Sarah McBride is the first openly transgender state senator in the United States, winning the Delaware State Senate election in 2020. She is widely recognized for her significant contributions to LGBTQ+ rights. Her journey is inspiring and filled with struggles. But do you know some lesser-known, fascinating facts about her? Let’s dive into Sarah McBride’s life, from her childhood to the historic moment when she stepped into the U.S. Congress.
Short Info
| Full Name: | Sarah Elizabeth McBride |
| Profession: | American Politician |
| Popularity: | United States Senator from Delaware |
| Political Party: | Democratic Party |
| Date of Birth: | August 9, 1990, Wilmington, Delaware, United States |
| Age: | 34 years old |
| Height: | 5 feet 9 inches |
| Parents: | David McBride & Sally McBride |
| Spouse: | Andrew Cray (m.2014) |
| Nationality: | United States |
Early Life and Education
Sarah McBride was born on August 9, 1990, in Wilmington, Delaware, into a well-educated and prestigious family. Her father, David McBride, was a renowned lawyer working at the law firm Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor. Her mother, Sally McBride, was a high school guidance counselor who played a key role in establishing the Cab Calloway School of the Arts.
From a young age, Sarah stood out from her peers. While other children were busy playing, Sarah was deeply interested in society and politics. At just 9 years old, she wrote a letter to her state governor expressing her interest in politics. At 11, she asked her father about a “podium,” and just weeks later, she decorated her room with an American flag, created a cardboard presidential seal, and reenacted President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s (FDR) inaugural speech.
Would you believe that at the age of 14, Sarah participated in her first political campaign? By the time she turned 17, she had already become the leader of the Delaware Young Democrats chapter. This marked the beginning of a journey that would etch her name into the pages of history.
Sarah completed her schooling at Cab Calloway School of the Arts and graduated in 2009. She then moved to Washington, D.C., to pursue higher education at American University, where she earned a degree in Political Science in 2013. However, her education was not just confined to books—she was actively involved in politics and social justice from the very beginning. During college, she interned for Delaware’s former Governor Jack Markell and Attorney General Beau Biden, which helped shape her political career.
Coming Out as Transgender
In 2012, while serving as the student body president at American University, Sarah publicly came out as transgender. Imagine this—she was just 22 years old, and at that time, open discussions on transgender issues were rare. It was a bold step that brought her into the national spotlight overnight.
Her revelation was covered by major media outlets like NPR and The Huffington Post. Even Lady Gaga’s ‘Born This Way Foundation’ shared her story, spreading her message to a broader audience. Sarah openly shared that she had always felt her gender identity did not align with the sex assigned to her at birth. Fortunately, her family and friends stood by her, providing her with the support she needed. This highlights an important message for the LGBTQ+ community—how crucial family support is during such a journey.
Sarah McBride: Stepping into Politics
Politics and social change have always been integral to Sarah’s life. In 2012, she started an internship at the White House, making history as the first openly transgender woman to work there. This was a groundbreaking moment. At the White House, she worked on LGBTQ+ issues and engaged in various projects aimed at community outreach.
During this time, she met then-Vice President Joe Biden, who respected her identity and encouraged her to continue her work. Jill Biden, Joe Biden’s wife, also praised Sarah in a speech, emphasizing that every young person deserves respect for their identity. This support was immensely meaningful to Sarah.
Before this, in 2008, she had worked on Jack Markell’s successful gubernatorial campaign. Then in 2010, she joined Beau Biden’s campaign for Delaware Attorney General. By the time she graduated, Sarah had already worked alongside some of the biggest names in politics.
Legislative Success in Delaware
After coming out publicly, Sarah McBride joined the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in the U.S. In 2013, she played a crucial role in passing a law in Delaware that prohibited discrimination based on gender identity. This law protected transgender individuals’ rights in employment, housing, insurance, and public accommodations. Sarah worked tirelessly with Governor Jack Markell and Attorney General Beau Biden to make this legislation a reality.
When the law passed, it marked a new era for LGBTQ+ rights in Delaware. In recognition of her work, Governor Jack Markell honored her with the ‘Order of the First State,’ Delaware’s highest civilian award.
National Recognition
Sarah’s dedication and efforts gained national attention. In 2016, she delivered a speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), making history as the first openly transgender person to address a major political convention in the U.S. One of the most impactful lines from her speech was, “I stand here today as a proud transgender woman, and I know our country is moving toward equality and justice.” This speech not only demonstrated her commitment to the cause but also inspired millions across the country.
Sarah McBride Personal Life
In 2014, Sarah McBride married Andrew Cray, a transgender man and fellow activist. However, fate had other plans. Shortly after their wedding, Andrew was diagnosed with cancer and passed away soon after. This was a devastating loss for Sarah, but instead of breaking her spirit, it fueled her determination to fight for justice even harder.
She chronicled this painful yet transformative experience in her 2018 memoir, “Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality.” The book’s foreword was written by Joe Biden, and it became a powerful resource for understanding the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community.
Political Career and Historic Wins
In 2020, Sarah McBride ran for the Delaware State Senate and won, becoming the first openly transgender state senator in the U.S. Her campaign focused on healthcare, education, and better opportunities for families. Her victory sent a powerful message—not just in Delaware, but across the nation—that transgender individuals can be leaders, too.
Then, in 2024, Sarah made history again. She ran for the U.S. House of Representatives from Delaware and won, becoming the first openly transgender member of the U.S. Congress. After her victory, she stated, “I hope every LGBTQ youth out there sees this and knows that our democracy belongs to them too.”
Legacy and Impact
Sarah McBride’s journey is one of courage, perseverance, and transformation. She has not only fought for herself but has also become a voice for millions of people. Her achievements remind us that with determination and passion, no dream is too big.
Her story is an inspiration, reminding us that we all have a role in shaping a better and more inclusive society. What lessons do you take from her journey? Let me know in the comments!
