Rep. Keith Self faces backlash after misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride in hearing
In a tense House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on Tuesday, proceedings were abruptly halted following a contentious exchange over the misgendering of Representative Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender lawmaker from Delaware.
A House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing was cut short on Tuesday after Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) addressed Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), the first openly transgender member of Congress, as “Mister.”
As chair of the subcommittee on Europe, Self introduced McBride as “the congressman from Delaware” during a discussion on arms control and U.S. aid to Europe. In response, McBride pointedly referred to Self as “Madam Chair.”
Self misgenders McBride in Congress hearing
Chairman Keith Self, a Republican from Texas, commenced the session by introducing Rep. McBride as “Mister McBride.” This misidentification prompted an immediate and impassioned response from Representative William Keating, the committee's ranking Democrat from Massachusetts. Keating interjected, requesting clarification on the introduction, leading to a charged dialogue between the two lawmakers.
Keating challenged Self's adherence to House standards, questioning the decency of misidentifying a duly elected representative. Despite Self's attempt to proceed with the hearing, Keating stood firm, declaring he would not participate unless McBride was properly addressed. The escalating tension culminated in Self adjourning the hearing abruptly.
Executive Order on gender definitions
This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened debates on gender identity at the federal level. Shortly after his inauguration in January 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14168, which defines “sex” strictly based on biological characteristics determined at conception.
The order mandates federal agencies to use “sex” instead of “gender,” remove materials promoting “gender ideology,” and halt funding associated with such ideologies. It also restricts transgender individuals from accessing government-funded single-sex facilities that align with their gender identity and ceases federal funding for gender-affirming care.
LGBTQ+ advocates have criticized these measures, arguing that they undermine the rights and recognition of transgender individuals. Jennifer C. Pizer, chief legal officer at Lambda Legal, emphasized that such policies cannot erase the existence and rights of transgender people, highlighting concerns over equal protection under the law.
Sarah McBride: A target in Congress?
Representative McBride has previously been the focus of Republican criticism. Following her election, Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina introduced legislation aiming to restrict transgender women from using facilities on federal property that do not correspond with their sex assigned at birth, a move perceived as directly targeting McBride.
As policies like Executive Order 14168 take effect, their impact on federal practices and the daily lives of transgender individuals will likely continue to be a focal point of legislative and public discourse. The manner in which elected officials address and respect their colleagues, as seen in this incident, may also influence the tone and direction of these ongoing discussions. Here are some key points:
- The hearing's abrupt adjournment shows the deepening partisan divide over gender identity issues.
- Executive Order 14168 reflects the administration's stance on gender definitions, influencing federal policies and protections.
- Advocates express concern over potential erosions of transgender rights and recognition.