Izzy Gallant had a positive experience at a barbershop when he asked for a ‘high and tight’ haircut before officially coming out as a trans man over three years ago. He felt like himself when he saw the results in the mirror and continues to see the same barber to this day. However, Gallant acknowledges that many of his trans and gender non-conforming friends have had negative experiences when asking for a big change at barbershops or hairdressers. This is why he applauds a Bouctouche barbershop’s initiative to offer free first-time haircuts for people looking to align their appearance with their chosen gender.
Barber Jesse Mathieu, the owner of Le cutting club de Bouctouche barbershop, decided to offer the service based on their own experiences as a non-binary person. Mathieu had previously faced rejection from many hairdressers when seeking a more masculine haircut before finding one who was accepting in Montreal back in 2015. They have already provided a similar experience to other people, like their client turned partner Sara Idris. Idris had a negative experience in the past when hairstylists tried to talk her out of the haircut she wanted, resulting in a feminine bob that didn’t reflect her true identity. However, after visiting Mathieu for a haircut, she finally felt like she was represented accurately and could choose how she wanted to present herself in the world.
Hair is seen as a significant part of personal identity, with both Mathieu and Idris emphasizing how people express themselves through their hairstyles. Mathieu’s inclusive barbershop has attracted customers from afar, with some traveling from Moncton to experience a transformation in a safe and accepting space. Customers leave the barbershop feeling like themselves, with Mathieu recalling the joy on their faces as they recognize their true selves in the mirror. The overall goal is to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for individuals to express their gender identity through their appearance, without facing judgment or rejection.
The positive experiences at Le cutting club de Bouctouche highlight the importance of inclusive spaces for individuals seeking to align their appearance with their chosen gender. Gallant’s story of a successful haircut before coming out as a trans man serves as a contrast to the negative experiences faced by many in the LGBTQ+ community when seeking similar changes at traditional barbershops or hairdressers. Mathieu’s initiative to offer free first-time haircuts reinforces the importance of providing a safe and affirming environment for individuals to express their true selves through their hair. The impact of these experiences is evident in the smiles and confidence of customers who finally feel seen and accepted for who they truly are. By prioritizing inclusivity and acceptance, Le cutting club de Bouctouche is leading the way in creating a space where everyone can feel comfortable and confident in their appearance.
