Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA) posted a video on Thursday showing her and a fellow Democratic Congress member convincing House Republicans to drop an amendment that would’ve banned the use of gender pronouns on business cards, email signatures, and other professional identity elements by State Department employees, contractors, and other officials.

The video, which Jacobs posted to the social media platform X, begins with her opposing the amendment as “a radical infringement on State Department employees’ freedom of speech and expression.” She noted that gendered pronouns help individuals avoid the stigma and embarrassment associated with being misgendered in a professional setting.

Related

MAGA musician’s anti-pronoun song massively mocked for having pronouns

“Heaven forbid people know who they’re communicating with over email when face-to-face conversations aren’t possible,” Jacobs said. “We’ll let the Taylors and Shannons and Lindsays of the world, and anyone else, go misgendered for the sake of my Republican colleagues’ feelings.”

“Frankly, this amendment is an embarrassing use of this committee’s time when we have so many other pressing issues to address,” she added. “I’m ashamed we’re even having to talk about it.”

Insights for the LGBTQ+ community

Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more.
Subscribe to our Newsletter today

Jacobs’ colleague Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) then asked the amendment’s lead sponsor, Rep. Keith Self (R-TX), if the policy would prevent the use of Mr. or Mrs. on business cards.

Self responded that his amendment wouldn’t stop the use of those honorifics, adding, “Sometimes people use the pronouns — and that’s why this is here — incorrectly. Gender is immutable. So the Mr. And Mrs. Used improperly with what their natural sex would [not be allowed].”

Jacobs then said, “In my email signature, I, Sarah Jacobs, have she/her. Those are my pronouns. But under your amendment, this would also not be allowed. But you just said it’s only [forbidden] if you use the wrong pronouns. That’s not actually accurate.”

Self then admitted, “Correct, that’s correct. You’re absolutely right. Thank you for that, Ms. Jacobs.”

Schneider then asked, “Our ambassadors have a title that are often ‘His Excellency’ or ‘Her Excellency.’ Would that be prohibited on their business card?” and added, “I think this amendment is going to cause a whole lot of problems across the State Department.”

Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), who oversaw the hearing, then admitted to Schneider, “I think you’re rightfully stating something. This is, I believe, this is a serious conversation.” Mast then asked Self if he would allow the Congress members at the hearing if they would grant unanimous consent to withdraw Self’s amendment without objection.

Self allowed it, and the amendment was withdrawn. Jacobs commented on X, “Guess my Republican colleagues didn’t think this one through.”

Guess my Republican colleagues didn’t think this one through. pic.twitter.com/ey4TOsfm5a

— Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (@RepSaraJacobs) September 18, 2025

Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.