Non-binary lawmaker takes month off work with mental health crisis after boss made simple request

Massachusetts’ first openly non-binary elected politician has taken a month off for mental health reasons after being accused of laziness and asked to return to in-person meetings.

Thu Nguyen, who uses their pronouns, accused some of their fellow Worcester city councilors of deliberately misgendering them and referring to them as “it.”

However, Nguyen’s colleagues argue that any misgendering was coincidental and suggested that they only made the transphobia claims after being challenged over their poor attendance and ordered to return to in-person gatherings.

Nguyen demanded an immediate investigation into what they described as a “toxic political culture” and named several lawmakers in a statement on Instagram.

They claimed they were misled by Mayor Joe Petty and Councilwoman Kathleen Toomey. Nguyen also claims that Councilmember Candy Mero-Carlson called them “it” several times.

“These hateful acts are unbecoming of a legislative body whose job is to serve our communities and respect and enforce anti-discrimination laws,” wrote Nguyen, announcing a “pause.”

Mayor Joe Petty denied the claims and suggested that Nguyen only made the accusations after requesting to attend more meetings in person.

However, Mayor Petty refuted Nguyen’s claims by suggesting that they “arose from the decision to require in-person attendance at City Council and subcommittee meetings,” the Boston sphere reports.

On Tuesday, Petty asked the Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee to hold a public hearing on officials attending hearings remotely.

He said Nguyen missed half of the traffic and parking subcommittees and failed to hold a meeting for the transportation subcommittee they chair.

“It is unacceptable that we are not participating in these vital responsibilities,” Petty said. “I will not apologize for holding myself and my colleagues accountable for the responsibilities entrusted to us by the people we serve.”

Nguyen hit back by stating that their low and remote attendance at sessions was due to the “transphobia” they had experienced from colleagues.

“I have always tried to treat every council member with the dignity and respect they deserve,” Petty added.

“I would never knowingly say anything harmful, and I firmly believe that everyone deserves the dignity of having their identity honored and respected.”

Petty said Nguyen referred to a 2022 incident in which he accidentally misnamed them during a meeting, but insisted he had apologized.

Councilwoman Kathleen Toomey admitted to misapproaching Nguyen, but insisted it was accidental

Councilor Mero-Carlson said she “has no recollection” of making such statements and that the claims “misrepresent my character, my record and the values ​​I have consistently upheld.”

‘When it was brought to my attention, I quickly corrected the error and apologised. “I am committed to ensuring that my language reflects that respect at all times,” he said.

Councilor Toomey admitted that he had approached Nguyen incorrectly, but insisted it was accidental.

“When the councilor was elected, I made an honest mistake initially when I addressed the councilor, and I may have done that a few times, for which I have apologized. There has never been any intentional or consistent misgendering,” Toomey said.

Councilor Mero-Carlson said she “has no recollection” of making such statements and that the claims “misrepresent my character, my record and the values ​​I have consistently upheld.”

She added that Nguyen has the “lowest attendance of any council member” and accused them of trying to weaponize their accusations for political purposes.