Thu Nguyen, an at-large city council member in Worcester, Massachusetts, and the state’s first openly nonbinary elected official has taken a month’s leave of absence, citing perceived transphobic behavior from colleagues on the city council.
Nguyen, who uses they/them pronouns, alleges that Mayor Joseph Petty and Councilor Kathleen Toomey referred to Nguyen using incorrect pronouns during meetings and that Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson used the term “it.”
Nguyen has filed a complaint with Worcester’s Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, describing the city council as a toxic environment. Nguyen argues that misgendering reflects a deeper issue of systemic bias. Critics, however, question whether the focus on pronouns distracts from the practical responsibilities of governance and whether the city council should be expected to adapt to nonbinary terminology.
Nguyen’s claims have kicked off a firestorm.
Thu Nguyen, a nonbinary city councilor for Worcester, Massachusetts with they/them pronouns, announced she is taking a month-long leave due to the unsafe and toxic culture after she was misgendered. She also filed official complaints with the city. pic.twitter.com/GHAK8CufuB
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 16, 2025
Some scoffed that the “woke” mindset has simply gone too far.
Lolol! Woke is a Disease! Thu Nguyen, a nonbinary city councilor for Worcester, Massachusetts with they/them pronouns, announced she is taking a month-long leave due to the unsafe and toxic culture after she was misgendered. She also filed official complaints with the city. pic.twitter.com/mPylYeoiZt
— Johnny Midnight ⚡️ (@its_The_Dr) January 16, 2025
Nguyen, however, had a slew of like-minded supporters unload on Worcester City Councilors at a recent meeting.
Chants of ‘shame’ fill chamber as councilors take on Nguyen’s allegations of ‘transphobia’ https://t.co/PhPyuehCgm @BPetrishenTG @RickCinclair pic.twitter.com/AK4XOxIx5V
— telegramdotcom (@telegramdotcom) January 22, 2025
“To see an elected body be silent on these issues is shameful,” Joshua Croke, an LGBTQ+ activist, told the council, according to the Worcester Telegram.
The City Council issued an apology to Nguyen, the Telegram reported.
“I remain steadfast in my commitment to creating a city where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected,” Mayor Petty tweeted.
WORCESTER – Mayor Joseph M. Petty issued a statement today regarding a social media post from
Councilor Nguyen.I want to take a moment to address concerns raised by Councilor Nguyen, the first nonbinary
City Councilor in our community’s history. During my 13 years as Mayor, I… pic.twitter.com/lk1up1ukLu— Joe Petty (@MayorJoePetty) January 16, 2025
The resolution of this situation could have implications for how local governments approach similar issues in the future.