Nguyen, the first openly nonbinary person elected to the council, said last week they were taking “a hiatus” from their public duties after alleging they had been misgendered by fellow officials.

Worcester’s city council on Tuesday formally apologized to Councilor Thu Nguyen for the harm they’ve experienced on the job.

The chant rained down numerous times Tuesday in the Esther Howland Chamber, which also shook on multiple occasions as angry demonstrators stomped their feet in unison. Councilors later backed an apology to Nguyen.

Tuesday night's council meeting saw many residents voice their frustrations with their elected officials' responses to Nguyen's allegations.

GBH News spoke with Nguyen about their identity and role in politics a week before they announced a one-month leave from the council.

Supporters of Worcester City Councilor-at-Large Thu Nguyen assembled at Worcester City Hall on Tuesday and called for accountability from city leaders who Nguyen claims made transphobic statements.

Nguyen, the first nonbinary person elected in the state, will take a month off "to prioritize (their) mental and emotional safety."

Nguyen, who took office in January 2022, said they will take a hiatus after three colleagues on the board repeatedly misgendered them.

There was a mix of support and outrage in Worcester on Tuesday night as allegations of a toxic culture and transphobia within the Worcester City Council were heard during a public meeting.