Republican Cuts House Hearing Short by Referring to Transgender Member as a Man

Congressional Hearing Disrupted by Misgendering Incident Involving Transgender Lawmaker

On Tuesday, a congressional hearing was abruptly adjourned after an incident of misgendering involving Representative Sarah McBride, a Democrat from Delaware and the first openly transgender lawmaker in U.S. Congress. The unexpected interruption highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding gender identity and respect for transgender individuals within political discourse.

The hearing, conducted by the Europe Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs panel, focused on critical topics such as arms control and U.S. assistance to European countries. However, the proceedings took a contentious turn when the committee’s chairman, Representative Keith Self, a Republican from Texas, introduced McBride incorrectly by referring to her as “Mr. McBride.” This misnomer not only disrespected McBride’s identity but also sparked immediate backlash from her fellow lawmakers.

While McBride has often opted to overlook such mischaracterizations in the past, briefly expressing her discontent during the hearing, her response was polite but pointed. After Self’s introduction, she addressed him as “Madam Chair,” a move that subtly called attention to the error without escalating the situation further. However, Representative William Keating, a Democrat from Massachusetts and the ranking member of the subcommittee, did not let the issue slide. He interjected, demanding that Self correct his introduction.

This confrontation brought the hearing to a standstill, with Keating insisting, “Mr. Chairman, you are out of order. Mr. Chairman, have you no decency?” His refusal to let the matter go was a testament to the growing impatience among Democrats regarding the treatment of transgender individuals. Self stood firm, attempting to proceed with the hearing, but Keating pushed back, stating, “You will not continue it with me unless you introduce a duly elected representative the right way.” Faced with this ultimatum, Self chose to adjourn the hearing instead.

After the session, Self took to social media to clarify his stance, emphasizing that his belief aligns with what he termed “the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.” This declaration echoed a broader trend among some Republican lawmakers who have sought to limit the recognition of transgender identities. This political ideology has seen reinforcement from executive orders issued during former President Trump’s administration, which restricted federal recognition to a binary understanding of gender.

In previous congressional proceedings, House Republicans have exhibited a pattern of misidentifying McBride. For instance, during her maiden speech on the House floor, Representative Mary Miller, a Republican from Illinois, referred to her as the “gentleman from Delaware.” During that incident, much like Tuesday’s hearing, McBride chose not to respond overtly to the misgendering, opting instead to proceed with her remarks without confrontation.

The history of interactions between McBride and her Republican colleagues presents a nuanced picture. While she has often received a warm reception, on occasions when misgendering happens, the responses seem to be systematic rather than isolated incidents. Some Republicans have tried to navigate the situation by referring to her simply as “the member from Delaware,” skirting the issue while still adhering to the traditional practice of yielding to “gentlemen” and “gentlewomen” in formal contexts.

Despite these challenges, McBride remains focused on her legislative work, primarily concentrating on economic issues while generally avoiding discussions surrounding her gender identity during formal proceedings. This approach aligns with her broader campaign strategy, emphasizing policy over personal identity. In a previous interview, she remarked, “Honestly, every Republican I’ve interacted with has been warm and welcoming, save for a couple,” suggesting that her experience in Congress has not been uniformly negative.

However, the incident on Tuesday underscores a growing concern among lawmakers and advocacy groups regarding how transgender individuals are treated within political discussions and institutional settings. For many, the way McBride was addressed by Self raises important questions about respect, dignity, and the recognition of identity within legislative frameworks.

As societal awareness and acceptance of transgender rights continue to evolve, it remains critical for lawmakers to navigate their words and actions thoughtfully—ensuring that respect for all individuals is upheld in the heart of democracy. The ongoing dialogues prompted by such incidents may serve as a catalyst for greater equity and understanding in political arenas, making clear that identity should be honored, not dismissed. McBride, though silent on the misgendering during the hearing, continues to navigate the challenges she faces with grace and determination.