Republican Andrew Clyde misgenders Democrat Sarah McBride, the first openly trans member of Congress
Representative Andrew Clyde (Republican ‑ Georgia) sparked fresh controversy in the U.S. House this week after deliberately misgendering Representative Sarah McBride (Democrat ‑ Delaware)- the first openly transgender member of Congress - by introducing her as “the gentleman from Delaware.”
During a routine moment when Speaker Pro Tempore Clyde was recognising McBride to address her colleagues, he deliberately ignored her affirmed gender identity. Despite McBride’s clear status as a trans woman, Clyde referred to her with male honourifics, stating: “the gentleman from Delaware, Representative McBride.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Clyde defended his actions by asserting that “The People’s House recognises basic biology,” reinforcing his refusal to acknowledge McBride’s identity.
Clyde’s comments were swiftly echoed by fellow Republicans such as Reps Mary Miller, Andy Biggs and Sheri Biggs, who publicly supported the misgendering and emphasised their belief in a strictly binary view of gender. Mary Miller applauded Clyde on X, describing McBride as “a biological man” and praising Clyde for “acknowledging this basic biological truth.”
TWO sexes.
— Rep. Andrew Clyde (@Rep_Clyde) January 13, 2026
ONE truth.
ZERO men in women’s sports. pic.twitter.com/0S4qCBmsdh
In sharp contrast, many Democrats and advocates for trans rights condemned the remark as a deliberate act of disrespect and an ongoing effort to undermine McBride’s legitimacy. Critics argue that such language goes beyond political disagreement and ventures into hateful targeting.
As the first openly transgender woman in Congress, Representative McBride has been a visible advocate for LGBTQ+ equality, reproductive rights and economic justice. She has said repeatedly that her gender identity is not up for debate - and that her voice, like those of all elected members, must be treated with dignity and respect.
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