Worcester City Councilor Thu Nguyen, Massachusetts’ first nonbinary elected official, has announced they are taking a month-long hiatus from their duties, citing an ongoing pattern of transphobia and a “discriminatory and toxic” culture within the city council. Nguyen made the announcement on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, stating that they would take time off to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being.
Nguyen, who was elected in 2021, shared the decision in a statement sent to LGBTQ Nation, explaining that they have formally filed a complaint with the city’s Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (EOE). In the complaint, Nguyen outlined their experiences of being misgendered by fellow councilors and the city’s mayor, Joseph M. Petty (D), during council sessions, further alleging that District 2 Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson had referred to them as “it” on multiple occasions.
“These hateful acts are unbecoming of a legislative body whose duty is to serve our communities and honor anti-discrimination laws,” Nguyen wrote in the statement. “I have formally requested for the City of Worcester’s Chief Equity Officer to open an immediate investigation and create an action plan to address this matter.”
Nguyen, who identifies as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, emphasized that the complaint aims to hold public officials accountable and ensure that Worcester’s government aligns with legal and moral standards regarding the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals. The city councilor stressed that their decision to speak out stems from the broader context of increasing anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, particularly toward transgender people, across the nation.
“LGBTQ+ folks are facing more physical threats, violence, and hate all over the nation,” Nguyen said. “Many look to Massachusetts as a safe haven, but here in Worcester, our safety is compromised by government leadership that does not hold the same values of dignity and humanity for the LGBTQ+ community.”
Nguyen’s announcement follows a contentious debate at Tuesday’s city council meeting, where the topic of remote participation was discussed. Nguyen expressed frustration with a recent order filed by Petty asking the Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee to review remote participation rules, a policy that Nguyen felt unfairly targeted them due to their own frequent remote attendance.
During the meeting, Nguyen addressed the council, saying, “Under your leadership, I have felt unsafe around this council body. I have faced transphobia with being misgendered and recently learned that I have been dehumanized to the point where I’m being referred to as ‘it’ by my colleagues.”
“I wish to have felt safe on this council floor, but I don’t,” Nguyen added.
In response to Nguyen’s statement, Councilor Kathleen Toomey acknowledged that she had misgendered Nguyen when they were first elected, describing the incident as an “honest mistake.” Toomey apologized to Nguyen, adding that she did not intentionally misgender them after that point.
“There’s never, ever been any attempt on my side to misgender them,” Toomey said. “If I did, I apologize.”
Massachusetts LGBTQ+ advocacy group MassEquality has called for immediate action, urging the city to address Nguyen’s claims with greater transparency. In a statement released on Wednesday, the organization demanded a formal public apology and requested that Worcester implement comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training for all city councilors and officials.
“MassEquality stands with Councilor Nguyen in calling for lasting change,” the group stated. “This should include DEI training and structural changes to ensure that marginalized individuals, especially members of the LGBTQ+ community, are not subjected to discrimination or bigotry.”
Worcester, the second-largest city in Massachusetts, is known for its progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights, with a reputation for being a sanctuary for queer individuals in the state. However, Nguyen’s experience has underscored the challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender and nonbinary people, continue to face within political structures, even in cities that are widely regarded as inclusive.
In their statement, Nguyen called on the public to advocate for a “political reimagination” that includes a holistic commitment to the care and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals.
“We hope that by speaking up against transphobia and hate, many of you will join me in pushing for a government that truly serves everyone, which rightfully includes the LGBTQ+ community,” Nguyen wrote.
As Nguyen takes time off to focus on their personal well-being, the city of Worcester now faces pressure from both local and statewide organizations to address the allegations and ensure a more inclusive and supportive environment for all public officials and residents.
