Share on Social Media
Oopsie at the Hearing
Hearing Concludes in Dispute Following misgendering incident involving Representative Sarah McBride by a Republican.
A chaotic scene unfolded during a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing on Tuesday when Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, introduced Rep. Sarah McBride, D-Del., a transgender woman, as a man. The gaffe led to a testy exchange between Self and McBride, along with a sharp rebuke from ranking committee member Rep. Bill Keating, D-Mass.
The Unfortunate Gaffe
In an apparent oversight, Self referred to McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress, as "Mr. McBride," despite McBride's feminine presentation and gender confirmation. McBride, exhibiting grace under pressure, responded with a sarcastic "Thank you, madam chair."
Rep. Keating's Intervention
As McBride began speaking, Keating interjected, asking Self to repeat his introduction and the words he used to introduce McBride. In response, Self once again addressed McBride as "mister," prompting Keating to label Self as "out of order." Keating admonished Self, asking, "have you no decency?"
Self's Response and Defense
Unruffled, Self continued to push for the meeting to proceed. However, Keating's patience wore thin, raising his voice to declare, "You will not continue it with me unless you introduce a duly elected representative the right way."
Eventually, Self adjourned the meeting, and later defended himself on social media, citing a policy change enacted by the Trump administration that called for the U.S. to recognize only the sexes of male and female.
McBride's Take on the Matter
McBride did not directly address the incident on social media, instead choosing to focus on the economy and the ongoing impact of Trump's tariffs, sharing an infographic from the New York Times about Monday's stock market selloff.
Stay Informed with Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We're bringing text message alerts so you never miss the day's biggest stories. Text "Alerts" to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
Who is Sarah McBride?
McBride, 34, won Delaware's at-large seat in the House last year, making her Congress' first openly transgender member. During her tenure, she has faced challenges such as a ban from using women's restrooms at the Capitol due to a rule spearheaded by Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C. McBride serves as Delaware's sole representative in the House, succeeding Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., who won election to the Senate last year.
McBride's Background
Beyond her political career, McBride has worked for former Delaware Gov. Jack Markell and then-Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, former President Joe Biden's late son. For more information, visit her official House website.
In the News
- Trump Signs Executive Order Aimed at Barring Gender Transitions for People Under 19
- Sarah McBride Bathroom Controversy Explained-As She's Banned From Capitol's Women's Restrooms After Nancy Mace Effort
1.) "In a surprising twist, Rep. Keith Self, under fire for addressing transgender Congresswoman Sarah McBride as 'Mr. McBride' during a House hearing, justifies his actions citing a policy change by the Trump administration that only recognizes two sexes: male and female."
2.) "To address the transparency around credit issues, Rep. Sarah McBride, amidst the Washington political storm, plans to introduce a bill in Congress for creating a nationwide creditline for transgender individuals, seeking to ensure their financial security."
3.) "The tumultuous exchange between Rep. Keith Self and Rep. Sarah McBride during a House hearing, sparked by Self's refusal to use the correct pronouns for McBride, has led to a subcommittee deliberation on the inclusion and sensitivity training for all House members."
