In a heated exchange during a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing on Tuesday, Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) misgendered Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), the first openly transgender member of Congress. The incident occurred as Self, who chairs the subcommittee on Europe, recognized McBride to speak, referring to her as "Mr. McBride."
McBride, maintaining her composure, responded with a pointed "Thank you, Madam Chair," attempting to correct the misgendering with grace. However, the situation escalated when Rep. Bill Keating (D-Mass.), the subcommittee's top Democrat, interjected and demanded that Self correct his remarks.
Self doubled down, repeating the misgendering and stating, "We have set the standard on the House floor". Keating, visibly upset, called Self's remarks "not decent" and declared, "Mr. Chairman, you are out of order. Mr. Chairman, have you no decency?". The confrontation led to Self abruptly adjourning the hearing, striking his gavel as members filed out of the room.
In a statement following the incident, McBride expressed disappointment that the hearing was cut short, as she was prepared to discuss important issues related to nuclear nonproliferation and U.S. support for democratic allies in Europe. Self defended his actions on social media, citing a policy that recognizes only two sexes, male and female.
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