MassEquality Responds to the Bullying of Worcester City Councilor Thu Nguyen

January 15, 2025

Worcester, MA:  MassEquality is deeply troubled to learn that Worcester City Councilor Thu Nguyen, Massachusetts’ first nonbinary city councilor, has been repeatedly subjected to misgendering and racism while serving on the Worcester City Council. Most concerning is the repeated use of the dehumanizing term “it” by Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson when referring to Councilor Nguyen.

Misgendering and other forms of invalidation can have significant psychological impacts, triggering feelings of dysphoria, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. The use of the term “it” is particularly harmful to transgender and nonbinary individuals, as it not only erases their gender identity but also undermines their very humanity.

Nonbinary individuals, who are already a highly marginalized group, face disproportionate mental health challenges. A 2021 study by The Williams Institute found that 39% of nonbinary adults reported having attempted suicide, a sobering statistic that underscores the need for greater understanding and respect.

MassEquality calls on the City of Worcester to take immediate action. We demand a formal public apology to Councilor Nguyen and urge the city to implement lasting change. This should include comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training for the City Council and other city officials, along with structural changes to ensure that no one, especially members of marginalized communities like Councilor Nguyen, faces discrimination or bigotry in the future.