The first openly non-binary city council member elected in Massachusetts history has suspended her appearance on the city council, citing “misgendering” by other members.
Wednesday, Grand Councilor Thu Nguyen accused Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty said the councilor's mental health warranted a one-month hiatus due to the misgendering.
“Hate should have no place in City Hall or on Worcester City Council.”
In 2022, Nguyen posted a video showing Petty “misgendering” her.
“I wish I could come to Congress feeling really safe, but I don’t,” Nguyen said. “I have faced transphobia for being misgendered.”
Petty said he corrected the mistake after realizing it and apologized to Nguyen.
“During my 13 years as mayor, I have always strived to treat all council members with the dignity and respect they deserve,” Petty said in a statement. “I would never say anything intentionally harmful and I strongly believe that everyone deserves to have their identity respected and the dignity of being respected.”
He went on to suggest that Mr. Nguyen simply did not want to appear in court after being required to attend meetings and subconferences.
“I make no apologies for holding myself and my colleagues accountable for the responsibilities entrusted to them by the people we serve,” he continued. “Being available, accessible and engaged are fundamental expectations of our role and are critical to the success of our city.”
Nguyen also claimed in a statement Wednesday that another council member committed gender-misgendering behavior towards Nguyen, and that another council member called him “it” several times.
Other council members called on the defendants to apologize to Nguyen.
“City Council members have declared that hate has no place in Worcester,” wrote Ward 5 Councilmember Etel Haxiaj. “I agree. Hate should have no place in City Hall or on Worcester City Council.”
Nguyen is also the first Southeast Asian American member of the Worcester City Council.
Images from Worcester City Council meetings are available at news video report From WCVB-TV on YouTube.
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