Lisa Goodman, the founding president of Equality Delaware, mentioned two things to Sarah McBride when McBride came out as transgender, stating that McBride’s ability to advocate for state legislation would be impactful and that she would accomplish more than expected. McBride went on to become the first openly transgender woman to work at the White House and played a key role in passing a bill in Delaware protecting transgender people from discrimination. She joined prominent LGBTQ organizations, spoke at the Democratic National Convention, and became the first openly trans state senator in 2020.
McBride married Andrew Cray in 2014, who tragically died of oral cancer just days after their wedding. Cray, a trans attorney, taught McBride the importance of achieving tangible results in advocacy work. Despite the heartbreak, McBride continued to make a difference, pushing for paid family leave in Delaware and successfully sponsoring the Healthy Delaware Families Act, which was signed into law in 2022.
McBride’s ability to bridge contradictions and her commitment to creating change are qualities she shares with Cray. She continues to honor him by advocating for policies that benefit others, understanding the importance of meeting people where they are to achieve progress. Through her personal experiences and professional accomplishments, McBride remains a powerful voice in the LGBTQ community and a dedicated advocate for equality.
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