A congressional hearing abruptly ended on Tuesday after U.S. Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) misgendered U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride, a Delaware Democrat and the first openly transgender person elected to Congress.
Self, who chairs the Europe Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, was leading a discussion on arms control when he introduced McBride as “Mr. McBride.”
McBride responded, “Thank you, Madam Chair,” and continued with her remarks.
U.S. Rep. Bill Keating (D-Massachusetts) immediately called out Self, asking him to repeat the introduction. Self did so but again referred to McBride as “Mr. McBride.”
“Mr. Chairman, you are out of order,” Keating said, his voice rising in disbelief. “Mr. Chairman, have you no decency? I mean, I’ve come to know you a little bit. But this is not decent.”
As the tension grew, Keating insisted the hearing couldn’t continue with Self refusing to introduce McBride properly. Shortly after, Self adjourned the hearing.
Later, Self defended his actions on social media, stating that the U.S. government recognizes only two sexes—male and female. This stance mirrors an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump, which declared the federal government would not recognize gender fluidity.
This wasn’t the first time McBride has been misgendered by Republican colleagues. Back in February, U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-Illinois) called McBride the “gentleman from Delaware” during a recognition of McBride’s first floor speech. McBride chose not to respond at the time.
While McBride didn’t address Self’s comment during the hearing, she later told reporters that she was “disappointed” the hearing was cut short.
“I’m not here to fight about pronouns,” McBride said. “I’m here to make progress for Delawareans by lowering the cost of living and building a safer America.”
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