Following news of financial difficulties and irregularities at Pride Toronto, Executive Director Tracey Sandilands has resigned. Although specific details have yet to be made available, with reports that Sandilands partner, Janine Marais, was paid $40,317 in consulting fees for the last fiscal year, speculation is bound to ensue. Toward that end, the Board of Directors sent Pride coordinators instructions not to discuss the matter publicly/via social media.

The press release and those instructions are pasted below. For more on the story, check the coverage from Xtra!

Here is the press release:

"The Board of Directors of Pride Toronto announces that Tracey Sandilands, Executive Director since October 2008, has resigned from her position effective Friday January 28, 2011 to pursue other opportunities. Pride Toronto wishes to thank Ms. Sandilands for her dedication over the past two years, and to wish her every success in her future endeavours.

The Board will take over supervision of day-to-day activities of the staff and volunteers until a recruitment plan is developed. Planning for the 2011 Pride Festival is well underway and will continue without interruption.

Over the next few months Pride Toronto will be reviewing its structure to ensure that it is properly positioned to meet its members' needs."

And the Board of Directors instructions regarding discussion of Sandilands departure:

"Please see the attached statement that has just been sent to the members and the media.

1. Our agreement with Tracey does not allow us to discuss the details of her resignation.
2. We wish Tracey the best in her future and thank her for the great contribution she has made over the past two years.
3. This was Tracey's personal decision and we ask that her privacy be respected.
4. Please do not comment publically or speculate on Tracey's reasons for resigning, even on social media.
5. Francisco and Margaret are the spokespersons for Pride on this issue. Please refer enquiries to us.
6. The Board will step in to supervise day to day operations until a recruitment plan is developed.
7. Pride Toronto has a realistic plan to deal with last year's deficit. The 2011 festival will proceed as planned.

Thanks to you all for your continued hard work and commitment to Pride! This is a sad time but we will move forward together."