McBride Acknowledges Transgender Activists’ Strategy Failed

Public support for transgender policies has declined over the past five years, and one of the movement’s most prominent elected voices now says the previous strategy failed.

Rep. Sarah McBride (D-DE) told a pro-transgender religious audience that the tactics used in recent years simply did not work.

“Many of the strategies and tactics that we employed over the last five years didn’t work,” McBride said.

Rep. Sarah McBride: There is no question that a well-funded, well-coordinated, right-wing regressive movement has successfully pushed public opinion backwards. Many of the strategies and tactics that we employed over the last 5 years didn't work. That includes a strategy of… pic.twitter.com/kZXgPS0Rjy

— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) August 10, 2026

She specifically criticized the practice of cutting off relationships with those who disagree.

“That includes a strategy of cutting off relationships. We need you to stay in conversation with people who aren’t on our side. You might not say everything perfectly. It’s okay to be imperfect. You don’t have to be the perfect ally.”

McBride acknowledged that LGBTQ individuals themselves may need to step away from hurtful conversations for their own well-being.

Yet she argued that allies should remain engaged so they can continue to challenge opposing views.

“I don’t want all of my friends and family members and allies though to do the same with that person because I want my friends and family and allies to be able to be proximate to that person so that they can continue to have conversations — to push back, to hold them accountable,” she stated.

The remarks, delivered in a video for Epworth United Methodist Church, quickly drew criticism online from those who saw the admission as confirmation of broader public resistance.

McBride’s call for renewed engagement marks a notable shift in tone from earlier approaches that emphasized boundary-setting and disengagement.

Whether the new emphasis on sustained conversation will reverse falling support remains an open and closely watched question.