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Sarah Elizabeth McBride (born August 9, 1990, in Wilmington, Delaware) is an American Democratic politician, author, and prominent LGBTQ rights activist. She made history as the first openly transgender person to speak at a major party convention when she addressed the 2016 Democratic National Convention. McBride came out as transgender in 2012 while working at the White House during President Barack Obama's administration, where she interned and later served in various roles. Her early career focused on advocacy, including work with the Human Rights Campaign, where she rose to become the national press secretary from 2016 to 2021. In 2014, she married Andrew Cray, a fellow transgender rights advocate, who tragically passed away from cancer just weeks after their wedding, an event that deeply influenced her personal and professional commitment to healthcare and equality issues.
McBride entered elected office in 2020, winning a seat in the Delaware State Senate for the 1st district, becoming the first openly transgender state senator in the United States. She served from January 2021 to January 2025, focusing on legislation related to healthcare access, paid family leave, and LGBTQ rights. In 2024, she achieved another milestone by winning election as the U.S. Representative for Delaware's at-large congressional district, making her the first openly transgender member of Congress and the highest-ranking openly transgender elected official in the nation. As a Democrat, her work emphasizes progressive policies on social justice, equality, and economic issues. McBride is also an author, having written 'Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality' in 2018, which chronicles her life and advocacy.
Throughout her career, McBride has been a leading voice in the fight for transgender rights, facing both widespread acclaim and opposition from conservative groups. She has been involved in national discussions on discrimination, healthcare, and representation, often highlighting the personal impacts of policy on marginalized communities.