JD Vance Faces Backlash Over Drag Photos

Two photos of J.D. Vance in drag from his Yale Law School days in 2012 have gone viral, sparking discussions about his past and current political stance. The images, shared by podcaster Matt Bernstein, were reportedly taken at a Halloween party and have led to social media users coining the drag name 'Sofa Loren' for him. Vance's campaign has neither confirmed nor denied the authenticity of the photos, which contradict his vocal opposition to LGBTQ+ rights and 'Don’t Say Gay' legislation. Critics have pointed out the hypocrisy of Vance's past behavior juxtaposed with his current political rhetoric. The resurfacing of these images has prompted commentary on the potential impact on his candidacy alongside Donald Trump in the upcoming election. The situation echoes a broader conversation about the acceptance of diverse identities in the Republican Party, especially in light of Vance's derogatory comments about LGBTQ+ individuals in the past.