Texas Lawmaker Sparks Controversy by Misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride, Abruptly Ends Hearing
During a congressional hearing on March 11, Texas Rep. Keith Self, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Europe panel, deliberately misgendered Delaware Rep. Sarah McBride, referring to her as “Mr. McBride.” The moment led to a tense exchange when Massachusetts Rep. William Keating interrupted to demand that Self correctly address McBride.
Rather than complying, Self repeated the misgendering before abruptly adjourning the session. Despite the disrespect, McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress, remained composed and later responded on social media, expressing her gratitude for serving Delaware.
Self defended his actions by citing Donald Trump’s executive order recognizing only two sexes, further escalating the controversy.