Congress got a taste of trans power this week when Republican Rep. Keith Self tried to misgender Sarah McBride—and ended up shutting down his own hearing instead.
During a House committee meeting, Self referred to McBride, a trans Democratic congresswoman, as “Mr. McBride” while giving her the floor. Unfazed, McBride hit right back with a cool and cutting “Thank you, Madame Chair.” The moment was pure political theater, but Rep. Bill Keating wasn’t about to let it slide.
“Mr. Chairman, have you no decency?” Keating fired at Self, demanding that he address McBride correctly. Self doubled down, once again referring to her as “Mr. McBride,” which only escalated the situation. Keating wasn’t having it, calling Self “out of order” and refusing to let the hearing continue until McBride was given the respect she deserved. Faced with growing backlash and an increasingly awkward silence, Self abruptly adjourned the meeting.
Predictably, the GOP rep later tried to justify his actions, claiming on social media that the U.S. government only recognizes “two sexes, male and female.” Meanwhile, McBride, ever the class act, used the moment to redirect attention to Trump’s economic policies, linking to an article about how his tariffs are tanking the economy.
This is far from the first time McBride has been targeted by Republicans. Just months ago, GOP Rep. Nancy Mace pushed a bill that would have banned trans women from using women’s restrooms in the Capitol—blatantly aimed at McBride. But if they thought she’d take it lying down, they thought wrong.
For the LGBTQ+ community, moments like this underscore the hostility trans politicians face daily—but they also highlight the resilience and sharp wit that McBride brings to the fight. With more trans representation in politics than ever before, GOP lawmakers might want to rethink their tired old playbook. Because if Sarah McBride’s response is any indication, she’s got plenty more clapbacks ready to go.