Rep. Keith Self abruptly adjourned a congressional hearing after Rep. Bill Keating vehemently objected to Self recognizing Rep. Sarah McBride, who identifies as a transgender woman, as “the representative from Delaware, Mr. McBride.” McBride responded to Self by saying, “Thank you Madam chair,” but Keating interrupted, questioning the introduction. Self defended his wording, stating that they had set the standard on the House floor and repeated his introduction of “the representative from Delaware Mr. McBride.” Keating declared that Self was out of order, and after an exchange, Self adjourned the hearing.
Last month, Rep. Mary Miller had also recognized McBride as “the gentleman from Delaware, Mr. McBride” during a House floor speech. In a tweet after the Tuesday incident, Miller supported Self’s acknowledgment of the biological reality that McBride is a man and criticized the “lies” surrounding gender. Similarly, Rep. Nancy Mace expressed her opinion on the matter, calling McBride a mentally ill man pretending to be a woman and emphasizing biology and science. McBride, in response, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Delaware in Congress despite the treatment from some colleagues and a desire to serve and make the world a better place.
The exchange between Self, Keating, and McBride highlighted a contentious issue regarding recognition and respect for transgender individuals in Congress. Keating’s objection to the introduction of McBride as “Mr. McBride” rather than acknowledging her gender identity raised questions about decency and appropriate naming conventions for transgender individuals. Self’s decision to adjourn the hearing following Keating’s protests underscored the division and conflict surrounding gender identity and transgender representation in political settings. The incident also brought attention to the importance of respectful language and recognition of individuals’ self-identified gender identities.
The responses from Reps. Miller and Mace reflected differing viewpoints on transgender issues, with Miller supporting the acknowledgment of McBride’s biological sex as male and challenging the concept of multiple genders. Mace echoed similar sentiments, labeling McBride as mentally ill and emphasizing the importance of biology and science in gender identity discussions. McBride’s statement following the incident highlighted her determination to fulfill her role as a representative from Delaware despite facing opposition and reaffirmed her commitment to serving and contributing positively to society, regardless of challenges or discriminatory treatment.
The clash between Republican and Democratic representatives over the recognition of McBride’s gender identity as a transgender woman illustrated the broader societal debate surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. The verbal confrontation during the congressional hearing underscored the complexities and disagreements regarding transgender representation and respect in political environments. The differing opinions expressed by members of Congress reflected the ongoing struggle for equality and understanding for transgender individuals, with McBride’s response emphasizing resilience and dedication to her responsibilities as an elected official despite facing prejudice and discrimination based on her gender identity. The incident served as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to promote inclusivity, respect, and recognition for diverse gender identities in all sectors of society, including political institutions such as the U.S. Congress.
