A transgender musician was denied washroom access. P.E.I.’s music scene is taking a stand

Prince Edward Island’s music scene is pushing back after a Charlottetown venue denied washroom access to a transgender musician.

Vancouver band Rougaroux was set to play at Sportsman’s Club on Sunday, but cancelled after singer Marina Hanly — a transgender woman — was turned away when attempting to enter the women’s facilities.

Sam Langille of the musical trio Absolute Losers said news of the incident was “tough to hear” and not reflective of the province’s music scene. The band is among the acts to cancel performances at the venue.

“I think we’ve put up with a lot at this venue because … it’s kind of a place where anything goes, and I think there’s a lot of great things about that,” he said. 

“Then, unfortunately, this kind of stuff happens.”

Local band Coyote took to social media to speak out against the incident, stating it was also cancelling its performance at the bar.

“It’s a real shame this is still happening in 2026 and we cannot stand for it,” the statement says. “Our love goes out to all those affected by acts of hate.”

Sweet Gale is another band taking a stance, with member Jillian Clow describing herself as “really angry” about Rougaroux’s experience.

“Sweet Gale will not be playing there anymore and I think the music scene as a whole is making it known that we do not support the actions and beliefs of the Sportsman’s Club,” she said.

“Virtually every band I know has made a similar statement online, and I think anyone or any band that would continue to choose to play there, I feel like you are complicit in the hate that they’re showing.”

Music P.E.I. released a statement, posting on social media that the organization “is committed to working with venues and partners that provide welcoming and respectful environments for all artists and audiences.”

“We will not present Music P.E.I. programming in spaces with policies or practices that deny trans people access to their basic human rights,” the statement reads.

The P.E.I. Human Rights Commission also took to social media, stating it has received “a number of inquiries from the public” about the situation.

“It is important that all service providers are aware of their obligations under the Human Rights Act which include allowing staff and patrons access to washrooms which reflect the person’s gender identity,” it said in its online post.

In a statement to CBC News, the P.E.I. Transgender Network described washrooms as “a battle ground for trans people that is too often trivialized in the dominant culture.”

“The loss of access to a bathroom, though often minimized as an inconvenience or mere indignity, is part of a larger pattern from engaging in public life,” said the organization’s statement.

“The bar management have our attention and our support in any efforts to make meaningful movement towards community repair and safety.”

Artists who spoke to CBC News said even if Sportman’s made changes, it would not mean they would transition back to playing there.

Langille said he would “definitely have to know more” about how things would be handled going forward.

“It’s one thing to just allow it because of public pressure, but it’s another thing to change your attitude entirely,” he said.

“I would love to see it … but, to be honest, I don’t see it happening.”

Clow said she would “need to see more action” and that she will be “following the lead of the trans community.”

“As a member of the queer community, I feel particularly responsible for speaking up for everyone in my community,” she said.

“I never want to speak for, speak over the trans community, but I do want to stand up for them and back them in every way. And they shouldn’t always have to fight all their own battles. We want to be there fighting with them and for them.”

Sportsman’s Club has not responded to requests for comment.