Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), the first openly transgender member of Congress, is featured in the documentary "State of Firsts," which offers an inside look at her 2024 campaign and experiences in office. McBride told ITK that the film captures the highs and lows of the campaign trail and explores the complexities of running and serving as a political first.

McBride, 35, noted, "This is, as far as I can tell, the first time that someone has been a first, and the identity that makes them a first is at the center of national political debate, and the district that they’re representing is not significantly or predominantly made up of that same very identity."

She described part of the "unbelievable challenge" of her House bid as "figuring out how to ensure that I am seen as a whole human being rather than just a walking trans flag." McBride expressed pride in her journey toward authenticity but emphasized, "I am also so much more than that one part of my journey."

Addressing political opposition, McBride said her opponents "try to paint me as a single-issue legislator or an activist who’s here just to work on one set of issues."

Despite political divides, McBride highlighted her bipartisan efforts, noting she introduced more bipartisan legislation in the 119th Congress than any other freshman Democrat. When asked about finding common ground with Republican colleagues, she replied with a grin, "Listen, I want to be mindful of the political careers of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, who face primary challenges themselves."

The documentary also covers McBride’s response to Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-La.) bathroom ban in Capitol and House office buildings, which restricts transgender people from using facilities matching their gender identity.

Speaking before the Supreme Court’s recent ruling allowing states to bar transgender girls from competing in girls’ and women’s school sports teams, McBride reflected on lessons from the 2024 election cycle. She stressed the importance of responding to transgender-related attacks with an economic focus, criticizing President Trump’s cancellation of a bipartisan housing bill signing. She called it a "perfect example" of a Republican Party prioritizing fearmongering over affordability. Trump had stated he would not sign the bill until the Senate passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act.

"State of Firsts" is currently showing in select cities and theaters across the United States.

Sources