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At a recent Democratic caucus meeting, Rep.-elect Sarah McBride received a heartwarming show of support from her colleagues, as she prepares to become the first openly transgender member of Congress. Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) shared that representatives assured McBride, "We have your back. We stand with you."

The backing for McBride was loud and clear during an event on Thursday where new House members were assigned their offices, with her name drawing the loudest applause. This enthusiastic support underscores the anticipation of many Democratic members to not only welcome a trailblazer in queer history but also recognize McBride's reputation as an effective legislator from Delaware.

However, this welcoming atmosphere is starkly contrasted by recent actions from House Republicans. These actions include discriminatory proposals targeting McBride and the broader transgender community. On Monday, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) introduced a resolution to bar transgender women from using bathrooms in the Capitol that correspond with their gender identity. Following suit, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) announced a policy on Wednesday enforcing similar bans in Capitol facilities.

Mace justified her measures as protecting women and girls, while simultaneously launching merchandise capitalizing on her stance. Despite previously expressing support for LGBTQ+ rights, her recent actions have been seen as a clear affront to transgender inclusivity.

Balint, co-chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, emphasized that the Democratic support for McBride sends a strong message of resilience against these transphobic policies. “We have to absolutely recommit ourselves to this fight, for protecting everyone’s inherent dignity,” Balint said.

The bathroom issue isn’t new to the Capitol, which was originally built under the assumption that legislators were solely men. It wasn’t until women began to hold seats in Congress that the need for appropriate facilities was addressed.

Democrats have expressed concern over the discriminatory nature of these proposals, especially targeting McBride before she has even assumed office. They argue that such measures not only dehumanize McBride but affect all transgender and nonbinary individuals working or visiting the Capitol.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) condemned the Republican tactics as "stunts" and praised McBride for her focus on governance, urging others to follow McBride’s example. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) questioned the priorities of Republicans, criticizing their decision to "bully" McBride instead of tackling pressing national issues.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), who has a transgender grandson, called the proposals outrageous and misguided, stressing the need to focus on critical issues like healthcare and medication affordability.

In her responses, McBride acknowledged the bigotry underlying the Republican measures but emphasized her commitment to her constituents. "I'm not here to fight about bathrooms. I'm here to fight for Delawareans and to bring down costs facing families," she stated.

She also vowed to ensure a safe environment on Capitol Hill for everyone, including LGBTQ+ constituents, steadfast in her determination not to allow her identity to become a tool in a "right-wing culture war."

As McBride prepares to take her historic seat in Congress, the support she has garnered from her Democratic colleagues marks a significant stance against transphobia and a call for focus on the broader needs of the American people.