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HRC’s Sarah McBride Awarded Delaware’s Highest Honor
HRC National Press Secretary Sarah McBride, a Delaware native, was awarded the Order of the First State, the highest honor the Governor of Delaware can bestow, by Governor Jack Markell (D-DE). The Order of the First State, which recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact on the citizens of Delaware, honored McBride for her leadership in the fight for LGBTQ equality within her home state.
McBride, who was the first openly transgender speaker at a major party’s national convention, also serves on the board of Equality Delaware. She played a pivotal role in the passage of Delaware’s 2013 Gender Identity Non-Discrimination Act, which provided basic legal protections to transgender people in employment, housing, public accommodations, and insurance.
“Generations of Delawareans will have better lives thanks to the work and courage of Sarah McBride,” said Gov. Markell. “On their behalf, I’m incredibly grateful.”
Alongside McBride, Gov. Markell honored the presidents of Equality Delaware, the state’s primary LGBTQ civil rights organization, Mark Purpura and Lisa Goodman. Purpura and Goodman worked closely with McBride on the Gender Identity Non-Discrimination Act. They also led the successful effort to pass marriage equality in Delaware.
Governor Markell, who took office in January of 2009, has signed several major pieces of LGBTQ equality legislation. In 2009, Governor Markell signed sexual orientation non-discrimination protections. HRC partnered with Equality Delaware and Governor Markell in the effort to pass marriage equality and legal protections for transgender people. Markell signed both pieces of legislation in 2013.
HRC congratulates McBride, Purpura and Goodman on their honors.
Above: Lisa Goodman, Governor Markell, Sarah McBride and Mark Purpura.
Above: McBride Family and Governor Markell
Photos c/o: Office of Governor Jack Markell
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