Representative Sarah McBride: A Trailblazer in Congress
Representative Sarah McBride, a Delaware Democrat and the first openly transgender member of Congress, quickly discovered that restroom accessibility would become a significant challenge in her new role.
Reflecting on the situation, she remarked, “The more I thought about it, I realized that it would not be safe for me to use the restrooms,” during a conversation over coffee following President Trump’s inauguration.
While witnessing the inauguration, she sat quietly as Trump received acclaim for declaring, “there are only two genders: male and female.” Exiting the event, she found herself next to Pete Hegseth, a controversial defense secretary nominee known for his criticism of diversity initiatives within the military.
“Surreal,” is how she described the moment.
This experience highlights the complex position Ms. McBride holds in Washington, entering Congress as a pioneering representative for a marginalized community amidst ongoing threats to L.G.B.T.Q. rights, particularly as Republicans seek to reverse protections for transgender individuals.
A New Spotlight Amidst Challenges
Her historic role has already drawn greater attention than most freshman lawmakers in the minority, prompting her to tread cautiously as she navigates her unique position.
Just two months ago, Ms. McBride arrived in Washington for congressional orientation before being sworn in, only to encounter Representative Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, introducing a bill aimed at preventing transgender individuals from using women’s restrooms and changing rooms in the Capitol complex.
Since then, Ms. Mace has actively kept the spotlight on her anti-transgender position, publicly criticizing Ms. McBride and traveling to her hometown of Wilmington to accuse transgender individuals of infringing upon women’s rights.
While similar bans have already been enacted in 13 Republican-controlled states, Mace’s move served as a notable introduction to Congress for Ms. McBride.
Regardless of any potential ban, Ms. McBride asserted she would opt against using the Capitol’s public restrooms, having long recognized that “there would be a bounty on my head.”
Anticipating Challenges
Ms. McBride noted that the backlash came swifter than she expected, but it wasn’t entirely surprising. “This was an attempt to gain attention at the expense of a brand-new member of Congress,” she commented.
Policy and Personal Focus
On the same day, President Trump signed an executive order reaffirming a stance that the federal government recognizes only two immutable sexes. Early in the new Congress, House Republicans introduced legislation banning transgender women from competing in female school athletic programs.
While these debates are personal to her, Ms. McBride’s campaign primarily focused on vital issues such as paid family and medical leave, affordable child care, and raising the minimum wage, avoiding personal identity as a campaign topic. She wishes to maintain that approach in Congress when possible.
She deliberately refrained from discussing the sports bill on the House floor, stating, “I want my first speech to be about the issues I campaigned on: the economic issues this country is facing.”
Defining Issues and Participation
Ms. McBride expressed that there are essential questions regarding rules for athletic participation that should be tackled but insists they are issues more suited for athletic associations rather than federal legislators attempting to address all sports collectively from kindergarten to college.
Her journey began in 2012, during her junior year at American University, when she publicly came out as transgender in an opinion piece, marking a pivotal moment in her life and career.
A Passion for Politics
Before coming out, Ms. McBride was an ardent political enthusiast — the president of her student body — and dreamed of a career in government, believing her identity would hinder those aspirations.
“I thought, ‘If I can do as much good as I can in my life, it will make it OK for me to not come out,’” she recalled. Upon her transition, she mourned what seemed like a lost future in politics. Yet today, she cherishes her “authentic” and “fulfilling” life as an openly transgender lawmaker.
“The only references I had as a young person were dead bodies in a drama or punchlines in a comedy,” she reflected. “I know how much it would have meant to me as a young person.”
Forging Connections
However, she mused on the impact of her identity. “Honestly, I don’t know how much it would have meant to me. It was incomprehensible to me.” Behind the scenes, Republicans have not offered apologies for the actions of Mace and others targeting her, but she believes there has been a clear intention behind their welcome statements.
To her surprise, she noted, “Honestly, every Republican I’ve interacted with has been warm and welcoming, save for a couple.”
Ms. McBride frequently introduces herself to interns in elevators, asking them about their origins, and many are unaware of who she is, which she finds perfectly fine.
“There’s a weird line between members and staff that feels overly distant,” she remarked while heading out for coffee. “We’re all colleagues — let’s get to know each other!”
Aiming High
Radiating enthusiasm, Ms. McBride is eager to discuss policy or her latest favorite show, the reality game show “Traitors,” although none of her staff have yet joined in on her enthusiasm.
Her sights are set on regaining the Democratic majority within two years, and she believes it is crucial for her party to address voter appeal amid the global political rightward shift.
“No one runs for Congress to be in the minority,” she acknowledged, reflecting on the wider political landscape and the necessity to appreciate people’s struggles.
Her deep love for Delaware mirrors that of former President Joe Biden. Their close relationship stems from her connection with his late son Beau Biden, a former state attorney general whose influence she admired.
Standing Strong
Given her ties to the Bidens, Ms. McBride supported Mr. Biden’s decision to grant pardons to family members during his final hours in office, lamenting a political climate focused on familial retribution.
“It’s incredibly sad that we have a politics where elected officials seem more focused on punishing the family members of their political foes,” she stated, referring to the troubling state of modern politics.
As for her relationship with Ms. Mace, they have yet to meet face-to-face, although Ms. McBride is willing to extend compassion toward her colleague’s actions.
“No one is their worst action — everyone is trying to figure things out,” she noted. “That doesn’t excuse what they are doing, but everyone has a story and experiences that influence their decisions.”
