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‘State of Firsts' Review: Trans Congresswoman Sarah McBride Steps Into the Spotlight for a Doc That's More Than Your Average Political Puff Piece
'Representation' takes two forms in Chase Joynt's new documentary, State of Firsts. The 93-minute film, premiering at Tribeca, follows Sarah McBride's quest to be elected to Congress, representing the state of Delaware; as she's aspiring to be in the House of Representatives, she's also on the verge of making history as the first openly trans member of Congress. McBride is proud of both kinds of representation, but she's pragmatic. More from The Hollywood Reporter 'Andy Kaufman Is Me' Review: Solid but Unrevelatory Doc Uses Puppetry to Tackle the Iconic Comic 'Boy George & Culture Club' Review: An Affectionate Look at the '80s Band and Its Flamboyant Frontman That Entertains but Treads Too Carefully 'Sovereign' Review: Nick Offerman's Fierce Turn as an Anti-Government Extremist Boosts a Timely Drama McBride is a joyful trailblazer and a calculating politician, and Joynt's willingness to feature both sides of her personality is what finally makes State of Firsts more than just a hagiographic puff piece. It would have been easy for Joynt and editor Chris McNabb to trim away the 'politician' side of McBride's personality and let her be the uncomplicated icon that many of her supporters will probably want to see represented — that word again — here. Instead, they show an increasingly public figure at a crossroads for her and for the country, and suggest why McBride may have the mettle to chart a career that embraces her various 'firsts' while positioning herself for substantive further chapters. State of Firsts traces McBride's life from mid-2024 to early 2025, as she goes from an already precedent-shattering tenure as a Delaware state rep to a Congressional candidate — only to become one of the most visible figures of the country when Donald Trump and the Republican Party latch onto virulent transphobia as a wedge issue. Joynt begins the documentary with Delaware's own Joe Biden as president, but he has just completed the disastrous debate that became a catalyst for his exit from the presidential race. We follow McBride as she does the grunt work of retail politics, from knocking on doors to opening campaign offices to a debate that her opponent opts not to attend. She pushes back against intimations that she's running as a trans candidate and not a Delaware candidate, promising that her assortment of pet issues — healthcare, paid family leave, economic insecurity — will be relevant to the state where she was born and raised. Still, she knows that the 'first' guaranteed to come up in interviews isn't related to Delaware's state nickname. I don't know how to precisely describe McBride's attitude toward the inevitable trans-themed questions that she faces in every interview, toward the pressure to address issues of identity even in standard speeches, toward the fact that the 2024 Democratic Convention didn't have a trans speaker on the main stage's lineup. It isn't 'reluctance' and it isn't 'exhaustion.' It isn't 'wariness,' but it may be 'awareness' — awareness that no matter how much she says 'I'm running on behalf of the people of Delaware,' there will always be an AND or BUT that gets brought into the discussion. Circumstances, as casual observers of current events know, get even more heightened. After the election, South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace — who responded to her own experience breaking gender barriers at an entrenched institution (the Citadel) by becoming a cartoonish bully rather than developing an iota of empathy — uses McBride's bathroom use as a way to gain her own share of the spotlight. McBride's responses become a referendum even within her own community. It's an open question as to whether Joynt's very presence is a further source of McBride's self-conscious awareness. Despite McBride repeated emphasis that she's a Delaware candidate and not a trans candidate, the director's interest often seems just as trans-focused as that of the media. A rare exception to that angle comes when a constituent wants to engage McBride on issues related to the Israel/Gaza conflict — and even then, it's obvious that while McBride knows her ideological position, this isn't really the issue she wants to talk about either. Long stretches of the documentary feature McBride, Joynt and usually McBride's perpetually anxious campaign manager driving in cars. In those scenes, McBride's answers to the director's questions are thoughtful, passionate and, if you've seen other interviews with her, delivered with consistent preparedness or prepared consistency. Often State of Firsts is a film about a woman doing interviews while she waits to do more interviews. When McBride isn't answering the director's questions and when Joynt is able to fade into the background, the documentary, which asserts little visual style other than fly-on-the-wall presence, is able to witness moments that showcase the unguarded McBride. Family gatherings and backstage meetings show McBride's vulnerability, dorky sense of humor and general passion for the political process. Much more than when she's making statements or espousing messages, it's these glimpses that allow State of Firsts to pack an emotional punch when she fields a congratulatory call from President Biden, hugs a trans constituent, or briefly takes in the joy that her parents and siblings feel as they walk down the hall on her first day at the Capitol. Whether we're seeing McBride the person or McBride the politician, McBride the Delaware rep or McBride the trans pioneer, State of Firsts portrays a young person realizing she can't avoid being all of these things at once — and facing, perhaps for the first time, the idea that she can't be a perfect representative of everything at all times. That's more interesting than if State of Firsts were just a love letter. 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Scoop
