A congressional hearing on US aid to Europe took an unexpected turn on Tuesday when Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) repeatedly misgendered transgender Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), referring to McBride as “Mr.” The exchange led to a heated confrontation, with Self refusing to correct himself and ultimately shutting down the session.
McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress, has largely avoided engaging in political attacks over her identity, writes The New York Times. However, during the Europe Subcommittee hearing when Self introduced her as “Mr. McBride,”, she responded by addressing him as “Madam Chair” before proceeding with her remarks.
Rep. William Keating (D-Mass.), the panel’s ranking Democrat, immediately objected, demanding that Self introduce McBride correctly. When Self doubled down and again referred to her as “Mr. McBride,” Keating pushed back. “Mr. Chairman, you are out of order,” Keating said. “Have you no decency?”
Self dismissed the objection and attempted to move on, but Keating refused, saying, “You will not continue it with me unless you introduce a duly elected representative the right way.” Following this, Self abruptly ended the session.
Later, Self defended his actions on social media, claiming his refusal to recognise McBride as a woman aligned with a Trump administration policy that says the federal government would only recognise two biological sexes.
This is not the first time McBride has faced similar treatment. In February, Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.) referred to her as “the gentleman from Delaware” during a House floor speech. Other Republican lawmakers have avoided using gendered titles, instead referring to her as “the member from Delaware.”
House Republicans also moved last year to bar transgender women from Capitol Hill women’s restrooms.