Trans senator Sarah McBride gives artful masterclass in putting spiteful trolls in their place
Transgender state senator Sarah McBride (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival)
Sarah McBride had the perfect response when a Twitter troll asked if she is “a girl or a boy”.
The incoming Delaware state senator, who is the first trans woman elected to a legislature’s upper chamber in US history, clapped back after the troll slid into her Twitter DMs.
They had asked: “I am confused, are you a boy or girl?”
She responded: “I’m a senator.”
Sharing the put-down, McBride added: “Hope that clears things up.”
Hope that clears things up. pic.twitter.com/6JjBjG4QAO
— Sen. Sarah McBride (@SarahEMcBride) November 23, 2020
Naturally, the message has gone viral. One respondent quipped: “Having trans senators is so f**king important for no other reason than s**t like this.”
Another user wrote: “This woman is such an inspiration. Thank you for standing strong and fighting to give the trans community a voice in this country. I may not live in Delaware, but I’m so happy to see the progression.”
Before entering politics McBride played a pivotal role in the fight for LGBT+ discrimination protections in Delaware, and has lobbied for the Equality Act to extend protections nationwide in her role as National Press Secretary of Human Rights Campaign.
Trans senator Sarah McBride hopes her victory is a powerful symbol.
In an interview with Elle this week, Sarah McBride spoke about hoping to make a difference in the state in her new role.
She said: “Government is where you can make change for the most number of people in the most number of ways. My decision to run for office was one based on hope and the knowledge that change is possible if you work hard enough.
“I ran my campaign on issues like paid family and medical leave. No one should have to choose between getting by and getting well and staying well. This is a critical priority.
LGBT+ rights activist Sarah McBride at the Opening Ceremony SS17 fashion show, a star-studded town hall-style affair that highlighted social issues
(Photo by Kate Warren for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
“The outpouring of support was incredibly touching when I won the election, especially from the parents of trans kids, who sent me video messages of them celebrating the results.
“It’s my hope that this race send a simple, but potentially life-affirming message to young people struggling to find their place in this world: Our democracy is big enough for them, too.”
McBride said that her late husband Andy, a transgender man who died from cancer shortly after their wedding six years ago, would be “proud” of her achievement.
She added: “He would be the first person to say the work is never over. Now the real hard work begins. I have never been more hopeful in our capacity to make change, and I believe that our democracy is worth fighting for.”
