Many in our community were quick to criticize Congresswoman-elect Sarah McBride, accusing her of “capitulating” to a new Congressional bathroom rule introduced by Republicans.
This rule, which affects only one member of Congress — McBride, its first transgender member — mandates that members must use the bathroom corresponding to their biological sex at birth. In essence, it’s an anti-trans bathroom rule specifically targeting McBride. To make matters worse, the rule purportedly extends to all bathrooms in the Capitol.
The rule was introduced by Congresswoman Nancy Mace of South Carolina and sanctioned by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. While controversial, McBride stated she would honor the rule. This decision led to criticism from some transgender activists, who believed she was yielding to bigotry.
However, what many failed to realize was that Mace’s rule was a calculated trap — and McBride refused to fall for it. So when Mace’s baited efforts began to backfire and many labeled her a bigot, she escalated the rhetoric, declaring “No penis in female locker rooms,” like when someone screams to be heard even though they have nothing useful to say.
As discussed in last week’s column, the transgender community needs a champion in Congress — someone visible and eloquent who can speak effectively on trans issues. McBride is poised to become that figure, not just in Congress but on the national stage. Mace’s rule was an attempt to silence her. Had McBride defied the rule, she risked being accused of breaking Congressional regulations and facing sanctions. These sanctions could include censure, which might prevent her from speaking on the House floor. That was the trap that McBride was too smart to fall for.
This game Republicans are playing with our community needs to stop, and the only way to stop it is for us to learn the rules, play strategically, and fight back. As I said before, I’m betting on McBride — and she has proved she’s not only ready for the fight, but also ready to be highly visible. As she eloquently said in her response to the rule, “This effort to distract from the real issues facing this country hasn’t distracted me over the last several days, as I’ve remained hard at work preparing to represent the greatest state in the union come January."
To me, Congresswoman Mace’s rule is reminiscent of how the South segregated Black communities. In many places, signs on bathrooms read, “Whites only,” or worse, “No Blacks allowed” — with some often using a more derogatory term. Are we now moving toward a Capitol where signs say, “No trans allowed?" By singling out McBride, it feels as though they’ve already unofficially posted signs reading, “Sarah McBride not allowed.”
So much for the Republican Party’s claims of a more friendly and welcoming Congress. The business of bigotry is back in session.
Mark Segal is an American journalist. He is the founder and publisher of Philadelphia Gay News and has won numerous journalism awards for his column "Mark My Words," including best column by The National Newspaper Association, Suburban Newspaper Association and The Society of Professional Journalists.
