Mass Alliance Statement of Support for Worcester City Councilor, At-Large, Thu Nguyen

Mass Alliance, a statewide coalition of advocacy organizations and unions, committed to supporting progressive leaders, condemns the disrespectful and discriminatory behavior directed at Councilor Thu Nguyen by members of the Worcester City Council, including the derogatory and dehumanizing use of the word “it” by one city councilor.

In 2020, Mass Alliance recognized Councilor Nguyen as a “Rising Star” for their commitment to using their elected office to improve the lives of all residents, regardless of their gender, race, class, or ability. Regrettably, Massachusetts’s local government has a long way to go in representing the true diversity of the Commonwealth’s residents. More leaders from marginalized identities need to be represented in local offices and must feel respected and safe enough to show up to work as their full selves.

Councilor Nguyen, the first known openly non-binary person elected to local office in Massachusetts, has shown immense courage in speaking out about the disrespect they have experienced from their colleagues. We stand with Councilor Nguyen and affirm that transphobia and discrimination have no place in the City Council chamber or any space where public officials represent and advocate for their communities.

It is a disservice to Worcester voters when elected officials are allowed to deny respect and dignity to their colleagues without repercussions. Mass Alliance supports Councilor Nguyen’s request that the City’s Chief Equity Officer investigate these allegations and that actionable steps be taken to ensure that no public official experiences discrimination due to their identity. We also request Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training for all city officials and a public apology from those who disrespected Councilor Nguyen.

Mass Alliance applauds Councilor Nguyen’s courage in speaking out and seeking accountability. We hope this will lead to real change towards creating a city government that is inclusive of all voices.

In solidarity,

Vanessa Aguirreche Snow

Executive Director

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Mass Alliance
PO Box 317
Roslindale, MA 02131