On March 11, 2025, a House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee hearing became the focal point of a contentious exchange involving Representative Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress. The incident began when Representative Keith Self, the Republican chair of the subcommittee, addressed McBride as “Mr. McBride,” deliberately misgendering her.
In response, McBride subtly countered by addressing Self as “Madame Chair.” This prompted Representative Bill Keating, a Democrat from Massachusetts and the ranking member of the subcommittee, to interject, challenging Self’s misgendering and questioning his decency. Keating insisted that the hearing could not proceed unless McBride was addressed correctly. Self, however, refused to amend his address and chose to adjourn the hearing abruptly.
McBride expressed disappointment over the premature adjournment, emphasizing her readiness to engage in discussions on critical topics such as nuclear nonproliferation and U.S. support for democratic allies in Europe. She criticized the focus on her gender identity as a distraction from substantive policy issues affecting Americans.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of challenges McBride has faced since her election. In November 2024, shortly after her election, Representative Nancy Mace introduced a resolution aimed at barring transgender individuals from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity within the Capitol complex, explicitly targeting McBride. House Speaker Mike Johnson supported this resolution, effectively restricting McBride’s access to women’s restrooms in the Capitol.
Despite these adversities, McBride has remained steadfast in her commitment to her legislative duties. She has chosen to comply with the restroom restrictions, stating that her focus is on serving the people of Delaware and addressing pressing issues rather than engaging in disputes over facilities.
The misgendering incident during the subcommittee hearing has drawn significant attention, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by transgender individuals in politics. Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights have condemned such actions as attempts to undermine the dignity and legitimacy of transgender individuals in public office. Supporters argue that these incidents divert attention from critical policy discussions and perpetuate discrimination.
As the first openly transgender member of Congress, McBride’s experiences shed light on the broader struggles for acceptance and equality faced by transgender individuals. Her resilience and dedication to her role serve as a testament to her commitment to public service amidst adversity. The recent events underscore the importance of fostering a respectful and inclusive environment within legislative bodies to ensure that all elected representatives can perform their duties without prejudice.
