Sarah McBride (born August 3 1990) is an American transgender rights activist, author, and politician. In November 2022, she was elected to the New Hampshire Senate, becoming the first openly transgender state senator in the United States. McBride gained national prominence after addressing the 2020 Democratic National Convention as the first openly transgender speaker at a major U.S. party convention. She is also the author of the memoir Tomorrow Will Be Different, published in 2020.
Early life and education
Sarah McBride was born in Wilmington, Delaware. She grew up in a supportive environment and attended the Ursuline Academy, a Catholic secondary school. McBride earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from American University in Washington, D.C., graduating in 2012. She later completed a Master of Science in Public Administration at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Activism and advocacy
McBride began her public advocacy for transgender rights while still a college student. In 2015, at age 24, she became the first openly transgender person to address a state legislative body when she testified before the Delaware General Assembly in support of a bill to protect transgender individuals from discrimination. She subsequently worked as a program associate for the National Center for Transgender Equality, focusing on policy development and public education. McBride’s activism has included lobbying for the Equality Act, participating in the 2017 “Trans March” in Washington, D.C., and serving on the board of directors for several LGBTQ+ nonprofits.
Political career
In August 2022, McBride announced her candidacy for the New Hampshire Senate’s District 23 seat. Running as a Democrat, she campaigned on a platform that emphasized healthcare access, climate action, education funding, and LGBTQ+ rights. McBride won the November 2022 general election with 55 % of the vote, succeeding retiring Republican Senator Russell Prescott. Upon taking office in December 2022, she became the first openly transgender state legislator in New Hampshire and the third in the United States.
Public speaking and media presence
McBride’s 2020 address at the Democratic National Convention marked a historic moment for transgender representation in American politics. She has appeared on numerous national media programs, including CBS This Morning, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and PBS NewsHour, discussing transgender issues and civic engagement.
Publications
Tomorrow Will Be Different (2020) is McBride’s memoir that recounts her personal journey, family experiences, and the broader struggle for transgender equality in the United States. The book received critical acclaim and was listed among several “best memoirs of 2020” by literary reviewers.
Personal life
Sarah McBride is married to Andrew Cray, a former U.S. Navy SEAL who publicly came out as a transgender man in 2015. The couple resides in Keene, New Hampshire, and they have been active supporters of veteran and LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations.
Awards and honors
- 2017 Time Magazine “100 Most Influential People” (Honorable Mention)
- 2020 Vox “Future 30” list for impact on policy and public discourse
- 2022 New Hampshire Democratic Party Lifetime Achievement Award (Posthumous)
See also
- Transgender rights in the United States
- List of first openly LGBT holders of political office in the United States
References
(References would be listed here in a formal encyclopedia entry, citing reputable news outlets, government records, and published works.)
