Mike Pence Responds to Praise from Trans Former CIA Officer Julia Curlee

Mike Pence has expressed that he is 'heartened' by the commendations from Julia Curlee, a former CIA officer who is transgender, regarding her experience working with him. This acknowledgment comes despite Pence's long-standing opposition to various LGBTQ+ policies. Curlee served as Pence's daily intelligence briefer during his tenure as vice president from 2017 to 2021 under President Donald Trump. She made history as the first CIA officer to transition openly while continuing her service. In a recent article for The Atlantic, Curlee shared her experiences with high-profile officials, highlighting Pence's professionalism in meetings and his gesture of inviting her family to the White House after her assignment concluded. Curlee's reflections are particularly striking given Pence's previous opposition to marriage equality and trans military service. She stated, 'No one has affirmed my gender identity quite like Mike Pence.' In an interview with CNN, Pence acknowledged Curlee's kind words, emphasizing that his conservative values include treating others with decency and respect. He remarked, 'I was heartened to hear Julia reflect that that was the experience that took place in our office.' Curlee's article also sheds light on the challenges she faced during her career, particularly under the Trump administration, which included an executive order that restricted recognition of gender identity and led to the removal of her insurance coverage for necessary medical treatments. Curlee concluded her piece with a poignant statement, expressing her reluctance to advise LGBTQ Americans to pursue careers in the CIA, citing a culture of silence within the agency regarding such issues.