The U.S. Capitol buildingʼs slow-moving nature towards change is clear from its past - it took until 12 years ago to add a womens bathroom near the House floor even though ladies had been serving there for almost 100 years.
Next month brings a ground-breaking shift as Sarah McBride a Democrat from Delaware steps in as the first-ever transgender Representative. Her win comes at an interesting time when trans-related topics are getting more attention in politics (especially during election season)
The buildingʼs old-fashioned ways show up in many places:
- No womens restroom near House floor until 2011
- Almost 100-year gap between first female rep and proper facilities
- Basic changes taking decades to happen
Right-wing political figures are now using McBrideʼs upcoming arrival - and specifically her bathroom use - as a talking point; this follows the pattern of recent campaign ads that mix trans issues with criticisms of Vice President Harris. The whole situation shows how even simple building access becomes part of bigger political discussions