Delaware state senator Sarah McBride made history as the first openly transgender person elected to Congress by winning her state's at-large US House seat. Despite running in a reliably blue state, McBride emphasized her bipartisan work and support from unions. She is a close ally of President Joe Biden and has been credited with shaping his views on LGBTQ issues. McBride, who lost her late husband to cancer in 2014, has been making history in the LGBTQ rights movement for years, including becoming the first transgender person to speak at a national party convention in 2016.
Sarah McBride: Trailblazing Transgender Senator and Advocate
Sarah McBride, a Democratic state senator from Delaware, has shattered barriers by becoming the first openly transgender person elected to the United States Congress. Her historic victory has not only made headlines but has also ignited discussions about representation, diversity, and the future of LGBTQ+ rights.
Early Life and Activism
McBride's journey began in Wilmington, Delaware, where she identified as transgender at a young age. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice, she fearlessly advocated for LGBTQ+ rights. In 2011, she became the first transgender intern to work in the White House.
Senate Career
In 2016, McBride made history by becoming the first transgender person to address a major party convention, speaking at the Democratic National Convention. In 2020, she was elected to the Delaware State Senate, where she has championed progressive causes, including LGBTQ+ rights and affordable healthcare.
Historic Congressional Election
In 2022, McBride ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in a reliably blue state. Despite running in a competitive race, she emphasized her bipartisan work and support from unions, positioning herself as a moderate Democrat. Her campaign focused on issues such as economic recovery, climate change, and healthcare.
McBride's victory was a watershed moment for the LGBTQ+ community and a testament to the progress that has been made in recent years. She is now a close ally of President Joe Biden, who has appointed her to his Presidential Council on Gender Equality.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Who is Sarah McBride? Sarah McBride is the first openly transgender person elected to Congress. She is a Democratic senator from Delaware and a prominent LGBTQ+ advocate.
Why is her election significant? McBride's election is a historic milestone for the LGBTQ+ community, representing increased visibility and representation for transgender individuals.
What are her policy priorities? McBride's priorities include economic recovery, climate change, healthcare, and LGBTQ+ rights. She has emphasized her commitment to working across party lines.
How did she win in a competitive race? Despite running in a competitive race, McBride's moderate stance, bipartisan outreach, and support from unions helped her secure victory.
What does her election say about the future of LGBTQ+ rights? McBride's election is a sign of progress and increased acceptance of transgender individuals. It signals a growing demand for greater representation and diversity in politics.
In honor of World Polio Day, local restaurants in Minnesota are teaming up for the "End Polio Now" event to raise awareness and funds for polio eradication. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., residents are encouraged to dine at participating restaurants where volunteers will educate them on the impact of polio worldwide and how to help. The event's signature sponsor, Eagle Rock, along with other local restaurants, will donate proceeds to Rotary International, which uses funds to provide polio vaccines to children in vulnerable areas. This effort is crucial given that polio continues to be a problem in some parts of the world, even though it has been eliminated in the US since 1979.
In a tightly contested race for the Rajya Sabha seats in Jammu & Kashmir, the ruling NC alliance emerged victorious, securing three out of the four seats. The BJP, which held only 28 seats in the Assembly, had hoped for a win through cross-voting or support from smaller groups. However, the NC's dominant position in the 88-member Assembly reaffirmed voter trust in their post-Article 370 political stability. PDP President Mehbooba Mufti also congratulated the NC candidates and expressed hope that they will strongly represent the people of Jammu & Kashmir in Parliament.
Mayor Derek Slaughter has vetoed a recent city ordinance that limits the terms of elected officials, citing concerns about retroactivity and lack of language addressing current officials. This veto comes after the ordinance was adopted in a 6-0 vote by City Council, with the mayor absent. If legally challenged, the defense of this ordinance could result in unnecessary costs for taxpayers. The mayor's decision has sparked a response from council members, with attempts to reach them for comment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed his first election rally in Bihar and expressed confidence in winning the upcoming polls. He mocked the opposition INDIA bloc and praised the unity within NDA, highlighting leaders like Nitish Kumar, Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Upendra Kushwaha. Modi also criticized the 'jungle raj' under RJD and Congress and highlighted Bihar's progress under Nitish Kumar's tenure. Despite the upcoming Chhath festival, the PM thanked the crowd for attending and described the recent GST rate revision as a 'festival of savings'.
The suspension of Praveen Kumar K P, a PDO serving in Sirwar taluk of Raichur district, for participating in an RSS rally has sparked controversy in Karnataka. BJP leaders have condemned the move and promised to fight it legally, claiming that the officer's right to participate in such events is protected by law. Meanwhile, the state's Rural Development Minister has written to the Chief Minister for a ban on RSS activities on government premises, further intensifying the issue.
In a heated verbal exchange, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil accused NCP Minister Chhagan Bhujbal of attempting to create a rift between the OBC and Maratha communities for political gain. During a recent OBC rally in Beed, Bhujbal and Dhananjay Munde attacked Jarange, with Pankaja Munde, a BJP OBC leader, watching from the sidelines. Jarange also praised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Minister Pankaja Munde for staying away from the rally and emphasized the unity of the OBC community. Bhujbal, on the other hand, warned Jarange against challenging the community's rights and vowed to stand up against any attempts to divide them.
On the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav transferred a total of 44,900 crore directly into the bank accounts of 1.27 crore women beneficiaries under the Ladli Bahna Yojana. This initiative aims to support and empower women in the state, with each eligible woman set to receive 1,500 per month from November onwards. During the special program at the Chief Minister's residence, Yadav extended his wishes for a happy Bhai Dooj, emphasizing the importance of the brother-sister relationship and the government's commitment towards ensuring the safety and well-being of Ladli Bahnas in the state.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah celebrated the Gujarati New Year and his 62nd birthday in his hometown of Ahmedabad, surrounded by senior political leaders, party members, and well-wishers. Shah's rise in public life through the RSS and his partnership with Prime Minister Narendra Modi have shaped Gujarat's and India's political narrative. His sharp organisational mind, efficient approach, and booth-level political management have been key in building the "Gujarat model" that gave the BJP an enduring edge. Despite transitioning to national politics, Shah's political heart still beats in Ahmedabad, as evident in his New Year celebrations and plans to meet the newly appointed ministers of the Gujarat cabinet.
In a recent incident at the Vasai Fort in Maharashtra, a man dressed as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj got into a heated argument with a security guard over language. The man, who was recording a video, berated the guard for not speaking Marathi and disrespecting the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj. Social media users were divided in their opinions, with some criticizing the man's behavior while others felt the guard needed to be taught a lesson.
In a significant moment for gender equality, President Droupadi Murmu became the first woman to visit the Lord Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala. Accompanied by her team, she performed Darshan and Puja at the shrine, praying for the well-being and prosperity of her fellow citizens. Her visit symbolized the Supreme Court's decision to lift the ban on menstruating women entering the temple, reminding us that devotion knows no gender barriers.