“"It’s a timely, deeply human documentary that leaves audiences not with easy answers, but with a sharper understanding of the courage it takes to keep moving forward when the spotlight becomes both a platform and a target."”

““A nuanced portrait of leadership and responsibility that also provides a clear and honest account of the challenges and apparent harms that come from seeking to change the world.””

““Strategic, intimate look at a growing politician" “...the film strategically takes an observational approach” “The camera has empathy and curiosity about Sarah…” “Joynt intelligently remains very objective…” “It’s refreshing to see a piece of media that forces me to think rather than telling me how to think.” “...smart filmmaking…””

“The documentary delves into the LGBTQ community’s complex response to McBride’s becoming a “first.” It includes audio from Slate’s “Outward” podcast, in which writer Jules Gill-Peterson says, “This first elected representative is really not one that it seems like many trans people are going to get excited about, given some of her policy positions and the way that she’s sort of aligned with the party establishment.” Co-host Christina Cauterucci, a Slate editor, responds: “I think she’s had to be like that. I think a trans person who was more radical in any sense just simply would not have achieved what she’s achieved.””

“State of Firsts portrays McBride grappling with both the highs and the lows of what it meant to step into her role. It resists an easy narrative about life as a “first” being an upward trajectory of progress and celebration. For McBride, it has also been heavy with impossible expectations, conflicting allegiances, and flattening portrayals. As McBride sums up early on in the film: “It is an unbelievable challenge to figure out how I am seen as a full human being rather than just as a walking trans flag.””

“"If GOP leaders thought that would make McBride crumble, they were in for a surprise. The 35-year-old Democrat displays her mettle in the documentary State of Firsts, directed by Chase Joynt."”

“Sarah McBride: "Everyone deals with something about themselves that society tells them they should be ashamed of or that they should hide," she says. "The thing about so many of us who live openly and authentically is we have taken that thing that society has told us we should hide, and we've not only accepted it, but in many cases we are walking forward from a place of pride in it."”

“"What director Chase Joynt delivers is not a triumphalist political chronicle. It is a meditation on dignity, restraint, and the costs of visibility in an age of cruelty. In McBride’s own words, “What we need more of in our politics is grace. And that doesn’t just mean grace across the political divide. It also means grace within our own community, grace within our own movement, grace for those who are fearful in the shadows, and yes, those who are trying to navigate a very difficult world out in public.””

““...what elevates State of Firsts from your average political doc is that both McBride and Joynt know politics and what it takes to succeed in this often treacherous profession.” "...the film effectively captures her determination to be the best representative for her constituents… ” “Director Chase Joynt's powerful profile of Sarah McBride, the nation's first openly transgender member of the U.S. House of Representatives, is a smart and savvy political documentary..” ”smart and savvy””

““Offering an intimate look behind the scenes, the documentary follows McBride through her historic congressional campaign and into the early days of her tenure in Washington." “...an intimate look behind the scenes…" “...McBride remains remarkably open.” “Editor Chris McNabb skillfully weaves together the various timelines…” “What makes State of Firsts compelling is its intimate access to a historic moment…” “...State of Firsts offers an engaging look at a barrier-breaking public servant whose story is still being written." ”...an engaging look at a barrier-breaking public servant…"”

“'State of Firsts’ chronicles the historic rise of Rep. Sarah McBride”

“Tribeca Film Festival rolls out more than two dozen queer films. “...admirable documentary…" “State of Firsts illuminates how McBride must always smile to reflect pride not despair…" “State of Firsts is an inspiring chronicle of the start of McBride’s political career, which will hopefully continue for decades to come.” “...inspiring” “...inspiring chronicle””

““More than your average political puff piece” “An interesting look at the pressures of representation” “...thoughtful” “...passionate” “...these glimpses that allow State of Firsts to pack an emotional punch ””

“Chase Joynt's enlightening doc "State of Firsts" follows Sarah McBride on the campaign trail, where she's hoping to become the first transgender person ever to be elected to Congress. (Spoiler – not – she wins!) The film delves into McBride's necessity to strike a balance between repping her constituents and representing as the first trans person. She muses that people misunderstand the difference between activists and elected officials, and their respective roles. This film could not be timelier or more relevant, with trans people suffering the most severe attacks from the MAGA right in the last few months. All of that parallels McBride's being the target of horrible anti-trans rhetoric, even from her own fellow House members... McBride's grace, steadfastness, and perseverance are the stuff of true heroism. Joynt captures this essential moment of LGBTQ+ history with dignity and respect.”

““State of Firsts should be required viewing for every member of Congress” “Maybe it’ll remind people what it’s like to treat others in the way they wish to be treated” “....just priceless””