Conflicted: 'As a Woman', Versus Contrite: as a 'Trans-Activist'

"[As a] woman who has been pioneering for years [the matter of a ban on transgender women competing in female sports categories] hits a sore spot."

"We have been fighting for women in sports. Now we get people that come in and go, 'Well, I can't make it in this sport, so I'm going to transition and be this'." 

"You've gone through as Johnny up until you're 17 or 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." 

Wendi Nicholson, (former) head, Windsor-Essex Pride Fest

Pride Fest president Wendi Nicholson is shown at a colourful intersection on Ottawa Street on July 30, 2024, ahead of that year’s parade. Photo by Dan Janisse /Windsor Star

 

Public backlash came swift and virulently condemnatory to sink the head of the Windsor-Essex Pride Fest along with the unstable craft she was riding in defense of women and girls engaged in competitive sports at every level who have had to contend with an influx of transwomen claiming their right to  compete alongside women born female, as opposed to men deciding they aren't male at all, but female. 

 

The competitive advantage goes entirely to biology where nature invests greater muscular strength and endurance to the physiology of the male body. 

 

Wendi Nicholson's statement right from the heart as a woman born and lived in defense of women having to put up with males contending they're female with the greater physical gifts of males underlying their female persona rather than facing an equality contest between females in female sports came down squarely in favour of restricting transwomen from competing in women's sports. 

 

Following her visceral statement of true feelings, she later apologized, "sorry for my words which have hurt those I care about deeply", elaborating that she was "misinformed" in her comments. Leaving her little option but to step away from her role as head of her local Pride group so that the organization could move forward without her distracting presence.

Countless rainbow flags were flying during the 32nd annual Windsor-Essex Pride Fest Parade along Ottawa Street. Photo by Madeline Mazak /Windsor Star

 

What came first, the chicken or the egg? Pride Fest itself announced the resignation, adding that their former head was no longer affiliated with them, effective immediately. 

 

She had made her remarks during an Mid-Morning Show on a local radio station where the International Olympic Committee was being discussed regarding a ban on transgender women competing in female categories. Alas, her feelings as a woman just ran away with her cautionary self, and the verbalization of her thoughts and sentiments overtook the occasion.

 

Windsor Star

 

She had qualified her statement respecting transgender women taking part in sports "until you get to the elite divisions". But the incalculable damage was done; anyone who hesitates to wholeheartedly agree with all claims of transgenderism eclipsing natural biology becomes an instant enemy, and on this occasion she became an instant target.

 

The city of Windsor's 2SLGBTQOA+ community was outraged and enraged, some among them characterizing the  remarks as harmful, 'at odds' with the inclusive values represented by Pride Fest. 'Inclusive' in their view being a one-way, non-reciprocal movement entirely. 

 

 

 

"I am committed to working towards inclusion and education, and welcome opportunities to further educate myself. 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 heartbroken that I have hurt those I am so close with."

"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."

Wendi Nicholson