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
8 Strong Team Named For New Delhi World Para Championships
Press Release – Athletics New Zealand A unique story of mentorship headlines the announcement of an 8 strong New Zealand team selected today for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships. Taking place in New Delhi, India from 27 September to 5 October. The team consists of multiple world championship medallists, paralympic medallists and is bolstered by three debutants. This year marks the first time India will host the World Championships, with more than 1,000 athletes expected to compete across 186 medal events at New Delhi's iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The Championships also serve as a key stepping stone toward the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. Among the eight athletes selected is debutant Paddy Walsh, who will compete in the women's long jump T64. Guiding her journey is coach and seasoned para-sprinter Mitch Joynt, who has also been selected to represent New Zealand in the men's 200m T64. For Walsh, this marks her first senior black singlet team 'I feel really honoured to be selected to go to India this year,' she said. 'I feel like I've worked hard for it, and it feels kind of crazy knowing that I've been trying all these years — and I didn't really think I'd be able to get to this level as soon as I have. So I feel quite excited and a little bit nervous.' Receiving her black singlet from Joynt as he informed her of her selection on Tuesday at the pairs regular training session added an extra layer of meaning for Walsh. 'It definitely gives me a bit of comfort, especially because I feel otherwise I'd be kind of going into it [world championships] a little uncertain,' she said. 'He's got a lot of wisdom and can really help guide me and help get the best experience that I can.' For Mitch Joynt, selection for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships is a special moment 'I'm obviously stoked to be selected again,' he said. 'It's always a pleasure to get to represent New Zealand.' But this year, the honour carries even deeper meaning with Walsh's first senior black singlet selection. 'I've known Paddy probably a decade. I trained with her, and now I coach her, and I consider her a friend,' Joynt reflected. 'No one deserves this more than Paddy, and I'm really stoked for her, it's amazing.' Joynt's memorable international debut secured a bronze medal in the men's 200m T64 at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in Paris. He backed up this performance in Kobe, Japan in 2024 with another bronze over the 200m T64. The team also features a blend of experienced Paralympians and promising newcomers: Among the selected athletes is Anna Grimaldi, a three-time Paralympic champion, who captured the hearts of the nation after her emphatic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games in the 200m T47. Returning to the track just hours after her tough 4th place finish in the Long Jump T47, Will Stedman is set to participate in the men's 100m T36, 400m T36, and long jump T36. Stedman has consistently performed at the highest level, securing multiple medals at international competitions. Holly Robinson will take on the women's shot put F46. With a decorated career including gold and silver medals in javelin, Robinson adds depth and experience to the team. Danielle Aitchison set a blistering new 200m T36 record at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan to win the world championships title. Aitchison continued her stellar 2024 with dual silvers over the 100m T36 and 200m T36 at the Paris Paralympic Games. She's been selected in the women's 100m T36 and 200m T36 Michael Whittaker is set to make his international debut in Para athletics, continuing a remarkable and unconventional journey to the world stage. A former international fashion model, Whittaker's life took a dramatic turn in his mid-twenties when he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disorder leading to progressive vision loss. Undeterred, he discovered a passion for running during the COVID-19 lockdowns, finding solace and purpose in the sport. Since then, he has rapidly ascended the ranks of Para athletics, setting a national half marathon T13 record of 1:13:54 at the 2024 Auckland Marathon. Whittaker set a 5000m best earlier this year at the 2025 Jennian Homes NZ Track and Field Championships at the Caledonian Ground in Dunedin of 15:32.66. Sarah James joins as the teams' only wheel-chair racer, where she's set to compete in the 100m T53. She currently holds the NZ Senior and U20 100m T53 records with her breakthrough time of 18.40(1.6) at the Canberra Classic in Australia last March. Athletics New Zealand Chief Executive Cam Mitchell said the selection is a reflection of the organisation's ongoing commitment to Para sport and athlete development. 'We're incredibly proud of this team. It's a group that brings together our most experienced international medallists with exciting emerging athletes making their debut on the world stage,' said Mitchell. 'This shows the strength of our Para athletics programme and the pathways we're building to support long-term success. We're confident this team will not only perform with distinction in New Delhi, but inspire future generations of Para athletes across Aotearoa.' Selected athletes for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships: Anna Grimaldi – Women's 100m T47 and 200m T47 Will Stedman – Men's 100m T36 & 400m T36, & long jump T36 Holly Robinson – Women's shot put F46 Danielle Aitchison – Women's 100m T36 & 200m T36 Mitch Joynt – Men's 200m T64 Paddy Walsh – Women's long jump T64 (Debut) Michael Whittaker – 5000m T13 (Debut)
