A congressional hearing took an unexpected turn on Tuesday when Representative Keith Self, a Republican from Texas, repeatedly misgendered Representative Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress, and abruptly adjourned the session after being challenged by a fellow Democrat.
The incident occurred during a meeting of the Europe Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, which was discussing arms control and U.S. assistance to Europe. As the hearing began, Self introduced McBride, a Democrat from Delaware, as “Mr. McBride.” McBride, who has faced similar slights since entering Congress, responded with a subtle jab, addressing Self as “Madam Chair” before proceeding with her remarks.
However, Representative William Keating of Massachusetts, the subcommittee’s ranking Democrat, was not willing to let the moment pass. He interrupted the proceedings, urging Self to reintroduce McBride correctly.
When Self repeated the misgendering, Keating sharply rebuked him, saying, “Mr. Chairman, you are out of order. Have you no decency? I’ve come to know you a little bit, but this is not decent.”
Self attempted to move forward with the hearing, but Keating stood his ground, declaring, “You will not continue it with me unless you introduce a duly elected representative the right way.” In response, Self abruptly adjourned the session, cutting the meeting short.
Later, Self took to social media to defend his actions, stating, “It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.” He referenced an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump during his second term, which mandated that the federal government only recognize two sexes as immutable.
This incident is not an isolated one. House Republicans have previously sought to bar transgender women from using women’s restrooms on Capitol Hill.
During the hearing, Self suggested that his refusal to acknowledge McBride’s gender was consistent with a “standard” set on the House floor. When pressed by Keating to clarify what that standard was, Self declined to elaborate.
Earlier this year, Representative Mary Miller, a Republican from Illinois, also misgendered McBride during her maiden floor speech, referring to her as the “gentleman from Delaware.” McBride chose not to respond at the time, but Tuesday’s confrontation highlights the ongoing challenges she faces as a transgender figure in Congress.
The incident has caused debate over respect, inclusivity, and the treatment of transgender individuals in political spaces.
