The President of Windsor-Essex Pride Fest has abruptly resigned after making comments on a Windsor radio station about trans women competing in sports.
Wendi Nicholson was invited to participate in a roundtable discussion on Monday to debate whether the International Olympic Committee should ban transgender women from female events.
She told the audience, "You've gone through as Johnny up until you're 17, 18 -- you're playing elite sports now. You're hitting that puberty, you are not as good as what you thought, but then you look, and go, hey, if I say my name is Sally, and I'm transgender, I can go and I can beat the crap out of the girls."
Windsor-Essex Pride Fest issued a statement later in the day expressing shock and disappointment.
"These comments do not reflect the values, beliefs, or position of Windsor-Essex Pride Fest. Our organization stands firmly with our Trans+ and non-binary community members in the fight for equality, inclusion, and respect."
"We acknowledge and are deeply sorry for what has happened and take full responsibility for her comments," the statement continued. "We will be reaching out to Trans Wellness Ontario and members of our local Trans+ community to listen, learn, and ensure their voices guide our next steps."
The statement was posted on the organization's Facebook page, where it quickly sparked a reaction from the community.
"As a proud trans momma, this is not simply disappointing. It's horrific that someone I know and who holds a position of authority and responsibility in and to the community could attack an already beleaguered group in this way," commented Jen Boyes. "The comments are not just hurtful, they're bigoted, ignorant, and deliberately demeaning."
Christian J. Eschbach offered a counterpoint of view.
"When people within your own camp can't agree on a subject, you turn and eat your own, which I noticed is causing a larger and larger divide amongst the Ls in the LGBT," he wrote. "You talk about inclusivity, but the second someone disagrees, you want them cut out and publicly shamed. How are you not worse than the people you claim to be fighting against?"
Many asked what kind of penalty Nicholson would face, and on Wednesday, Windsor-Essex Pride Fest issued a second statement announcing her departure.
"Effective immediately, Wendi Nicholson has resigned as Board President and is no longer affiliated with Windsor-Essex Pride Fest," it said. "We have closely followed the comments people have made about this situation, and while this announcement is an important first step, we agree that there is much more we can do. We welcome our community to offer guidance as we develop tangible and measurable actions for us to take."
Later Thursday afternoon, Nicholson issued an apology.
Those who wish to offer a comment were invited to reach out to the organization at info@wepridefest.com.
Windsor-Essex Pride Fest did not say when it might appoint a new Board President.
