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Rep. Sarah McBride Faces Misgendering in Congress
A tense exchange during a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing brought the issue of transgender rights sharply into focus. Republican Rep. Keith Self repeatedly misgendered Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress, referring to her as “Mr. McBride.” This sparked a heated confrontation with Democratic Rep. Bill Keating, leading to the hearing's early adjournment.
The Confrontation and its Aftermath
Rep. Self's misgendering, despite Rep. McBride's gracious attempts to correct him, ignited a furious response from Rep. Keating. Keating's repeated calls for decency and for Self to correct his mistake ultimately led to the subcommittee chair abruptly ending the session. The incident, captured on video and widely shared online, quickly went viral. Rep. McBride, though visibly disappointed at the interruption of the hearing on nuclear nonproliferation, released a statement expressing her disappointment. Rep. Self, however, defended his actions on X (formerly Twitter), citing a belief in recognizing only two sexes – male and female – echoing previous policies.
A Pattern of Transphobic Behavior?
This incident isn't an isolated case. Earlier this year, Rep. Mary Miller also misgendered Rep. McBride. This pattern of behavior from some Republican members highlights the ongoing struggle for transgender individuals to gain full respect and recognition in Congress. The incident underscores the deep divisions surrounding transgender rights and the persistent challenges faced by transgender public figures.
The Larger Context
The clash between Reps. Self and Keating underscores the broader political battle over transgender rights in the US. Rep. McBride’s experience serves as a powerful illustration of the continued need for greater understanding, inclusivity, and respect for transgender individuals in all aspects of public life. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting individual identities and the ongoing fight for equality.
