In Worcester, Massachusetts, a non-binary city council member has decided to take a month-long break from their duties, alleging that their fellow council members have been "misgendering" them and referring to them as "it.
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Thu Nguyen, who uses "they" and "them" pronouns, has chosen to prioritize their mental health in the face of these accusations, as reported by the Daily Mail.
According to Breitbart, Nguyen's colleagues have defended themselves, stating that any instances of "misgendering" were unintentional. A photograph of Nguyen wearing a t-shirt with the slogan "Paying for People's Abortions Is a Revolutionary Political Act" has also been circulating.
Nguyen took to Instagram on Wednesday to express their disappointment and concern. They wrote, "It is unfortunate, as we transition under a Trump administration and exponential increase of fear experienced by the LGBTQ+ community that I, as a City Councilor At-Large of Worcester, had to file a complaint to our Executive Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion about my experience in the past 3 years of dealing with transphobia and a discriminatory and toxic council culture, being misgendered by Mayor Petty and Councilor At-Large Toomey publicly on the council floor and recently learning that District 2 Councilor Mero-Carlson has been referring to me as 'it' multiple times. I have formally requested for the City of Worcesters Chief Equity Officer to open an immediate investigation and create an action plan to address this matter."
Mayor Petty, however, has disputed Nguyen's allegations, suggesting they arose after the council decided to enforce in-person attendance at meetings. The Daily Mail reported that Petty requested a public hearing on remote attendance at official meetings.
Nguyen has been criticized for their attendance record, with accusations of missing half of the traffic and parking subcommittees and failing to convene a meeting for another subcommittee they reportedly chair. Petty stated, "Failing to participate in these essential responsibilities is unacceptable. I will not apologize for holding myself and my colleagues accountable to the responsibilities entrusted to us by the people we serve."
Nguyen has argued that attending in-person meetings was unsafe for them. They stated to WCVB, "I really, really wished I felt safe enough to show up on the council floor. But I dont. I have faced transphobia with being misgendered and recently learned that I have been dehumanized to a point where Im being referred to as 'it' by my colleagues on this council."
In response to the controversy, Petty has maintained that he has always strived to treat his colleagues with dignity and respect. He added, "I would never knowingly say anything harmful, and I firmly believe everyone deserves the dignity of having their identity honored and respected." This situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by non-binary individuals in public office, and the importance of respectful communication in all professional settings.
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