Texas Lawmaker Deliberately Misgenders Trans Rep. Sarah McBride as 'Mr.,' Sparking Tense Exchange: Watch

Mar. 15, 2025

A Texas politician deliberately misgendered Delaware Rep.Sarah McBrideduring a congressional hearing on Tuesday, leading to a tense exchange as McBride’s Democratic colleague came to her defense.

On Tuesday, March 11, Texas Rep. Keith Self — the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Europe panel — addressed the first openly transgender member of Congress as “Mr. McBride,” intentionally misgendering her.

When Self received pushback from the panel’s most senior Democrat, he abruptly adjourned the session rather than correcting himself.

Texas Rep. Keith Self abruptly ended a hearing after he was slammed for misgendering Delaware Rep. Sarah McBride.Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/Shutterstock; Andrew Harnik/Getty

Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/Shutterstock; Andrew Harnik/Getty

“I now recognize the representative from Delaware, Mr. McBride,” Self, 71, said while introducing McBride, 34, during Tuesday’s hearing.

Clocking the slight, McBride replied, “Thank you, Madam Chair,” and continued with her remarks.

Keating, 72, quickly interrupted McBride to confront Self, insisting that the chairman repeat his introduction of their colleague. Again, Self called her “Mr. McBride,” escalating the situation.

“Have you no decency?” Keating asked Self. “You will not continue it with me unless you introduce a duly elected representative the right way.”

Rather than giving into Keating’s request, Self decided to adjourn the meeting.

Sarah McBride became the first transgender member of Congress in January when she was sworn in to represent Delaware.Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty

McBride has faced a number of challenges in Congress since taking office earlier this year, particularly from Republicans, who have ramped up attacks on the transgender community at large. Amid personal insults, McBride has made a point to keep the focus on her work rather than get caught up in drama.

McBride added: “It is truly the honor and privilege of a lifetime. I simply want to serve and to try to make this world a better place.”

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Self latertook to social mediahimself, justifying his response as “the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.”

His statement referencedDonald Trump’s executive order — signed on his first day in office on Jan. 20 — that the United States would only recognize the sex assigned to people at birth.

source: people.com