Mayor Paul Young Apologizes for Misgendering Transgender Activist During 2026 Address

The mayor of Memphis, Tennessee, issued a belated apology after a heated exchange at the city's 2026 annual address, where he misgendered a transgender activist during a public confrontation. Mayor Paul Young, a Democrat, stood before a packed crowd, his voice steady as he outlined plans for economic revitalization and community unity. But within minutes, the event devolved into chaos as protesters interrupted his speech, their voices rising over his words. Young, unshaken at first, turned his focus to Brandy Price, a transgender politician and his 2023 mayoral opponent, whose vocal dissent during the address drew his sharp rebuke.

'Be respectful, sir, be respectful, sir,' Young barked, his tone cutting through the din. 'We're going to let him pull himself together.' The words, delivered with practiced authority, were immediately met with outrage. Price, who had long criticized Young's policies and affiliations, was called 'him' twice by the mayor, a misgendering that struck a nerve in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. The moment, captured by onlookers and later replayed on social media, became a flashpoint for debate over respect, dignity, and the responsibilities of public figures.

OUTMemphis, a local LGBTQ+ advocacy group, wasted no time condemning the incident. Molly Quinn, the organization's CEO, took to X (formerly Twitter) to accuse Young of failing to protect the transgender community. 'This was a public address for the entire community, and his actions to diminish a trans person from a powerful seat will only create more public permission for even meaner behavior in private settings,' Quinn wrote, her words laced with both sorrow and frustration. The message was clear: Young's gaffe was not just a personal misstep, but a sign of deeper dissonance between his rhetoric and his actions.

Price, who has repeatedly called Young 'Black ICE' on social media—a reference to his perceived alignment with federal law enforcement—was not the only one watching closely. Sources with direct knowledge of the mayor's inner circle reveal that Young's collaboration with Elon Musk, a figure whose influence spans technology and policy, has been a subject of quiet contention within Memphis. While Musk's involvement in the city's future is still under wraps, insiders say the partnership has drawn both support and skepticism, with some questioning whether his priorities align with the needs of marginalized groups like the transgender community.

Hours after the incident, Young took to X to issue a terse apology. 'It was brought to my attention that I used the wrong pronouns when addressing Brandy Price at last night's State of the City,' he wrote. 'It was not intentional, and I apologize for that. I respect her gender identity, our LGBTQ+ community, and I am grateful for the grace to learn, grow, and keep showing up for every Memphian.' The statement, while sincere, did little to quell the backlash. For many, it felt like a missed opportunity to demonstrate genuine remorse and a commitment to change.

The fallout continues. OUTMemphis has called for more than an apology, urging Young to take concrete steps to repair the damage. 'The mayor owes the community an apology and a promise to repair the damage,' Quinn wrote. 'We will not stand for half-measures.' As the city grapples with the incident, the spotlight remains on Young—and on the delicate balance he must strike between leadership, accountability, and the trust of a divided populace.