Thu Nguyen, the first openly nonbinary elected person in Massachusetts, says they’re taking a monthlong hiatus from Worcester City Council due to what they say is a discriminatory and toxic culture on the council.
In a statement Wednesday, Nguyen said they’ve experienced transphobia from fellow councilors since assuming their post in 2022. They said Mayor Joe Petty and Councilor Kate Toomey have misgendered them, and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson has referred to them as “it” multiple times.
Nguyen said they’ve requested Worcester’s chief equity officer open an immediate investigation into the matter.
“These hateful acts are unbecoming of a legislative body whose duty is to serve our communities and to honor and enforce anti-discrimination laws,” Nguyen said. “We deserve a government that is welcoming, embraces and takes pride in our LGBTQ+ community.”
The announcement follows Tuesday’s night City Council meeting during which Nguyen said they often attend council meetings via Zoom because they feel unsafe and dehumanized around the chamber. The comment came in response to an order by Petty asking for a review of remote participation by public officials during meetings.
GBH News’ attempts to reach Petty, Toomey and Mero-Carlson were not successful.
Nguyen said stepping away from City Council for a month will allow them to prioritize their mental and emotional safety and “forge a path to address this matter.”
“Many turn to Massachusetts, one of the progressive LGTBQ+ supporting states, as a safe haven,” Nguyen said. “And yet here in Worcester, the second largest city in Massachusetts and New England, our commitment and safety is tainted by government leadership that does not hold the same values and care for the dignity and humanity of LGBTQ+ community members.”
