Sarah McBride's Courage Shines Brightly in Congress

In a historic moment for Congress, the first openly transgender member has already made waves, both for her admirers and detractors, within less than 30 days of taking office. U.S. Representative Sarah McBride (D-Del.) is no ordinary freshman in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In an exclusive interview with an out transgender journalist, McBride shared her aspirations and role models. She draws inspiration from Jackie Robinson, a symbol of breaking barriers and facing hatred with dignity. "I am by no means comparing my journey to his or to the struggles faced by people of color in this country," McBride carefully stated. "Jackie Robinson, like so many pioneers, understood the scrutiny that comes with being a 'first.' Strength is found in retaining dignity under attack."

Born two decades after Robinson's passing, McBride learned about his legacy through the film "42." It taught her the importance of responding to hate with grace. "If you react to a slur, that's all they hear," she reflected. "It's important to conduct oneself with dignity, especially when breaking new ground."

The congresswoman shared these thoughts after attending an event in D.C. at Politics and Prose to celebrate Jennifer Finney Boylan’s latest memoir, "Cleavage." McBride, who interviewed Boylan at the event, explained how Boylan and activist Mara Keisling inspire her with their compassion and calmness.

Understanding the challenges of being the first, McBride is aware of being targeted by critics, especially from the right. "They will attack, and my role is not to respond in the way they anticipate," she said. "Misgendering will happen, but my reaction should not validate those attacks. People feel my experiences deeply, both the highs and lows."

McBride acknowledged the impact these attacks have on the transgender community, saying, "It is painful, and I'm sorry for the effect it may have. But I must present an alternative narrative for who trans people are, beyond the caricatures portrayed by the right."

When asked why Jackie Robinson is her role model instead of figures like Rosa Parks, she cited the support of her parents as pivotal to her journey. "Not every trans person is as fortunate," she noted. "My parents' support has been a journey of growth, one that involved walking together, even if sometimes I had to pull them along."

Reflecting on personal loss, McBride, a widow, spoke fondly of her late husband, Andrew Cray, a trans man who passed away from cancer shortly after their wedding. "I think about Andy every day," she said. "His approach to change-making—both principled and pragmatic—guides me. He was my sherpa in creating change."

Her election to Congress brought a shift in self-confidence, often pondering, "What would Andy do?" Despite moments of doubt, a recent encounter with Andy's friend provided reassurance. "Andy would approve of my direction," she said.

During this conversation, McBride experienced a serendipitous moment. Thinking she had lost her wedding ring, she unexpectedly found it. "As I talked, gesturing with my hands, my purse tipped, and out fell the ring. It was a beautiful moment," she recounted.

Through challenges and triumphs, Sarah McBride continues to embody resilience and grace as she navigates her groundbreaking role in Congress.