Vienna Cavazos is the diversity lead and LGBTQIA+ public policy specialist for Bulletproof Pride. Based in Sussex County, she leads the group’s policy work for the state.
On Monday, just two days before Transgender Day of Remembrance, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., introduced House Resolution 1579 — a transphobic measure aimed at prohibiting “members, officers, and employees of the House from using single-sex facilities other than those corresponding to their biological sex.” The resolution’s definition of “single-sex facilities” extends beyond restrooms, to include changing rooms and locker rooms within the Capitol or the House of Representatives’ office buildings.
This resolution is a blatant attempt to ban Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, D-Del., from using women’s bathrooms and locker rooms in Congress. Disturbingly, the measure seems to have significant support within the Republican caucus. “Make America Great Again” Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia claimed that Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., has expressed support for the resolution behind closed doors, stating, “He committed to me, there in the conference, that Sarah McBride will not be using our restrooms.”
Additionally, Reps. Greene and Mace repeatedly misgendered Rep.-elect McBride on X (formerly Twitter) and in comments to reporters.
Despite these attacks, multiple studies and reviews have found no evidence to support claims that transgender women or individuals pose any increased threat to safety in bathrooms.
Sarah McBride will be the first transgender member of Congress, which comes as no surprise, since Delaware is a state of firsts. On Nov. 5, we proudly made history by delivering Sarah McBride a strong mandate to represent us in Congress. Many Delawareans voted for her because of her policies and her track record of leadership. Sarah McBride’s election offered hope to many LGBTQIA+ folks across Delaware and the nation, with her historic win sending ripples across the country.
The 2024 election saw a rise in transphobic rhetoric. From antitrans Trump ads claiming, “Kamala is for they/them; President Trump is for you,” to signs targeting Sarah McBride near polling places, this election season was rife with attacks aimed at dehumanizing trans people. The president-elect and GOP candidates ran campaigns rooted in fear — fear of LGBTQIA+ people, immigrants, racial equity and more. The president-elect explicitly called for rolling back many rights, especially the rights of transgender Americans.
Since 2016, attacks on LGBTQIA+ rights have been relentless, with blows at both the federal and state levels. These assaults have culminated in the upcoming Supreme Court case, U.S. v. Skrmetti, set to be heard Dec. 4. The case will determine whether bans on gender-affirming care for youth are unconstitutional — a decision that could have devastating consequences for transgender youth nationwide.
Currently, 27 states ban gender-affirming care, and 26 have implemented some form of restrictions on trans youth in sports. With Donald Trump’s reelection and a Republican-controlled government, the fear is that these attacks will only intensify.
Sarah McBride is no stranger to standing up for trans rights. Her leadership in Delaware’s legislature has proven her unwavering commitment to equality and justice, and we know she will bring that same tenacity to Congress.
Delawareans elected Sarah McBride. Like it or not, she is our representative, and any attempt to discriminate against her or silence her voice is not only a direct attack on her but an attack on Delaware itself.
As Delawareans, we sent a clear message Nov. 5: We embrace diversity, we uplift it, and we do not tolerate the vilification of marginalized communities. It’s time for Delaware to lead the charge in creating a nation that values inclusion, equality and justice for all. Sarah McBride’s voice represents the future we aspire to — a future where progress and humanity triumph over fear and division.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
