Windsor-Essex Pride Fest president resigns amid controversy

The president of Windsor Essex Pride Fest has resigned following controversial comments made earlier this week.

The president of Windsor-Essex Pride Fest has resigned amid controversy sparked by comments made about trans athletes.

In a post on social media, the organization announced that Wendi Nicholson had resigned from its board of directors and would no longer be affiliated with Windsor-Essex Pride Fest.

“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,” reads a statement issued by the Board of Directors.

Nicholson came under fire for comments made Tuesday on AM800’s Mid-Morning Show during a debate about transgender athletes in Olympic-level sports.

“You’ve gone through as Johnny up until you’re 17, 18, you’re playing in 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,” Nicholson said on-air.

The comments have sparked outrage in the community and prompted calls for Nicholson’s resignation.

Nicholson issued the following statement:

“I firstly want to say I am sorry. I am sorry for my words which have hurt those I care deeply about. Looking back on it now, I know I should have refused the interview and had directed it to a better fitted organization to speak on as I have learned my views are misinformed. I am committed to working towards inclusion and education, and welcome opportunities to further educate myself.I have stepped down as president from Windsor Essex Pride festival and wish them the best with the festival in the coming years.As for my work with Windsor Soccer Club; over the years I have brought in programs to involve inclusion, diversity and women in sport. I have created and pushed for the regulations to have trans people playing in their desired league. I vow to work harder than my previous years to ensure these programs keep up and we continually move forward with training and development in the areas for all board members and coaches.Again, I truly am sorry for the words I spoke that hurt those I care about. I have nothing but love for the trans community, and I hope my words and actions will be accepted with open arms. I am heart broken that I have hurt those I am so close with. In the past, I have helped guide those who have transitioned and in transition towards resources and housing, and I will continue to do so. I hope the community understands I have and will always try to do what’s best for all of us.”

Windsor-Essex Pride Fest did not indicate plans to determine Nicholson’s successor.

The organization noted it would turn to the community to help determine “measurable” actions and invited stakeholders to help direct them on the right path forward.

“We realize that people are angry, and we certainly understand why. We ask that you bear with us as we work toward bettering ourselves and uphold our values of equality, inclusion and respect,” the board wrote.