A group of patrons wearing shirts with slogans such as 'Save Women's Sports' were asked to leave The Sports Bra, a women's sports bar in Portland, Oregon, on Sunday, September 7, 2026. An employee stated the removal was due to the apparel making other customers uncomfortable. The shirts were reportedly from XX-XY Athletics, a brand promoting sex-based separation in women's sports.
Amy Sousa, who was part of the group, shared a video of the incident. In the footage, a server informed the group that their shirts were causing discomfort among other patrons and asked them to leave, threatening to involve authorities if they did not comply. The server noted that she did not notice the shirts until after the group had been served. Sousa stated that even a male companion wearing a plain shirt was asked to leave with the group.
The Sports Bra later issued a statement on Instagram explaining its policy. The bar affirmed its mission to support and empower women in sports and stated its inclusive environment, welcoming LGBTQ+ community members, including transgender individuals. The statement clarified that the establishment does not tolerate messages that demean or exclude the community it serves. It added that the group was given the option to cover their shirts or leave, and they chose to depart.
On the same day, Sousa and seven others were reportedly ejected from a Portland Thorns soccer match at Providence Park for displaying similar messages. A security guard informed Sousa that their clothing had 'transphobic' slogans. Sousa contested this, arguing that their actions were not transphobic and questioned why their group was not included in the stadium's inclusive environment.
Susan also received a notice indicating a violation of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Code of Conduct. The notice warned of potential further penalties, including a ban from future events, if personal information was not provided. The incidents occur amidst an ongoing debate regarding the participation of transgender athletes in women's sports.
The legal and cultural discussion centers on whether transgender girls and women should compete in female athletic teams. Advocates for transgender rights view restrictions as discriminatory, while opponents argue that biological sex should be the basis for participation in women's sports to ensure fairness. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states have the authority to ban transgender athletes from female school sports.