Controversy as Massachusetts Appoints First Trans Woman to Women’s Commission

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has made some questionable decisions during her tenure, and this one certainly is right up there with the best of them. It has caught the attention of the national media, which is having a field day with it.

OutKick.com first reported that, "Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (a Democrat) has appointed Giselle Byrd, who is a trans-identifying male, to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW)."

Who is Giselle Byrd?

Byrd was born a male, but identifies as a "Black trans woman" according to her social media accounts and media statements. She is the director of The Theater Offensive in Boston.

Role of the MCSW

The MCSW advises the Commonwealth on policies affecting women and girls.
Byrd is now the Vice Chair of the MCSW's Programming and Planning Committee.

Historic Significance

In a statement posted this month to the MCSW website, Byrd said, "It is an honor and a privilege to serve alongside my fellow sister commissioners as the first transgender woman of color on the commission, and I am so excited for the journey that we will take together."

Byrd, who refers to herself as "a Georgia girl," was born and raised in Atlanta, discovering a "passion for the performing arts." Byrd has an extensive background in the performing arts in New York and Boston.

Controversy Ensues

In a "Letter to the Community," Byrd wrote, "I am a Black, transgender woman from the American South advocating for change. Some folks in this community will view me as The Witch, and they will try to blame me for much. I know the truth. We all know the truth."

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Not for nothing, and being mindful and respectful of all human beings that occupy this great nation and our Commonwealth, but wasn't there a biological woman available that Healey could have selected for this position?

How do you have a Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women and appoint a biological male to serve? Perhaps it's Byrd's utter disdain for President Trump that attracted Healey.

The MCSW Response to the Controversy

The MCSW issued a statement on November 17 on its website: "We stand in outrage with our fellow Commissioner Byrd and remain committed to protecting the safety of not only our state and regional commissioners, but of every marginalized individual threatened by violence both online and in person."

The National Take

Podcaster Megyn Kelly, responding to the appointment on X, stated, "Men make the best women, we all know that."