JD Vance has undergone significant changes in his political views, particularly on racism, Donald Trump, and transgender rights. Sofia Nelson, a former classmate and close friend of Vance, recalls a time when he was a staunch supporter of their transition and expressed disdain for the candidate he now runs alongside. Messages shared between Nelson and Vance reveal a shift from support to opposition, highlighting Vance’s evolving stance on transgender issues and his current political alignment.
Vance’s transformation is illustrated in a message from 2016, where he apologized to Nelson for inaccurately referring to them in his book, “Hillbilly Elegy.” He acknowledged the mistake, showing a level of understanding and support for Nelson’s identity at the time. Nelson’s response reflected their acceptance and the foundation of their friendship.
Moreover, Vance’s past participation in events like San Francisco Pride in 2015 and his supportive messages to Nelson further emphasize the stark contrast to his current position. He once attended Pride, expressing a willingness to engage with and understand the community. However, Vance’s subsequent support for anti-transgender legislation, particularly a bill in Arizona banning gender-affirming care for youth, marked a turning point in his relationship with Nelson and his public stance on trans issues.
Nelson’s disappointment is palpable when recalling Vance’s shift. They described how Vance’s current views, particularly his dismissive attitude towards well-documented medical consensus on transgender health care, diverge sharply from the man they knew in law school. Vance’s support for such legislation deeply saddened Nelson, marking the end of their friendship in 2021.
The divergence in Vance’s political journey, from a “Never Trumper” who criticized Trump’s rhetoric to a candidate aligned with Trump’s policies, is significant. Nelson pointed out that Vance’s shift seemed driven by political opportunism rather than genuine belief, highlighting the complexity and opportunistic nature of his political evolution.
