It was supposed to be a simple, everyday formality: introducing someone before they spoke. But when Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member in Congress, stepped up to deliver her remarks, the introduction landed wrong.

Instead of acknowledging her as Ms. McBride, she was called “the gentleman … Mr. McBride.” A small phrase, but one that echoed far louder than expected.

More Than Just a Slip of the Tongue

Language carries weight. For many, pronouns and names are not background details—they are central to who they are. When those are disregarded, intentionally or not, it’s more than a mistake. It feels like an erasure.

McBride didn’t dwell on the moment. She continued with calm focus, showing a kind of resilience that spoke louder than any stumble. Later, the record was corrected with her proper introduction.

A Pattern That Sparked Frustration

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the only time it happened. In another session, she was again addressed incorrectly. This time, the exchange grew tense, voices rose, and the discussion spiraled away from its original purpose.

One colleague asked, “Have you no decency?”—a reminder that even in disagreements, respect should never be optional.

Why Respecting Names and Pronouns Matters

Identity: Using the right words affirms who someone is.

Respect: It’s the baseline of human interaction.

Impact: When words go wrong, they can overshadow the bigger conversations at hand.

Moving Forward

Sarah McBride has made it clear that her focus isn’t on the drama but on the work she came to do. Still, the episodes serve as a broader lesson: in every workplace, every community, and every shared space, the words we choose matter.

Because sometimes, the smallest words—Mr. or Ms.—can carry the biggest weight.