Canadian Pride group leader quits after IOC transgender policy comments
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The president of the group that organizes the Pride Festival in Canada has resigned amid intense backlash over comments about transgender athletes in women’s sports.
The Windsor-Essex Pride Festival in Ontario, Canada, announced on social media this week that President Wendi Nicholson had resigned after commenting on recent reports that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) would ban biological males from women’s events.
“Effective immediately, Wendi Nicholson has resigned as chair of the board of directors and is no longer affiliated with Windsor-Essex Pride Fest,” the statement said.
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A parade participant flies the Progress Pride flag at the Midsumma Pride Parade on February 2, 2025 in St Kilda, Victoria, Australia. (Joshua Stanyer/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
“We have closely followed people’s comments about this situation, and while this announcement is an important first step, we agree there is much more we can do. … We recognize that people are angry, and we understand why. We ask for your understanding as we work to improve and uphold our values of equality, inclusion and respect.”
Nicholson made his comments during a radio interview on AM800.
“We’re fighting for women in sports. Now we get people coming and going, ‘I can’t be successful in this sport, so I’m going to switch and be this,'” said Nicholson.
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“You lived as Johnny until you were 17 or 18. Now you’re playing elite sports. You’re hitting puberty. You’re not as good as you thought you were, but then you look and you’re like, ‘Hey, if I say my name is Sally and I’m trans, I can go and beat up girls.'”
Nicholson added that she had no problem with trans women participating in sports “until they get to the elite leagues” and that as “a woman who has been a pioneer for years” she felt the issue had “hit a sore point”.
Fox News Digital attempted to reach Nicholson on social media for comment regarding his recent resignation.
The IOC’s current policy leaves it up to each sport’s governing body to create policies governing transgender athletes. But as the IOC changes its leadership, its policies will also change. Times of London It was reported Monday.
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The upcoming policy change will likely be announced on: IOC session in February According to The Times, ahead of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy and the IOC’s medical and scientific director, Dr. It follows Jane Thornton’s presentation last week.
Thornton’s presentation reportedly showed physical advantages in men, including those receiving treatment to lower testosterone levels. A source told the newspaper the presentation was “highly scientific” and insensitive.
“IOC members were given an update by the IOC’s director of health, medicine and science during IOC commission meetings last week,” an IOC spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “The working group continues its discussions on this issue and no decision has been made yet. More information will be provided in due course.”
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