Memphis Mayor Apologizes for 'Misgendering' Heckler During Speech

Mayor Paul Young faced backlash from LGBTQ+ group after addressing heckler as 'sir'

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Memphis Mayor Paul Young has issued a public apology after referring to a heckler as 'sir' during his State of the City address. The heckler, who identifies as a woman named Brandy Price, prompted an apology from Mayor Young after an LGBTQ+ organization accused him of 'misgendering' the individual.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions around gender identity and the pressure on public officials to affirm individuals' preferred pronouns, even in confrontational situations. It reflects the broader debate over the extent to which biological realities should take precedence over self-identified gender expression.

The details

During his speech, Mayor Young told the heckler to 'be respectful, sir' and referred to the individual as 'him.' This prompted backlash from an LGBTQ+ organization, which accused the mayor of 'misgendering' the heckler. In response, Mayor Young apologized on social media, stating that he 'respect[s] her gender identity' and the LGBTQ+ community, and that he is 'grateful for the grace to learn, grow, and keep showing up for every Memphian.'

  • Mayor Young made the remarks during his State of the City address on February 14, 2026.
  • Mayor Young issued his apology on social media shortly after the incident.

The players

Paul Young

The mayor of Memphis, Tennessee.

Brandy Price

A heckler who identifies as a woman and interrupted Mayor Young's speech.

LGBTQ+ organization

A group that accused Mayor Young of 'misgendering' the heckler and prompted his apology.

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What they’re saying

“It was brought to my attention that I used the wrong pronouns when addressing Brandy Price at last night's State of the City. It was not intentional and 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.”

— Paul Young, Mayor of Memphis (X (formerly Twitter)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions around gender identity and the pressure on public officials to affirm individuals' preferred pronouns, even in confrontational situations. It reflects the broader debate over the extent to which biological realities should take precedence over self-identified gender expression.