Popular coffee chain issues groveling apology over transphobic sign that sparked mass protests

Published: 00:42, 21 July 2026 | Updated: 00:47, 21 July 2026 A sign posted outside a coffee shop in Washington State has sparked outrage after displaying an expletive transphobic message, only to stoke the flames further with another statement dismissing the backlash. The sign outside of 2nd Base Espresso in Spokane read, 'Trans women are r******* men,' until it was taken down on Wednesday, according to the Spokesman-Review. Easily visible by drivers on a busy road, the message spread like wildfire, prompting hundreds to go online and slam the restaurant before a protest was launched outside the establishment on Sunday. But 2nd Base Espresso didn't back down; while the establishment did change the signage, it was only to belittle the outrage they caused. The transphobic message was replaced with: 'Calm your t***.' Dozens gathered on Sunday to protest the stand but were met by a counter-protest defending the shop's freedom of speech, according to KXLY. 'It is the coffee shop owner's right...to be able to say whatever they want on the sign. I may or may not agree with it, but that still doesn't mean that you don't deserve the right,' Aaron Hurley, who came to support the coffee shop, told KXLY. 'If you don't like what the sign says, you have all the right in the world not to buy, but if you're trying to say they can't put that on the sign, then that's where I step in, because the First Amendment is for everyone, even businesses.' A sign outside of 2nd Base Espresso in Spokane, Washington read, 'Trans women are r******* men,' until it was taken down on Wednesday The signage sparked outraged and sparked a protest on Sunday which was met by counter protesters who supported the businesses right to free speech  Additionally, many took to online forums and also left dozens of bad reviews to slam the business every way possible. Recent Google reviews read: 'trashiest place in town. Take your business to any number of other coffee stands in Spokane; I promise you anything, it'll be a better drink made by a better person.' Another added: 'I've never had worse coffee. I would rather drink from a puddle with coffee grounds mixed in. Not to mention their vulgar sign. Gross all around.' A third wrote: 'Asinine sign in front and rude staff.' 2nd Base Espresso has had a history of posting political messaging, such as supporting ICE and gun rights. Elbe Seaton told the Spokesman-Review that while she has seen the signs before, it was the first time she witnessed a slur. Seaton, who is openly queer and has a special needs child, organized the protest and said: 'It's standing up for what's right. It's letting people in my community know, letting the youth know, that they are cared about, seen and loved.' 2nd Base Espresso has had a history of posting political messaging, such as supporting ICE and gun rights 'Anyone who has seen those signs and felt bad, they need to know that is not the majority.' Business records cited by the outlet showed that the stand is owned by Jeana Ruth Byran. A woman who identified herself as Jeana declined to comment to the Spokesman.