They Called Me ‘It’: First Openly Nonbinary City Councilor in Massachusetts Takes Month-Long Mental Health Break After Being Misgendered
Councilor-at-Large Thu Nguyen will step away from their duties as a councilor for a month, citing "transphobia and discriminatory and toxic council culture."
In a statement released Wednesday morning, Nguyen made reference to allegations they had been misgendered by Mayor Joseph M. Petty and Councilor-at-Large Kathleen Toomey on the council floor. They also mentioned "recently learning" that they had been called "it" by another councilor, District 2 Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson.
Nguyen said they had filed a complaint with the city's Executive Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion requesting an immediate investigation.
Nguyen became the first nonbinary person elected to office in Massachusetts when they won election to the City Council in 2021.
"We deserve a government that is welcoming, embraces and takes pride in our LGBTQ+ community," Nguyen said in their statement. "As the first nonbinary elected in Massachusetts, I have always said for me it's not just about identity politics.
"Making history as the first is one thing, what you do with it is another."
In a statement released Wednesday morning, Nguyen made reference to allegations they had been misgendered by Mayor Joseph M. Petty and Councilor-at-Large Kathleen Toomey on the council floor. They also mentioned "recently learning" that they had been called "it" by another councilor, District 2 Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson.
Nguyen said they had filed a complaint with the city's Executive Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion requesting an immediate investigation.
Nguyen became the first nonbinary person elected to office in Massachusetts when they won election to the City Council in 2021.
"We deserve a government that is welcoming, embraces and takes pride in our LGBTQ+ community," Nguyen said in their statement. "As the first nonbinary elected in Massachusetts, I have always said for me it's not just about identity politics.
"Making history as the first is one thing, what you do with it is another."
70-79, M
