The music community on Prince Edward Island is rallying against a Charlottetown venue that refused washroom access to a transgender musician. Vancouver band Rougaroux had a performance scheduled at Sportsman’s Club but opted out after lead singer Marina Hanly, a transgender woman, was denied entry to the women’s facilities.
Members of the musical trio Absolute Losers expressed disappointment over the incident, emphasizing that it does not reflect the overall music scene in the province. Several bands, including Absolute Losers, have canceled their shows at the venue in response to the situation.
Local band Coyote announced on social media that it would also be canceling its performance at the bar, condemning the incident as unacceptable in 2026. Sweet Gale, another band, joined the protest, with member Jillian Clow expressing strong disapproval of Rougaroux’s treatment and announcing the band’s decision to cease playing at Sportsman’s Club.
Numerous bands have taken a stand online, denouncing the venue’s actions and urging others to refrain from performing there to avoid endorsing discriminatory behavior.
Music P.E.I. issued a statement committing to collaborating with venues that promote inclusivity and respect for all artists and audiences, affirming that they will not support spaces with discriminatory policies.
The P.E.I. Human Rights Commission also addressed the issue on social media, reminding service providers of their obligations to allow individuals to use washrooms that align with their gender identity. The P.E.I. Transgender Network emphasized the significance of access to suitable washroom facilities, highlighting the broader implications of such discriminatory incidents.
While Sportsman’s Club has not yet responded to requests for comment, artists in the community expressed skepticism about returning to perform at the venue even if changes were made, emphasizing the need for genuine attitude shifts and concrete actions to address the situation.
Clow emphasized the importance of solidarity within the queer community and pledged to support and advocate for the transgender community in their fight for equality and respect. The statement concluded with a call for meaningful progress and community repair efforts to address the incident effectively.
