SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin has apologized for "inelegant" comments he made last week where he implied Honey Mahogany, a transgender candidate in the upcoming November election, wasn't "real" or "human."
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The comments were made in reference to the race for District 6 supervisor where Mahogany, 38, is running against incumbent Matt Dorsey, whom Peskin has endorsed.
In an interview with the San Francisco Examiner on Thursday, Peskin said he doesn't know what Mahogany "stands for or believes in."
"People who I think are real people and who are human and aren’t the stereotype of a political climber are people who are interesting to me, and people who I think are worthy of support," Peskin told the outlet.
The comments drew heavy criticism across social media.
Peskin, 58, on Sunday released a statement apologizing to the trans and LGBTQ community for the harm caused by his "inelegant comments" while he supported his "longtime friend" Dorsey.
"While it was very much not my intent, I can see how those words could cause harm," he said. "Anyone who knows me personally and in my professional life knows that I have long been an ally to trans people, the trans community, and the broader LGBTQ community which I hold dear, and I will always be an ally. I acknowledge my poor choice of words and have been in touch with community members, including Honey Mahogany, to ensure that my intentions are made clear and to prevent any further harm."
Mahogany told the San Francisco Chronicle she received a voicemail from Peskin apologizing for his remarks, but she has not spoken to him yet.
"I honestly haven’t been paying it much mind. I've been very focused on my race and really reaching the voters and talking to people. That's what's important," Mahogany told the paper. "Certainly I appreciate him reaching out to give me a call ... but this is not something I am focused on personally."
She added that she has "pretty thick skin" and was not bothered by Peskin’s words.
Peskin's endorsement of Dorsey was surprising to many because Peskin is considered progressive while Dorsey is a moderate candidate. Dorsey was appointed as District 3 supervisor by San Francisco Mayor London Breed in May after Matt Haney left the office to join the California State Assembly.
Mahogany is Haney's former chief of staff, whom he wanted Breed to pick to be his successor.
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