Sarah McBride

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Explore the life and activism of Sarah McBride (born 1990), the American LGBTQ+ leader, first openly transgender U.S. Congressmember, her journey, achievements, challenges, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Sarah Elizabeth McBride (born August 9, 1990) is an American politician, author, and LGBTQ+ rights activist. She is notable for breaking barriers in public service: in 2020, she became the first openly transgender state senator in U.S. history, and in 2025 she became the first openly transgender member of the U.S. Congress. Her work spans legislation, public advocacy, and representation, making her a powerful voice for inclusion, equity, and social change.

Early Life and Family

Sarah McBride was born in Wilmington, Delaware on August 9, 1990.

From a young age, McBride showed interest in politics. She volunteered on campaign efforts when she was as young as 14 and became involved in the Delaware Young Democrats in her teens.

Education & Personal Growth

McBride attended Cab Calloway School of the Arts and graduated in 2009. American University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in 2013. president of the Student Government at American University.

While still in college, in the final week of her term as student-government president, McBride publicly came out as transgender in her university newspaper, The Eagle.

In 2012, she also interned in the White House (Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs), becoming one of the first openly transgender White House interns.

Activism & Early Career

Lobbying for Delaware Trans Rights

Before holding office, McBride was active in advocacy. She was a key figure in lobbying the Delaware state legislature to pass protections against discrimination based on gender identity—efforts that succeeded in 2013.

Human Rights Campaign

McBride served as National Press Secretary for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), one of the U.S.’s leading LGBTQ+ civil rights organizations.

In July 2016, McBride made history by becoming the first openly transgender person to speak at a major U.S. party convention (the Democratic National Convention).

Political Career & Milestones

Delaware State Senate

In 2019, Sarah McBride announced her candidacy for the Delaware State Senate. 1st Senate District, making her the first openly transgender person in U.S. history elected to a state senate.

As a state senator, McBride championed progressive legislation. One notable achievement is the Healthy Delaware Families Act, which allowed for paid family and medical leave (up to 12 weeks, with wage replacement).

She served in the Delaware Senate until January 2, 2025.

U.S. House of Representatives

In June 2023, McBride announced she would run for Delaware’s at-large U.S. House seat (as Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester vacated it).

On January 3, 2025, she took office in Congress, becoming the first openly transgender member of the United States Congress.

In Congress, she joined committees including Foreign Affairs and Science, Space & Technology, and became co-chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus.

Personality, Motivation & Challenges

McBride is often described as determined, articulate, and deeply motivated by personal experience and a sense of responsibility to marginalized communities.

Her journey has not been without challenges. She has navigated public scrutiny, transphobic backlash, and institutional resistance. After her congressional election, controversies arose when some members of Congress sought to ban her from using women’s restrooms in the Capitol. McBride responded by saying she was there to work on substance and to serve her constituents, rather than engage in symbolic fights.

She has also had moments of being misgendered in official settings. For instance, in a Congressional hearing, she was addressed as “Mr. McBride,” which led to corrections and debate over respect and protocol.

Her personal life includes both love and sorrow. McBride married fellow LGBTQ+ activist Andrew Cray on August 24, 2014; tragically, he passed away from oral cancer just four days later.

Selected Quotes

Here are some meaningful quotes by Sarah McBride:

“I didn’t run to make history. I ran to make a difference for my state and this country.”

“Anyone who worries that the heart of this country is not big enough to love them should know that they belong … Our democracy is big enough for all of us.”

“I’m not here to fight about bathrooms. I’m here to fight for Delawareans and bring down costs facing families.”

“Gender assigned to us at birth should not dictate who we are.” (from her TED Talk)

These reflect her commitment to service, inclusion, and focusing on policy rather than symbolic battles alone.

Lessons from Sarah McBride’s Journey

1. Representation matters
   McBride’s presence in state and national government sends a powerful message of visibility and inclusion for transgender people and other marginalized communities.

2. Courage in being authentic
   Coming out publicly and living openly helped her transform personal struggle into public advocacy and legitimacy.

3. Policy over symbolism
   She emphasizes working on concrete legislation—healthcare, paid leave, protections—while also acknowledging barrier-breaking significance.

4. Resilience in adversity
   Misgendering, hostility, and discrimination are real challenges—but McBride has shown that persistence and dignity matter.

5. Bridging identity and universal issues
   While her identity is central, she frames her work around issues that affect all constituents: family leave, healthcare, equity, and dignity.

Conclusion

Sarah McBride is a trailblazer whose life bridges activism, public service, and personal courage. From her early advocacy to her historic election to Congress, she continues to push for a more inclusive, equitable society. Her story is not just one of “firsts,” but of sustained impact, policy focus, and hope for future generations.