Deep in the heart of one of the “best gayborhoods’” in the D.C. area resides Republican Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance. The renowned Appalachia LARPer and Ohio Senator lives in Del Ray, a liberal suburb of Alexandria, Virginia. His $1.6 million dollar home is mere steps away from Del Ray’s main commercial street, Vernon Avenue. Here, the LGBTQ+ community hosts their rainbow banners for Vance to see.
Del Ray saw its population increase rapidly in the early ’90s as the gay community settled in. “So it’s interesting how this neighborhood evolved and how it’s become such a sought-after neighborhood that we even get right-wing Republicans who see the value of living here,” comments Bill Blackburn, co-owner of Vernon Avenue’s LGBTQ+ bar Pride on the Avenue. Yet sitting comfortably in his home just yards away is a man who has referred to LGBTQ+ folks and their allies as “groomers.”
Vance is notorious for pushing anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Opposing the Respect for Marriage Act, Vance introduced a bill that would make it a felony to provide gender-affirming surgery to trans minors. Alongside his compadre Donald Trump, the two are aiming to combat “radical gender ideology” in schools and ban gender-affirming care.
Noncompliant schools that continue to educate children on “critical race theory, radical gender ideology, and other inappropriate, racial, sexual, or political content” will face cuts to funding. In addition, the two strive to “keep men out of women’s sports” because apparently trans women in sports is the worst of America’s problems.
Thankfully, Vance has some warm, welcoming neighbors. Last year, an anonymous artist from Del Ray “yarn-bombed” his home with hand-knitted and crocheted Pride flags, rainbow hearts, and a sign reading “Respect Our Rights.”
Ironically, former Yale classmates and teachers noted how Vance used to be a very different person. There was a time in his life when he delivered baked goods to a trans friend recovering from top surgery. Although the residents of Del Ray may not be keen to lend their neighbor some sugar, they are sure to lend him a glimpse into the strong, resilient community that his ignorant policies impact.
