A new documentary, State of Firsts, released during Pride Month, chronicles Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.)’s historic path to Congress amid growing anti-transgender rhetoric. Directed by trans filmmaker Chase Joynt, State of Firsts offers a behind-the-scenes look at McBride’s journey to becoming the first openly transgender elected official in the U.S. Congress.
Now showing in select theaters across the country, the documentary contrasts McBride’s optimistic grassroots campaign—filled with real, honest conversations with Delaware voters—with the political climate in Washington, D.C., just 90 miles but seemingly worlds away.
Throughout her 2024 congressional race, opposing groups aired anti-trans advertisements and sought to undermine support, not only for McBride’s candidacy, but also for trans people as a whole from holding positions of power. Despite the attacks, McBride won handily—by about 15 points—making history as the first openly transgender person elected to U.S. Congress. (She first broke boundaries in January 2021 when she became the country’s first openly transgender state senator.)
Soon after her arrival in Congress, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) implemented a strict policy banning transgender individuals from using single-sex facilities that align with their gender identity. The policy was largely pushed by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) of South Carolina.
In addition to the criticism McBride faced from some Republican colleagues, some groups also accused her of not doing enough to fight back against these unjust laws. They were upset that McBride chose to abide by the bathroom ban by using a private restroom in the Capitol.
“It’s not just that they don’t want me in bathrooms; they don’t want me in Congress,” explains McBride in the documentary. “There would be a bounty on my head if I said I would not comply. I refuse to be martyred. I want to be a member of Congress.”
Much of McBride’s work has taken place outside the spotlight. She has built bipartisan relationships and successfully lobbied Republican colleagues to remove every single anti-trans policy rider from the 2026 spending package. The legislative process often happens through behind-the-scenes negotiations.
Even as McBride continues her work in Congress, legal challenges affecting transgender Americans persist.
On June 30, the Supreme Court decided to uphold bans on transgender athletes participating in women’s and girls’ sports at publicly funded schools. Writing for the majority, Justice Kavanaugh concluded that Title IX does not require schools to allow transgender athletes to compete on girls’ and women’s teams.” In dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, argued the ruling “inflicts a hardship on those it disfavors without giving them the fair and full opportunity the Constitution requires to litigate their contentions.” This decision affects transgender students across the country, including plaintiffs such as middle school student Becky Pepper Jackson, who just wants to enjoy running track with her fellow peers but is now facing systematic exclusion.
State of Firsts gives audiences an inside glimpse of McBride’s journey to the Capitol and beyond. But the fight for trans equality under the law cannot fall on her alone. While Pride Month might be over, the political discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community continues to intensify. Real advocacy requires year-round support, and the fight against these policies must continue everyday.
State of Firsts is available for streaming on:
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