By Matt Underwood J.D. Vance claims he knows all the “normal” gays want Trump for president, and honestly, that statement is perplexing and a little enraging. When I hear him use the term “normal,” I can’t help but think of the subtle undercurrents of bigotry that often come with such labels. Who exactly is he talking about? The notion that “normal” gay people support Trump feels like an attempt to frame gay identity in a narrow, old-fashioned mold that doesn’t reflect the vibrant, diverse reality of our community.
For Vance, “normal” might mean those who fit into his understanding of traditional masculinity—perhaps the Log Cabin Republicans who go to CPAC and shield their identities with some sort of faux respectability. It’s bewildering to think he might be referencing the closet, where people lead double lives, engaging in conservative politics while secretly seeking out queer experiences. I mean, who do these “normal” gays really think they are fooling? It’s hard for me to grasp how anyone could see Trump as a figure who genuinely champions their rights, what with his track record of divisive rhetoric and policies that attack marginalized communities.
I wonder if Vance has stepped outside of his bubble to actually meet real, everyday LGBTQ+ folks. At Pride this past year, I didn’t see an abundance of Trump signs or anything that indicated his brand has any foothold in the community. The “normal” gays he is imagining seem like figments of his imagination, perhaps a reflection of his desire to fit into a narrative where queer people are just like him—trying desperately to follow outdated societal norms. And let’s be real: the notion that the majority of the LGBTQ+ community is clamoring for a Trump presidency is not just wrong; it’s almost comically misguided.
Perhaps Vance’s comments reflect a deeper self-loathing, a projection of his own struggles with identity. The closeted Republicans and the “normal” gays he speaks of might be the same individuals who are out there living their lives in secrecy, perhaps even voting against their own best interests. It’s as if he believes he can define our community in a way that suits his narrative while ignoring the voices of those who are openly rejecting Trump and aligning themselves with progress and acceptance.
I think it’s essential to recognize how damaging these labels are. The fight for equality and representation isn’t merely a political one—it’s deeply personal. Vance seems intent on labeling those who support progress as “abnormal” or “weird,” which only adds to the stigmatization we already face in society. It’s as if he believes that by classifying one group as “normal,” he conveniently sidelines everyone else who doesn’t conform to his outdated standards.
Just take a look at the actual “normal” folks around me—the ones advocating for social justice, equality, and love in all its forms. They are the ones engaged in activism, seeking to dismantle the harmful narratives that figures like Vance would like to perpetuate. It is disheartening, to say the least, to see someone with such a public platform use their voice to promote divisiveness under the guise of normalcy.
It’s clear that Vance has no real understanding of who constitutes the LGBTQ+ community. When he speaks about “normal” gays, I can’t help but shake my head at the lack of awareness—this entire notion seems to stem from his own insecurities or inability to fully accept the complexity of human identities. In reality, what he’s calling “normal” are often those caught up in their own contradiction, desperately trying to fit in with a society that chooses to ignore or vilify who they truly are.
Real “normal” gays—those who aren’t hiding behind the closed doors of a conservative agenda—are out here living authentically, voting for leaders who uplift our voices rather than silence them. Every person I encounter who is part of the LGBTQ+ community, and who values equality and acceptance, signifies the true essence of what being “normal” should mean. It includes all the beautiful quirks, identities, and perspectives that make us unique.
Vance’s comments not only misrepresent the community; they cement the idea that being part of the LGBTQ+ community is something to be suppressed or viewed negatively if it doesn’t conform to a narrow definition of “normal.” The fight doesn’t just lie with who we vote for, but in how we redefine societal expectations, daring to embrace and celebrate the complexity that makes our community thrive.