Protests Erupt Outside Portland Bar Over Transgender Inclusion Stance

Chaos erupted in Portland on Sunday as opposing protesters clashed outside The Sports Bra, a women's sports bar that had previously asked patrons to leave for wearing shirts that advocated for banning transgender women from women's sports.

The confrontation escalated, with bear mace deployed and objects thrown, leading to physical altercations. The incident occurred approximately two weeks after the bar first made headlines for asking a group of patrons wearing XX-XY Athletics apparel to cover up their shirts or leave the establishment.

Initial Confrontation and Escalation

According to reports, right-wing demonstrators gathered outside the LGBT-friendly bar on Sunday to protest its policies. They were met by counter-protesters supporting the bar's stance. The protest soon turned violent, with bear mace being used against those defending the bar. A reporter for KOIN 6 News stated she was hit with mace while attempting to interview protesters.

Videos shared on social media platform X depicted bar defenders following the right-wing activists, sometimes throwing items at them. The situation extended to a nearby Fred Meyer grocery store, where further clashes ensued. One video showed individuals associated with the right-wing protest ducking for cover as objects were hurled at them. The glass sliding doors of the grocery store were reportedly smashed amid the disturbance.

In one instance captured on video, a right-wing protester was heard using expletives before spraying someone with mace in front of a police officer. When questioned by a counter-protester, the officer noted that the individual spraying the mace was attempting to walk away.

Another video showed an independent journalist being struck in the head with an object thrown by a woman, after which the journalist appeared to push the woman to the ground and engage in further physical altercations.

The Sports Bra's Stance

The Sports Bra, which focuses on showcasing women's sports, initially addressed the September 6 incident on Instagram. The bar stated that a group entered wearing apparel with messages advocating for the exclusion of trans women from sports. When staff asked the group to cover the messages or leave, they chose to depart.

In a subsequent statement, the bar reaffirmed its mission to support and empower all girls and women in sports, emphasizing that "trans girls are girls, and trans women are women." The establishment highlighted its commitment to inclusivity, particularly for LGBTQ+ community members, and stated it does not tolerate messages or conduct that demean or exclude the community it serves. The bar concluded by asserting its firm commitment to inclusion and belonging for everyone.

Broader Context

A previous protest occurred on September 11, days after the initial group was banned. These events unfold against the backdrop of an ongoing national debate regarding the participation of transgender athletes in sports, particularly in women's categories. Advocates for transgender rights view the push for bans as an infringement on civil rights, while opponents argue it is unfair for transgender females to compete in sports designated for biological females.

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states have the authority to ban transgender athletes from participating in female school sports.