A tense moment unfolded during a House Foreign Relations Subcommittee meeting when Chairman Keith Self (R-TX) deliberately misgendered Representative Sarah McBride (D-DE), the first openly transgender member of Congress. Self referred to McBride as the “Gentleman from Delaware,” prompting a sharp response from McBride, who addressed him as “Madam Chair” in return.
The exchange set off a heated protest from Democrats, with ranking minority member Bill Keating (D-MA) demanding, “Have you no decency?” The confrontation escalated quickly, and after several objections, Self abruptly adjourned the hearing.
The incident began when Self recognized McBride, stating, “I recognize the representative from Delaware, Mr. McBride.”
McBride immediately corrected him, replying, “Thank you, Madam Chair,” before beginning her remarks. However, Self did not acknowledge the error, and Keating, visibly upset, interrupted to demand clarification.
“Mr. Chairman… could you repeat your instruction again, please?” Keating asked.
Self attempted to justify his actions, referencing a supposed standard on the House floor. “Yes, we have set the standard on the floor of the House, and I’m simply—”
Keating cut him off. “What is that standard, Mr. Chairman? Could you repeat what you just said? When you introduced a duly elected representative from the United States of America. Please.”
Self reiterated, “I will. The representative from Delaware, Mr. McBride.”
Keating, his voice rising, expressed his disbelief, “Mr. Chairman, you are out of order. Have you no decency? I’ve come to know you a little bit, but this is not decent.”
Despite the growing tensions, Self insisted the hearing would continue. “We will continue this hearing,” he declared.
Keating was resolute. “You will not continue it with me unless you introduce a duly elected representative the right way!”
With no further discussion, Self ended the session abruptly.
The exchange underscores a broader trend of increasing hostility toward McBride, who has frequently been targeted by Republicans with demeaning rhetoric and bathroom bans. Some critics have previously expressed frustration at McBride’s responses to such attacks, believing she had not always confronted them head-on. However, her quick and assertive response in this instance, along with the vocal support from Democratic colleagues, suggests a shift in how McBride and her party may handle such provocations moving forward.
The incident also highlights the deepening erosion of decorum and respect for transgender individuals in Congress. Republican members have openly misgendered McBride without facing any significant consequences, treating basic respect as optional. This lack of accountability contrasts sharply with the criticism directed at McBride and her colleagues when they push back against such actions, often framing their responses as disruptive or inappropriate. The double standard is glaring.
McBride’s experience points to an ongoing pattern of escalating attacks against her in Congress, as Republican rhetoric against transgender rights continues to intensify. The attacks, while personally hurtful, are not just about McBride’s dignity—they reflect the broader struggles of the transgender community, whose members she represents.
Keating’s defense of McBride suggests that some Democrats are ready to confront the growing hostility directly, potentially shifting how such situations are managed in the future. For transgender Americans and their allies, the exchange was painful to witness, but it also underscored a growing willingness among some lawmakers to challenge the increasingly hostile rhetoric in Congress. As McBride continues her work in the House, it is clear that the battle for respect and recognition is far from over.
