GOP Lawmaker Was Called Out For Misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride
Rather than correctly refer to McBride, the Republican lawmaker adjourned the hearing.
A House subcommittee hearing came to a halt on Tuesday after a Republican lawmaker misgendered Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress.
Rep. Keith Self, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, introduced McBride by saying, “I now recognize the representative from Delaware: Mr. McBride.” McBride swiftly responded, “Thank you, madam chair.”
Although McBride was preparing to continue, Democratic Rep. Bill Keating of Massachusetts did not plan to let the slight go unchecked. He interjected and asked Self to properly repeat his introduction, to which Self stood his ground and once again referred to McBride as “mister.”
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Keating responded, stating, “Mr. Chairman, you are out of order… Mr. Chairman, have you no decency?” When Self tried to continue the meeting, Keating interrupted and said, “You will not continue it with me unless you introduce a duly elected representative the right way.” Seconds after, Self struck down his gavel and declared the hearing adjourned.
Later that night, McBride stated, “I was disappointed that the Chair decided to end a committee hearing early. I was prepared to move forward with my questions for the Subcommittee on nuclear proliferation and US support for Democratic allies in Europe.” She then took to social media to write, “No matter how I’m treated by some colleagues, nothing diminishes my awe and gratitude as getting to represent Delaware in Congress. It is truly the honor of a lifetime. I simply want to serve and try to make this world a better place.”
Self responded to the clip of the confrontation between him and Keating on X, writing, “It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female,” clearly referencing Donald Trump’s executive order to only recognize two sexes.
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This isn’t the first time McBride has been the subject of transphobia from House Republicans. U.S. Rep. Mary Miller of Illinois referred to McBride as the “gentleman from Delaware,” while acknowledging her for her first floor speech in February.
McBride, however, has made it clear that she will continue to show up for her constituents and represent their needs, despite the transphobia she is constantly battling.
