The photo was brought to light by Travis Whitfill, a Yale classmate of Vance, who claims the image was taken at a Halloween party in 2012. Whitfill, who currently serves as an Assistant Professor Adjunct in Pediatrics at Yale School of Medicine, shared the photo through friends to podcast host Matt Bernstein. Bernstein, in turn, posted the image on social media, further fueling its spread.
In his social media post, Bernstein remarked on the irony, stating, “I would also want to ban drag if I were unable to serve,” referencing Vance’s public opposition to LGBTQ rights. The image, sourced from a group chat among Vance’s former classmates, has not been confirmed or denied by Vance’s camp, leaving the public to speculate on its authenticity and significance.
Public reaction and criticism
The image has ignited a wave of criticism, particularly from those who view Vance’s previous statements on LGBTQ issues as contradictory. Justice Horn, a Jackson County Plan Commissioner, shared the image on his social media, highlighting the perceived hypocrisy. “Ladies and gentlemen, a picture of JD Vance in drag while attending Yale Law School. 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,” Horn wrote.
The backlash against Vance has been intense, with many questioning his consistency and authenticity. Social media users and Yale alumni have come forward, sharing their perspectives and corroborating the photo’s context. The image, for many, underscores a perceived double standard in Vance’s public stance versus his private actions.
JD Vance’s record on LGBTQ issues
Vance has a controversial record on LGBTQ rights, which has drawn criticism from advocacy groups like the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and GLAAD. He has supported the Protect Children’s Innocence Act, which seeks to block gender-affirming care for minors and impose severe penalties on healthcare providers. Vance also opposed the Respect for Marriage Act, legislation designed to protect same-sex and interracial marriages.
In public statements, Vance has further alienated LGBTQ communities by using inflammatory language and promoting harmful stereotypes. His alignment with policies that many view as discriminatory has been a cornerstone of his political identity, making the appearance of the drag photo particularly striking.