Sarah McBride Makes History as the First Out Transgender Person Elected to Congress

In a monumental win for both the LGBTQ+ community and the political landscape, Sarah McBride has become the first openly transgender person to be elected to the United States Congress. This historic achievement marks a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ representation in government and underscores the ongoing progress toward a more inclusive and equitable society. McBride’s victory is not only a personal triumph but also a powerful symbol of hope for transgender individuals across the country who have long been marginalized in the political sphere.

McBride’s journey to Congress is nothing short of inspiring. Having first come to national attention during her time as a student at American University, where she became the first openly transgender person to intern at the White House, McBride has been a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Over the years, she has worked on several key issues, including transgender healthcare rights, workplace discrimination, and gender identity protections, establishing herself as a dedicated champion for the LGBTQ+ community.

“It is an honor to stand on the shoulders of those who have fought so hard for LGBTQ+ rights and equality.”

Sarah McBride

Her campaign for Congress, which garnered widespread support, focused on improving healthcare access, securing economic opportunities for marginalized communities, and advancing environmental protections. McBride’s election to the U.S. House of Representatives represents more than just a political victory—it is a powerful testament to the growing visibility of transgender people in leadership roles and a reflection of the changing tides in American politics.

“It is an honor to stand on the shoulders of those who have fought so hard for LGBTQ+ rights and equality,” McBride said in her victory speech. “This win is not just mine—it is a victory for every transgender person who has been told they don’t belong. We are here, we are powerful, and we are taking our place in the halls of power.”

The significance of McBride’s victory has not gone unnoticed. LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations have praised her election as a historic moment in the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance. Rea Carey, the executive director of the National LGBTQ Task Force, applauded McBride’s achievement, saying, “Sarah McBride’s election to Congress is a groundbreaking moment for our community. Her victory sends a powerful message that transgender people are not only here to stay but that we are taking our rightful place in the political process.”

WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 15: Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-DE) poses for a photograph after joining other congressional freshmen of the 119th Congress for a group photograph on the steps of the House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol Building on November 15, 2024 in Washington, DC. New members of congress are in-town for an orientation program to help them prepare for their upcoming roles. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

While McBride’s election is a clear sign of progress, it also highlights the work that remains in the fight for full LGBTQ+ equality. Transgender individuals, especially transgender women of color, continue to face higher rates of violence, discrimination, and unequal access to healthcare. McBride’s victory, however, is a testament to the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and a reminder that change is possible.

As McBride steps into her new role in Congress, she will undoubtedly continue to advocate for the issues that matter most to the LGBTQ+ community. Her victory represents a new chapter in the fight for inclusion, and her presence in the halls of Congress serves as an inspiration to countless transgender individuals who now have a powerful representative to look up to.