WORCESTER—Worcester City Council faced harsh criticism from residents and community advocates at Tuesday’s meeting for what were described as “discriminatory,” “bigoted,” and “transphobic attacks.”
The backlash followed Councilor Thu Nguyen’s statement at a previous meeting that fellow councilor Candy Mero-Carlson had referred to them as “it.” Critics also objected to the council’s decision to re-examine whether remote participation should be allowed for public officials at city meetings, a move seen as targeting Nguyen.
Mayor Joe Petty acknowledged the concerns, saying the national political climate has created fear within the transgender community.
“There is a genuine fear that is valid,” he said.
Petty had ordered two agenda items at the Jan. 14 meeting, asking the council to address councilors’ decorum in the chambers and possibly reconsider remote participation.
At that meeting Nguyen said they had learned they were misgendered by Petty and others, and was called “it” by council member Candy Mero-Carlson. Nguyen released a statement last week, which was followed by statements by Mero-Carlson, who said she does not remember making that comment, and intends to “not be distracted by unfounded attacks or divisive rhetoric.”
Nguyen has since taken a leave of absence from the council.
Council member Etel Haxhiaj apologized to the LGBTQIA+ community for the council’s climate, and vowed to work toward improvement.
“It’s been encouraging and amazing… to see so many of you that have stepped forward to condemn the transphobic hate, the dehumanization and erasure of Councilor Nguyen’s reporting multiple incidents of the use of the transphobic slur, ‘it,’ against them.”
Haxhiaj also said she and Nguyen had heard about the use of the slur just before the last meeting, as well as derogatory remarks made about Haxhiaj and her family, and implied Mero-Carlson was trying to deflect attention away from the slur. She also asked Petty to clarify his order regarding virtual attendance.
“I think I treat everybody in this room at all times with respect,” Petty said, adding that his order regarding remote participation was not directed at anyone, but he felt that meetings run more smoothly when councilors are present.
“It wasn’t to hurt anybody. It wasn’t to create that hate speech that’s been going on here,” Petty said. “I do not condone any hate speech employing transphobia like that which has transpired. I maintain that hate has no home here in the city of Worcester.”
Council member Khrystian King said he was proud of Nguyen’s courage.
“It’s not easy to be in these chambers and be marginalized,” King said. “As a member of a marginalized community, I know what that feels like.”
“Councilor Nguyen has inspired folks,” King added. “They have inspired folks, not just here, in our schools, throughout the community and throughout this entire commonwealth. It’s been an honor to serve with the first non-binary elected official to serve in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”
Nothing other than full-fledge condemnation of this hate…… is acceptable.
Mero-Carlson thanked Petty and said that she and all of the council members’ have respect for the LGBTQIA+ community. She did not mention the alleged slur, but agreed that some education or training, as some of the speakers, as well as King, suggested may be helpful.”
“Sure. I do believe in that, because there is a lot, I think, that all of us have to learn,” she said, adding that anyone questioning her commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community need only look at her record. But, she said, the council has been divisive and needs to respect each other better.
“I think that we, as a body, need to, as many folks said tonight, and they are right, that we need to get back to serving the people of this city, because that’s what we were elected to do.”
Haxhiaj moved that the council publicly apologize to Nguyen for what they have gone through, including harassment via e-mails and other communication, locally and nationally, and the dismissal of Nguyen’s concerns.
Earlier in the meeting, during the public participation portion, several residents and activists shared their positions and concerns.
“Referring to another person, another councilor as ‘it’ is outrageous and appalling behavior and should not be tolerated,” said resident Oliver Chadwick. “There should be an investigation [but] it should not need an investigation. Any councilor here who has done that should resign.”
Resident Janet Davis said that remote participation for everyone accommodates health issues and potential spread of diseases, but also for safety reasons, as in Nguyen’s case.
“For Councilor Nguyen, remote participation has been the safest option,” Davis said. “To impugn them for this is beyond redeemable.”
“There has been a lack of respect between the councilors and a lack of respect for people who come up and talk,” resident Gary Hunter said, adding that that he would be fired or suspended for making a transphobic slur.
Resident David West said the council members should admit their mistakes, stop justifying and defending in order to make progress.
“Let’s establish and practice that higher standard, where we treat each other with dignity, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender or orientation, and seek out ways to understand what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes.”
Fred Taylor, president of the Worcester Branch of the NAACP, who called in remotely, said that the NAACP “unequivocally condemns the division and hate festering within our city council.”
“We implore you to rise above the division, we implore you to have unwavering commitment to inclusivity. I’m speaking today because that is absent,” Taylor said. “We need you to lead the right way. Calling names and suppressing voices is not leadership.”
After some debate, the council passed the motion to issue the apology. Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Luis Ojeda, Jenny Pacillo, George Russel, Kathleen Toomey and Petty voted in favor, while councilors Morris Bergman and Donna Colorio opposed.
The Jan. 21 Worcester City Council meeting can be viewed in its entirety here.
Steve Smith is a veteran reporter from Connecticut with 17 years of experience at The Hartford Courant. Now based in Worcester, he brings his passion for photojournalism to his work and spends much of his free time behind the camera. An award-winning photographer, Steve has covered major events including U.S. Men’s and Women’s Soccer, pro football, UCONN Huskies basketball, and the Miss America competition. He also serves as the official photographer for the Miss Massachusetts competition. In addition to journalism, Steve is a realtor, helping families find their perfect homes.
