Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender person elected to Congress, has become a leading voice against former President Donald Trump’s anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Speaking at the HRC Greater New York Dinner, McBride condemned the administration’s efforts to roll back protections for transgender and non-binary individuals.
Trump’s executive orders, which include recognizing only two genders and banning transgender athletes from women’s sports, have been widely criticized. McBride highlighted how these policies harm LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, while also undermining federal programs that promote diversity and inclusion.
“This administration is obsessed with controlling our lives,” McBride said. “They’re using transgender people as pawns in a larger plan to dismantle federal protections and enrich Trump’s closest allies.”
McBride urged her audience to fight back with compassion and determination. “We need to meet people where they are and change their hearts and minds,” she said. “This isn’t just about LGBTQ+ rights—it’s about defending the values of equality and fairness for everyone.”