Lisa Goodman, the founding president of Equality Delaware, played a significant role in Sarah McBride’s journey as an LGBTQ advocate and politician. After McBride came out as transgender, Goodman recognized her potential to make a difference in advocating for LGBTQ rights and legislation. In 2012, McBride became the first out trans woman to work at the White House and later played a vital role in passing a bill in Delaware protecting transgender people from discrimination.
Despite facing personal tragedy when her husband, Andrew Cray, passed away from oral cancer shortly after their marriage, McBride continued her advocacy work. She learned valuable lessons from Cray, including the importance of delivering tangible results for people and bridging contradictions in order to create real change.
McBride’s ability to bridge contradictions and create change was evident in her work to pass paid family leave in Delaware as a state senator. Elected in 2020 as the country’s first openly transgender state senator, McBride sponsored and helped pass the Healthy Delaware Families Act, providing paid parental leave and medical caregiving leave for covered employees.
Sarah McBride’s journey from advocacy work with organizations like the Human Rights Campaign to becoming a state senator exemplifies her commitment to creating real change for marginalized communities. Despite facing personal tragedy, McBride continues to honor the lessons she learned from her late husband and remains dedicated to fighting for equality and justice for all.
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