Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress, clapped back at Republican Rep. Keith Self on Wednesday after he intentionally misgendered her — and it’s got the Internet buzzing.
The incident happened during a hearing for the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe. At the time, Self, who was holding the congressional hearing, called on McBride to speak, addressing her as “Mr. McBride.”
McBride replied in turn, saying, “Thank you, Madam Chair.”
That’s when Rep. William Keating intervened and asked Self to repeat himself.
“I will, the representative from Delaware, Mr. McBride,” Self responded.
“Mr. Chairman, you are out of order. Mr. Chairman have you no decency? I mean, I’ve come to know you a little bit, but this is not decency?” Keating said, informing Self that he wouldn’t be moving forward with the meeting unless he addressed McBride by how she identifies. Self agreed, saying, “This meeting is adjourned.”
After the confrontation, McBride took to social media with a statement.
“No matter how I’m treated by some colleagues, nothing diminishes my awe and gratitude at getting to represent Delaware in Congress,” McBride wrote in an X post. “It is truly the honor and privilege of a lifetime. I simply want to serve and to try to make this world a better place.”
Self also gave his perspective on the matter during an appearance on “The Michael Knowles Show” podcast, still refraining from using McBride’s preferred pronouns.
“I am a retired Green Beret. I’m not even sure what all the fuss is about,” he said. “I mean, he is allowed to live his life, in fact, I spent 25 years on active duty defending his right to live his life as he chooses — but I don’t have to participate in his fantasy. I am under no obligation to participate in something that he chooses to portray himself as.”
Self also tweeted: “It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.”
The moment has since gone viral with various media and political figures chiming in with their thoughts.
“I’m neither young nor woke. I’m kind of a stick-in-the-mud. A few weeks ago, I was at a dinner that included Sarah McBride,” writer and former White House Chief of Staff Bill Kristol shared on X. “We had a pleasant time and interesting talk. It wasn’t at all a burden to treat her with decency and respect. Republican members of the House might try it.”
Actress Mia Farrow urged her followers to call Self’s office with any concerns.
