Massachusetts’ First ‘Non-Binary’ Politician Takes Mental Health Leave After Being Misgendered
Charlie Kirk Staff
01/17/2025

Massachusetts’ first openly non-binary elected official, Thu Nguyen, has announced a month-long leave from their duties, citing mental health concerns and claims of being misgendered by colleagues.
Nguyen, who uses they/them pronouns for herself, accused several members of the Worcester City Council of misgendering her, with one councilor allegedly referring to her as “it.” In response, Nguyen demanded an investigation into what they described as a “toxic political culture,” naming Mayor Joe Petty, Councilor At-Large Kathleen Toomey, and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson in an Instagram statement.
“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 wrote, according to the Daily Mail, while announcing their decision to step back temporarily.
However, Mayor Petty and other council members denied the allegations, attributing any misgendering to honest mistakes. They suggested Nguyen’s claims arose after being criticized for their remote participation in meetings and low attendance record.
Petty noted that Nguyen had missed half of the traffic and parking subcommittee meetings and had not convened any meetings for the transportation subcommittee they chair. “Failing to participate in these essential responsibilities is unacceptable,” Petty said, emphasizing the importance of accountability.
Nguyen countered by claiming their attendance record was impacted by the alleged transphobia they experienced. “I have always tried to treat every councilor with the dignity and respect they deserve,” Petty stated, adding that he apologized for accidentally misgendering Nguyen during a 2022 meeting and has worked to ensure his language is respectful.
Councilor Toomey acknowledged occasional misgendering but insisted it was unintentional and apologized for the errors. Similarly, Councilor Mero-Carlson denied the accusations, stating she does not recall making such comments and accusing Nguyen of using the allegations for political leverage.