rights
Right-wing coffeeshop review-bombed & protested over sign calling trans women an ableist slur
Summary by LGBTQ News Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Daniel Villarreal , LGBTQ Nation
· July 21, 2026
· 3 min read
After online backlash, 2nd Base Espresso, a "bikini barista" drive-through coffee stand in Spokane, Washington, removed its outdoor public-facing sign last Wednesday ], which said, "Trans women are r**arded men,” using a slur for people with intellectual disabilities. Protestors and counterprotestor
Story provenance No corrections
Summary created by LGBTQ News Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Daniel Villarreal, LGBTQ Nation Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 21, 2026 Indexed here Jul 21, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
Every story comes with a passport. How we work · Corrections log
Key takeaway ” Related 9 unapologetically trans-owned businesses redefining fashion, art, and more Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights.
Why this matters
The removal of the offensive sign by 2nd Base Espresso in Spokane, Washington, highlights the impact of community pressure on businesses that promote hate speech. The sign's use of an ableist slur to target trans women sparked widespread outrage, with protesters and reviewers condemning the business's actions. This incident connects to a broader national conversation about the importance of inclusive and respectful language, particularly in public spaces. The fact that the business has a history of posting offensive signs, including ones opposing immigrants, suggests a pattern of behavior that is not only hurtful to marginalized communities but also damaging to the reputation of the city. The protest organized by Elbe Seaton, a queer resident with a special needs child, demonstrates the power of local activism in pushing back against hate speech and promoting a more welcoming and inclusive environment. As the national landscape continues to shift on issues of LGBTQ+ rights, incidents like this underscore the need for ongoing vigilance and advocacy at the local level.
About this story
Original reporting by LGBTQ Nation . LGBTQ News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit LGBTQ Nation . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: rights ·
Published: July 21, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 3 min
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? After online backlash, 2nd Base Espresso, a "bikini barista" drive-through coffee stand in Spokane, Washington, removed its outdoor public-facing sign last Wednesday ], which said, "Trans women are r**arded men,” using a slur for people with intellectual disabilities. Protestors and counterprotestor
When was this published? This article was first published on July 21, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Daniel Villarreal at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .