A 23-year-old transgender teacher named Sabre has found herself at the center of a harrowing controversy, having received a flurry of death threats following a targeted attack by South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace on social media. This incident unfolded last week, igniting fears and highlighting the challenges faced by transgender individuals in both public life and private safety.
Sabre, an environmental educator who has chosen to keep her workplace and living situation confidential for safety reasons, was thrust into the spotlight when Mace, known for her contentious remarks, reshared a post that detailed Sabre's transition journey. In a series of posts across her official and personal accounts, Mace took issue with Sabre’s experience, stating, “Estrogen doesn’t love you,” in response to a playful comment made by Sabre, “God, I love estrogen.” Mace’s online activity did not stop there; she later tagged Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on her personal account, further questioning Sabre’s choices with, “Can we get [RFK] on this? NO way is this healthy.”
These posts attracted the attention of anti-trans activists, including Becky Weiss, an ambassador for the group Gays Against Groomers, who proceeded to share Sabre's personal information, resulting in a barrage of death threats and doxxing attempts that deeply affected Sabre’s mental health. “I cannot share where I work or live for my own personal safety, as I currently have people who wish to kill me for the sole reason of being trans,” she recounted in an interview with The Advocate. “It’s fundamentally insane that a sitting US politician would use her influence to target a single individual.”
The distressing sequence of events is not isolated. Mace has made a name for herself as a vocal opponent of transgender rights, even using slurs during congressional hearings. In response to Mace’s actions, Sabre expressed her fear that such behavior reflects a larger trend within politics that seeks to marginalize transgender people. “This strange hyperfixation on trans people, similar to the Red Scare, is an attempt at some culture war to distract people from class inequality and the rise of anti-intellectualism,” she said.
In a separate incident drawing further scrutiny of Mace’s character, the congresswoman took aim at Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette for a seemingly innocuous joke made during a Young Republicans event on March 8, 2025. Evette, while discussing her teenage son’s potential lifeguarding job, joked about her husband’s enthusiasm for the prospect of watching over teenagers in bathing suits, saying he wanted to join their son. Mace swiftly condemned Evette's remarks, stating, “As a survivor of sexual violence, I don’t find this appropriate at all.” Yet critics pointed out that Mace's response ignored the context of Evette’s comment regarding encouraging youth employment.
This critique is particularly relevant given that both women are viewed as frontrunners for the Republican nomination for governor in the next election. A recent Trafalgar Group poll suggested that Evette has the upper hand, leading in potential matchups against Mace and S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson. In a bid to gain traction, Mace has increasingly targeted both Evette and Wilson, questioning their commitment to addressing serious issues and positioning herself as a candidate willing to fight for public decency.
Amidst this political melee, it has become evident that Mace's confrontational style raises significant questions about the responsibility of public figures in shaping discourse around marginalized communities. With Sabre’s pleas underscoring the very real consequences of online harassment, it serves as a reminder of the volatile climate for vulnerable populations in contemporary America.
Advocacy groups have rallied in support of Sabre and others affected by similar hate campaigns, emphasizing the need for protection and respect in discussions regarding gender identity. The issue isn’t just about political bickering; it’s about the real human lives at stake.
As the political landscape continues to evolve ahead of the gubernatorial race, the fallout from these incidents may play a significant role in shaping voter perceptions and priorities. Clearly, the controversies surrounding both Mace and Evette open a broader conversation about the treatment of marginalized communities in political discourse, and the responsibilities of elected officials in creating a safe environment for all citizens.
In summary, the ongoing events surrounding Rep. Nancy Mace and her social media conduct towards Sabre highlight the severe ramifications that can arise from political rhetoric and the urgent necessity for kindness and understanding in public dialogue.