Scoop
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
8 Strong Team Named For New Delhi World Para Championships
A unique story of mentorship headlines the announcement of an 8 strong New Zealand team selected today for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships. Taking place in New Delhi, India from 27 September to 5 October. The team consists of multiple world championship medallists, paralympic medallists and is bolstered by three debutants. This year marks the first time India will host the World Championships, with more than 1,000 athletes expected to compete across 186 medal events at New Delhi's iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The Championships also serve as a key stepping stone toward the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. Among the eight athletes selected is debutant Paddy Walsh, who will compete in the women's long jump T64. Guiding her journey is coach and seasoned para-sprinter Mitch Joynt, who has also been selected to represent New Zealand in the men's 200m T64. For Walsh, this marks her first senior black singlet team 'I feel really honoured to be selected to go to India this year,' she said. 'I feel like I've worked hard for it, and it feels kind of crazy knowing that I've been trying all these years — and I didn't really think I'd be able to get to this level as soon as I have. So I feel quite excited and a little bit nervous.' Receiving her black singlet from Joynt as he informed her of her selection on Tuesday at the pairs regular training session added an extra layer of meaning for Walsh. 'It definitely gives me a bit of comfort, especially because I feel otherwise I'd be kind of going into it [world championships] a little uncertain,' she said. 'He's got a lot of wisdom and can really help guide me and help get the best experience that I can.' Advertisement - scroll to continue reading For Mitch Joynt, selection for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships is a special moment 'I'm obviously stoked to be selected again,' he said. 'It's always a pleasure to get to represent New Zealand.' But this year, the honour carries even deeper meaning with Walsh's first senior black singlet selection. 'I've known Paddy probably a decade. I trained with her, and now I coach her, and I consider her a friend,' Joynt reflected. 'No one deserves this more than Paddy, and I'm really stoked for her, it's amazing.' Joynt's memorable international debut secured a bronze medal in the men's 200m T64 at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in Paris. He backed up this performance in Kobe, Japan in 2024 with another bronze over the 200m T64. The team also features a blend of experienced Paralympians and promising newcomers: Among the selected athletes is Anna Grimaldi, a three-time Paralympic champion, who captured the hearts of the nation after her emphatic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games in the 200m T47. Returning to the track just hours after her tough 4th place finish in the Long Jump T47, Will Stedman is set to participate in the men's 100m T36, 400m T36, and long jump T36. Stedman has consistently performed at the highest level, securing multiple medals at international competitions. Holly Robinson will take on the women's shot put F46. With a decorated career including gold and silver medals in javelin, Robinson adds depth and experience to the team. Danielle Aitchison set a blistering new 200m T36 record at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan to win the world championships title. Aitchison continued her stellar 2024 with dual silvers over the 100m T36 and 200m T36 at the Paris Paralympic Games. She's been selected in the women's 100m T36 and 200m T36 Michael Whittaker is set to make his international debut in Para athletics, continuing a remarkable and unconventional journey to the world stage. A former international fashion model, Whittaker's life took a dramatic turn in his mid-twenties when he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disorder leading to progressive vision loss. Undeterred, he discovered a passion for running during the COVID-19 lockdowns, finding solace and purpose in the sport. Since then, he has rapidly ascended the ranks of Para athletics, setting a national half marathon T13 record of 1:13:54 at the 2024 Auckland Marathon. Whittaker set a 5000m best earlier this year at the 2025 Jennian Homes NZ Track and Field Championships at the Caledonian Ground in Dunedin of 15:32.66. Sarah James joins as the teams' only wheel-chair racer, where she's set to compete in the 100m T53. She currently holds the NZ Senior and U20 100m T53 records with her breakthrough time of 18.40(1.6) at the Canberra Classic in Australia last March. Athletics New Zealand Chief Executive Cam Mitchell said the selection is a reflection of the organisation's ongoing commitment to Para sport and athlete development. 'We're incredibly proud of this team. It's a group that brings together our most experienced international medallists with exciting emerging athletes making their debut on the world stage,' said Mitchell. 'This shows the strength of our Para athletics programme and the pathways we're building to support long-term success. We're confident this team will not only perform with distinction in New Delhi, but inspire future generations of Para athletes across Aotearoa.' Selected athletes for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships: Anna Grimaldi – Women's 100m T47 and 200m T47 Will Stedman – Men's 100m T36 & 400m T36, & long jump T36 Holly Robinson – Women's shot put F46 Danielle Aitchison – Women's 100m T36 & 200m T36 Mitch Joynt – Men's 200m T64 Paddy Walsh – Women's long jump T64 (Debut) Michael Whittaker – 5000m T13 (Debut)
