The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is standing firmly behind one of its newest appointees, Giselle Byrd, after she became the target of what the commission described as a vicious wave of online harassment. The commission issued a strong public statement defending Byrd’s qualifications and rejecting misinformation circulating on social media.
Byrd, a Black transgender woman and respected member of the Boston arts community, was appointed earlier this year by Governor Maura Healey. According to reporting from Boston.com, the harassment escalated after an article from an online outlet falsely claimed that Healey had appointed a male activist to the commission. The MCSW responded by calling the claims factually incorrect and emphasizing that Byrd was fully qualified for her position.
The online hostility quickly intensified. Byrd told WCVB that she received racist and transphobic messages, including explicit death threats. She said the sudden backlash made her feel unsafe and forced her to rethink basic daily routines. Despite the threats, she stated that she has no intention of stepping down from her role.
The commission condemned the attacks and voiced full support for Byrd. Leaders described her as a respected professional dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of women and girls across Massachusetts. The MCSW also noted that the harassment fits into a larger national pattern of violence and intimidation targeting transgender women, particularly transgender women of color. They cited the growing number of killings of transgender women across the United States and warned that online harassment often escalates into real-world danger.
Governor Healey also defended Byrd, calling her a committed leader whose presence on the commission strengthens its mission. Healey added that Byrd represents the diversity of Massachusetts and the voices that deserve a seat at the table.
Not everyone expressed support. State Representative Alyson Sullivan Almeida repeated the argument that positions on the commission should go to women who were assigned female at birth. Her comments circulated widely on social media, adding fuel to debates about transgender inclusion in public service.
The heightened scrutiny comes during Transgender Awareness Week and shortly before Transgender Day of Remembrance, a period when advocates highlight the discrimination and violence faced by transgender individuals. The timing added weight to the commission’s response and placed Byrd’s experience within a broader national conversation about safety, visibility, and representation.
Despite the trauma of the last week, Byrd has remained outspoken. She told WCVB that she refuses to allow threats to silence her and that she believes the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must serve all its residents. She added that her role on the commission is an opportunity to support women and girls and to ensure that transgender voices remain part of statewide conversations.
The commission said it will continue to support Byrd and will not be swayed by online disinformation or targeted harassment. For many advocates in Massachusetts, the commission’s statement reflects a clear message. Transgender people deserve representation in public leadership, and coordinated attacks will not push them out of the rooms where decisions are made.
