While most of the TV weather people across the country are focusing on Hurricane Florence, one Columbus Weatherman is dealing with his own personal storm.

FTVLive first told you that WSYX (Columbus) Weatherman Marshall McPeek was an emcee at the annual convention for the National LGBTQ Journalists Association (NLGJA) in Palm Springs and he pissed off a number of people.

McPeek addressed the audience by saying “Ladies and gentlemen, things and its,” disparaging trans and non-binary attendees.

His comment offended many LGBTQ media professionals in attendance.

McPeek went on social media and tried to put the toothpaste back in the tube:

To NLGJA members and our global LGBTQ community:

I sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt or impacted by my ill-thought-out and highly insensitive comment during the closing of the 2018 NLGJA convention on Saturday. While on stage, I failed to be thoughtful about my word choices and realize it is the impact that matters. The instant the words were out of my mouth, I realized it was an egregious error in judgment. I fully understand that my comments were hurtful and insensitive and I am deeply sorry for the pain they have caused. Those thoughtless remarks have tarnished my relationship with an organization that I have cherished for more than 20 years.

As a gay man, I have been on the receiving end of hateful words and judging glances, especially while being “out” in high-profile positions in television news. So, I am especially saddened by the irony that my poor choice of words has hurt others in the same way.

I am hopeful that the spotlight shining on my mistake can highlight for everyone, both in and beyond the LGBTQ community, just how important it is to be mindful of people’s experiences different from your own. Perhaps we will all give greater consideration to how our words make people feel and be especially aware of terms that misgender or disregard how others wish to be identified.

I plan to seek out meaningful ways in which I can use this experience to learn from and listen to transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming people in our community who often face violence and marginalization, in hopes of fostering greater understanding and acceptance.

I hope that you can find it in your hearts to understand my humanness, accept my heartfelt apology, and allow me to earn your forgiveness.

Most Sincerely,

Marshall McPeek