Mary Gay Scanlon: “This is not the first time that I have heard my colleagues misgender trans women as biological males, and I need to…”

“This is not the first time that I have heard my colleagues misgender trans women as biological males, and I need to point something out. Beyond this term being outright offensive, it shows how disingenuous their concern for the safety of women is, and they are showing their hand. The use of the term ``biological male'' is a dog whistle to transphobia that runs rampant in society and seems to on the other side of the aisle. It is not rooted in concern for women but, rather, a manifestation of their disdain for the trans community. Also, my constituents are not the Senate. My constituents are not Mr. McConnell. My constituents want VAWA reauthorized, and we are going to do what we can to pass it. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Maine (Ms. Pingree).”