This story originally appeared on Them.
Vice President J.D. Vance, a staunch opponent of LGBTQ+ rights who recently insinuated that Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico is gay as a political attack, dressed up as Dumbledore for Halloween.
Albus Dumbledore from the Harry Potter novels is canonically gay, as author J.K. Rowling first confirmed in 2007, following the publication of the final book in the main series. Rowling has since gone on to become an influential figure in anti-transgender advocacy, causing multiple stars of the film franchise — including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint — to distance themselves from her views.
Vance revealed his costume on Halloween night with a short video message that appears to have been filmed on the front porch of the Vice President’s Residence in Washington, D.C. while he held his youngest son, born in July. “Hey guys, Vice President Dumbledore here with little Dobby the elf,” he said. “Wishing you a happy Halloween. Have fun, be safe, eat a lot of candy.”
Some on social media noted they had trouble recognizing the costume, with many critics pointing out that Vance is no stranger to donning long, light-haired wigs. In August 2024, during the runup to that year’s presidential election, photos leaked online showing a college-age Vance cross-dressing at a party in a blonde wig; many LGBTQ+ and progressive critics subsequently pointed out the irony of Republicans stoking cultural panic around trans people and drag queens while supporting a vice presidential candidate who had literally done drag.
Once again, the GOP has spent an election cycle campaigning on an anti-LGBTQ+ platform, pouring $183 million into anti-trans ads, according to an Associated Press analysis. Specifically, Republicans have also attempted to raise questions about the sexuality of Talarico, who is straight and in a long-term relationship with a woman, in an apparent attempt to sway his competitive race against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Talarico narrowly leads Paxton in most polls.
Vance himself participated in this homophobic rumormongering, responding to a supporter at an October campaign rally in Tyler, Texas with the barb: “I love you too, sir. In a totally platonic way, to be clear. I’m the vice president, not James Talarico.”
Only a few weeks later, Vance has dressed up for Halloween as one of the most famous gay male characters in history — albeit one confirmed to be gay after the fact.
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