Boston Mayor Michelle Wu's Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement is taking political heat after being listed as a supporter of a "Trans Period Pride" gathering at the Boston Public Library's Copley Square branch. Organizers describe the June 17 program as a consciousness-raising conversation about menstrual equity and "the experiences of trans menstruators," and the listing has quickly turned into a flash point on social platforms. Supporters say the event centers marginalized voices, while opponents argue that city backing for the program is inappropriate.
Event listed at the Boston Public Library
The Boston Public Library's events calendar lists "Mass NOW: Trans Period Pride" for Wednesday, June 17 at the Central Library in Copley Square and notes the program will "learn about trans experiences with menstruation from the MA Trans Political Coalition," with "support from the Mayor’s Office for LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement," according to Boston Public Library. The library page also directs visitors to RSVP in advance for meeting-room directions and lists the Central Library address.
Organizers and what they're offering
Mass NOW's event page lists the June 17 date, places the gathering at the Boston Public Library and says "catering is included," according to Mass NOW. A write-up on Mass NOW's site about a prior Trans Period Pride says the group worked with partners to distribute gender-affirming menstrual underwear and provide meal vouchers to attendees, and Mass NOW notes the mayoral office has supported past programming. Organizers describe the session as a space for transgender, nonbinary and gender-expansive people and allies to connect and share resources.
Backlash and national attention
Posts sharing the event flyer were amplified on X and other platforms this week, prompting thousands of comments and coverage beyond Boston, as reported by Fox News. National outlets highlighted the mayoral office's listing as a supporter and noted that some versions of the flyer referenced catering and giveaways. Critics questioned whether municipal support was an appropriate use of public resources. Fox News also reported it reached out to the mayor's office and did not immediately receive a response.
Mayor's office and funding context
The Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement was created to develop policy and community programming and to provide resources for Boston's LGBTQIA2S+ residents, and city materials outline grants and partnerships run through the office, according to Boston.gov. Supporters of municipal backing say partnering with community groups during Pride month fits that mission and helps deliver services. Opponents counter that the optics of city support for niche programming invite political headlines and debate about priorities. Local LGBTQ groups say the programs are intended to reach community members who lack other supports and to advance menstrual-equity work.
What's next
The event remains scheduled for June 17, and the Boston Public Library's event page lists RSVP instructions and meeting-room details for attendees, per the library calendar. Organizers have asked interested participants to register for directions, and, so far, the city and organizers have not posted an expanded public statement responding to the wave of online reaction.
