The National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) issued an apology on Sunday after a host at the group's convention over the weekend referred to some attendees as "things and its."

The NLGJA noted in a statement that the man who made the remark, a local ABC weatherman in Ohio, was a "volunteer emcee" at the event.

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"Last night NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists celebrated the closing of its national convention in Palm Springs," the group's board of directors wrote. "During the closing reception, Marshall McPeek, a volunteer emcee, made an inappropriate, unscripted remark that does not reflect our values."

The statement notes McPeek returned to the stage to apologize and has since voluntarily resigned from the organization.

McPeek during the final event of the conference, which was hosted by Fox News, began his remarks by saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, things and its." The comment was widely regarded as offensive to trans and nonbinary people in attendance, with several taking to social media to express their concern.

Journalist Monica Roberts, who is trans, reportedly immediately yelled "oh no, he did not," adding "there are no things or its here."

Fox News is hosting the closing reception at #NLGJA2018 and one of these emcees just welcomed the “Ladies and gentlemen, things and its” in attendance. #LGBTMedia18 pic.twitter.com/ZFTelXQEFp — Mary Emily O’Hara (@MaryEmilyOHara) September 8, 2018

"We've worked hard for many years to make NLGJA an inclusive organization for transgender and nonbinary journalists," the NLGJA wrote in the statement. "People were understandably hurt and offended by last night's remarks. As journalists, we understand uniquely that words matter."

"We apologize and are committed to working to make NLGJA more inclusive and diverse," the group added.