Radio Atlantic: "Sarah McBride Is Used to the Hate"
Release Date: April 17, 2025 | Host: Hanna Rosen | Guest: Representative Sarah McBride
Introduction
In this episode of Radio Atlantic, host Hanna Rosen engages in a profound conversation with Representative Sarah McBride of Delaware, the first transgender member of Congress. The discussion delves into McBride's experiences navigating the tumultuous political landscape, the rising tide of transphobia, and her strategies for effecting change amidst adversity.
Background: Sarah McBride's Journey
Sarah McBride's path to Congress is marked by determination and resilience. From creating White House models at six years old to becoming the first trans speaker at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, McBride has consistently broken barriers. Her election to Congress in 2024 coincided with a surge in anti-trans policies spearheaded by the Trump administration, placing her at the forefront of a cultural and legislative battleground.
Notable Quote:
"Here is Sarah McBride living her childhood dream at the most inconvenient moment."
— Hanna Rosen [02:13]
Challenges Faced in Congress
Upon her inauguration, McBride encountered immediate resistance. Representative Nancy Mace introduced a bill targeting transgender women’s restroom access in the Capitol, explicitly citing McBride's presence as the impetus. McBride recounted instances of intentional misgendering, highlighting the performative nature of federal politics akin to reality TV.
Notable Quote:
"One of the biggest takeaways for me is how much Congress is, sadly, a reality TV show, meaning that it's performative."
— Sarah McBride [01:35]
She emphasized the emotional toll of such confrontations, especially when discriminatory actions occur on the Congressional floor, subjecting her to public scrutiny and undermining her legitimacy.
Notable Quote:
"This is the first time I'm on the floor of the House of Representatives... I could see people in the gallery snickering."
— Sarah McBride [05:25]
Navigating Hate and Maintaining Resilience
McBride shared her strategies for coping with pervasive hate, both online and within political arenas. Initially harboring confidence in her role, the relentless barrage of transphobic remarks and personal attacks forced her to confront the psychological impact of such hostility.
Notable Quote:
"The torrent of hate that came in after that was really frightening and traumatizing for me."
— Sarah McBride [14:08]
Despite moments of vulnerability, McBride underscores the importance of focusing on her responsibilities and maintaining professionalism. She reflects on the lessons learned from historical figures like Jackie Robinson, emphasizing the necessity of resilience in the face of prejudice.
Notable Quote:
"The only way that I can guarantee that while I may be a first, I'm not the last, is to just quite simply be the best member of Congress that I can be."
— Sarah McBride [08:27]
Current Political Climate and Policy Advocacy
The conversation shifts to the broader political context, detailing President Trump's executive orders that undermine trans rights, including bans on transgender military service and defunding gender-affirming care for youth. McBride highlights the interconnectedness of these attacks with other legislative efforts aimed at marginalized communities.
Notable Quote:
"All of these attacks are interconnected... They create a world where people continue to be hungry and scared and fearful."
— Sarah McBride [23:26]
She advocates for a multifaceted approach, recognizing that combating transphobia requires addressing economic injustices and broader systemic issues. McBride stresses the importance of shifting public opinion to counteract the administration's authoritarian tendencies.
Notable Quote:
"We have to recognize that we have to fight hard and fight smart, which means fighting and focusing on the issues where the public is with us."
— Sarah McBride [25:08]
Balancing Idealism with Pragmatism
McBride candidly discusses the challenge of maintaining idealism in a hostile environment. She reflects on historical struggles of the LGBTQ+ movement, drawing parallels to past generations' resilience. Despite witnessing cultural regression, she remains committed to hope and systemic change.
Notable Quote:
"Every previous generation, especially those prior to the 60s and 70s, faced seemingly impossible odds... they summoned their hope, they found the light, and they changed the world."
— Sarah McBride [20:54]
Strategies for Congressional Navigation
Maintaining a focus on legislative duties, McBride avoids personal confrontations, opting instead to perform her role with integrity. She utilizes her office facilities to circumvent discriminatory practices within the Capitol and engages courteously with colleagues, irrespective of personal biases.
Notable Quote:
"I'm gonna go to the floor and speak, and I'm not gonna let them derail that work because they want 15 minutes of fame on social media."
— Sarah McBride [29:08]
Conclusion: Upholding Democracy and Hope
In closing, McBride emphasizes the necessity of belief in democracy as the foundation for societal progress. Her unwavering dedication to advocacy amidst adversity serves as an inspiration, underscoring the vital role of elected officials in safeguarding equal rights and fostering a more inclusive America.
Notable Quote:
"We've gotta have hope."
— Sarah McBride [30:52]
Notable Quote:
"To preserve democracy, one has to believe in it... how to make a difference."
— Hanna Rosen [Closing Remarks]
Final Thoughts
This episode of Radio Atlantic offers an intimate glimpse into Representative Sarah McBride's experiences and perspectives as a trailblazing transgender politician. McBride's insights shed light on the complexities of advocating for marginalized communities within a polarized political system, highlighting both the challenges and the enduring hope that drives meaningful change.
Produced by Janae West and Andrea Valdez | Edited by Andrea Valdez | Engineering Support: Rob Smirciak | Fact-Checking: Sam Fentress | Executive Producer: Claudina Baid