A House hearing was unexpectedly adjourned Tuesday following a tense exchange between Republican Rep. Keith Self and Democratic Rep. Bill Keating over the misgendering of Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress.
Misgendering Sparks Confrontation
During the Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing on Europe, Rep. Self, R-Texas, introduced McBride incorrectly:
“I now recognize the representative from Delaware, Mr. McBride.”
Without hesitation, McBride responded by thanking Self and addressing him as “Madam Chair.”
Rep. Bill Keating, D-Mass., quickly stepped in, asking Self to repeat his remarks. Instead of correcting himself, Self doubled down, again referring to McBride as “mister.”
“We have set the standard on the House floor,” Self stated.
Keating immediately called him out, saying, “Mr. Chairman, you are out of order… Have you no decency?” He further insisted that the hearing could not continue unless Self properly addressed McBride.
Hearing Abruptly Adjourned
Rather than backing down, Self struck his gavel and adjourned the hearing on the spot. As attendees exited, Keating placed a reassuring hand on McBride’s shoulder.
The hearing was originally scheduled to discuss U.S. arms control, international security, and aid to Europe. However, Self’s refusal to acknowledge McBride properly cut the proceedings short.
Reactions from Lawmakers
Following the incident, McBride expressed disappointment:
“I was prepared to move forward with my questions for the Subcommittee on nuclear nonproliferation and U.S. support for democratic allies in Europe.”
Keating’s office later stated that “the video speaks for itself,” while Self’s office declined to comment.
Political Context and Fallout
Self later defended his actions on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.”
This language mirrors an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump on January 20, which declared that the federal government would only recognize two unchangeable sexes.
This isn’t the first time McBride has been misgendered in Congress. On February 6, Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., referred to her as “the gentleman from Delaware” during a House floor speech. The Congressional Record initially corrected Miller’s words to “Ms. McBride,” but Miller later criticized the revision.
Ongoing Culture War in Congress
The clash underscores the growing partisan divide over gender identity and trans rights. McBride’s presence in Congress is historic, but repeated misgendering incidents suggest that some lawmakers are actively pushing back against her legitimacy.
With the 2024 elections looming, debates like these will likely continue, raising questions about the balance between respect, political ideology, and procedural decorum in Congress.