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.@xobistrobaryeg I can't even begin to tell you how inappropriate and absolutely harmful this sign is. #shameful https://t.co/4zQfUOU8IQ — Marni Panas (@marnipanas) December 13, 2016

“It presents men as predators, it paints men as lacking in understanding consent by women and that it’s OK to be viewed that way, and from a gender diverse perspective, transgender people are already fighting for our ability to use public spaces like a washroom in safety. This continues to perpetuate these myths and fears of predatory behaviour in washrooms,” Panas said.

XO Bistro + Bar owner Thuy Dinh acknowledged the offence after receiving backlash over Twitter for the sign, saying she didn’t realize the harm it could cause.

“We just wanted to create a fun environment, that’s why we have all these sayings. It was a sense of humour. We didn’t realize that (people) would be a little bit sensitive and cause a bit of controversy, so we apologize for that. We already changed the sign,” Dinh said.

“It’s just funny, you know how guys are kind of thing. It’s not supposed to promote anything.”

Photo by Shaughn Butts / Edmonton Journal

While she appreciated that the restaurant took down the offensive sign, Panas recommended it reaches out to experts in the community who can put into perspective how harmful these types of jokes can be for marginalized people.

“I don’t think they really understand how inappropriate and how harmful signage like that is. People think it is a funny joke, but these are real issues that women and transwomen face every single day in society. That is nothing to laugh at,” Panas said.

She said transgender people face risks to their public safety when using public washrooms and signs like this don’t help.