A punk band from Vancouver that was scheduled to perform in Charlottetown over the weekend had to cancel their show because a transgender band member was denied access to the women’s restroom at the venue. Rougaroux, consisting of transgender members, including lead singer Marina Hanly, was on a cross-country tour and had a gig lined up at the Sportsman’s Club in Prince Edward Island.
Hanly recounted the incident where a bartender put up a handwritten sign outside the women’s restroom that read ‘ladies only’ and informed her that they were strict about the restroom policy. Bandmate George Finley intervened by removing the sign and confronting the bartender about the discriminatory action.
Expressing their frustration, Finley mentioned that with four transgender women and himself as a transgender man in the group, they decided to pack up and leave the venue after the incident. The band felt disrespected and unsupported by the venue’s staff.
The manager of the Sportsman’s Club stated to CBC News that while they try to accommodate transgender individuals, their facilities do not include gender-neutral restrooms, and there are no immediate plans to revise the bathroom policy.
Derrick Biso, who was set to perform at the show in drag as Remedy, expressed disappointment over the discriminatory treatment, emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights, especially regarding restroom access.
Hanly emphasized that Rougaroux openly embraces their queer identity, which is evident on their social media platforms. Despite prior communication with the venue, they were surprised by the lack of basic consideration in booking spaces that align with their values and inclusivity.
The incident sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of creating safe and welcoming spaces for all individuals.
