BOSTON —

A transgender member of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is speaking out after she said she has received death threats, transphobic and racist attacks online following her appointment by the governor months ago.

"I have experienced threats to my life and that of my community," Giselle Byrd said. "I have lost my sense of safety through all of this."

The commission, dedicated to advancing the rights of women and girls, stated, "Our commission exists to protect women and girls, no matter what gender identity they were provided at birth. We have a strong track record of fighting for the women and girls here in Massachusetts."

"Let's be clear. Trans women are women. We experience some of the same harms and discriminations," Byrd said.

Republican state Rep. Alyso

See Full Page