The Incident at The Sports Bra
On Sunday, September 6, 2026, a group of five patrons was asked to leave The Sports Bra, a women’s sports bar located in Portland, Oregon. The request came after other customers reported feeling uncomfortable due to the shirts worn by the group.
The shirts displayed the branding ‘XX-XY Athletics.’ This brand is known for its advocacy to preserve the biological female sports category in women’s athletics.
Among the ejected individuals was Amy Sousa, a recognized women’s rights activist. The incident quickly drew public attention and commentary.
The Sports Bar‘s Mission and Public Reaction
The Sports Bra, owned by Jenny Nguyen, operates with a stated mission to support and empower girls and women in sports. This mission explicitly includes trans girls and women.
The bar’s policy regarding comfort and inclusivity became central to the discussion following the ejection. Jennifer Sey, founder of XX-XY Athletics, publicly criticized The Sports Bra online in the wake of the event.
Tiffany Perez had recently been named the new Director of Operations for The Sports Bra on September 3, 2026, just days before the incident.
Broader Context: Prior Ejections and Ongoing Debates
This incident at The Sports Bra was not an isolated event for Amy Sousa. Prior to the bar ejection, Sousa and seven other individuals were also removed from a Portland Thorns NWSL match at Providence Park.
The reasons for their removal from the soccer match were similar, stemming from messages perceived as controversial regarding gender and sports.
The ‘XX-XY Athletics’ brand and its associated messaging are viewed by some as anti-trans. This perspective highlights the ongoing, complex debate surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports categories.
These events underscore the tension between different interpretations of women’s spaces and inclusivity in contemporary society. The discussions often involve biological sex, gender identity, and the definition of fair competition in sports.
The Public Discourse Continues
The incident at The Sports Bra has fueled further public discourse. Social media platforms and news outlets have become forums for varied opinions on the bar’s actions and the broader implications for women’s sports.
Supporters of The Sports Bra emphasize its commitment to a welcoming environment for all women, including transgender individuals. Critics argue that the bar’s actions stifle free expression and exclude women who hold different views on biological sex.
The events in Portland reflect a microcosm of a larger societal conversation. These discussions involve defining identity, ensuring safety, and fostering belonging within specific communities.
The debate extends beyond individual establishments. It touches upon the policies of sports organizations, public venues, and the evolving understanding of gender in public life.
Patrons gathered. Activists gathered. Debates gathered.
Portland.
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