OSHKOSH, Wis–The Oshkosh Area Community Foundation is facing backlash over the selection of a speaker at one of its events. Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton has been announced as the keynote speaker for the Women’s Fund of Oshkosh’s annual “Power of the Purse” event in May.
Hamilton lost her left arm in a shark attack when she was 13, but has become one of the best female surfers in the world. She was labeled as being transphobic last year after voicing opposition to a policy that would allow biological males to compete against women in the World Surf League.
The Facebook post on Wednesday announcing Hamilton’s appearance was followed by dozens of comments criticizing the Women’s Fund and the Community Foundation for the choice, and demanding that Hamilton’s appearance be canceled.
The Community Foundation has not yet returned our calls for comment on this story.
