Izzy Gallant recalls his positive experience of getting a haircut at a barbershop before coming out as a transgender man over three years ago. He asked the barber for a ‘high and tight’ cut and was thrilled with the results, feeling like he finally saw himself in the mirror. Despite hearing negative stories from friends in the transgender community about their experiences with barbers and hairdressers, Gallant continues to see the same barber who gave him his first gender-affirming haircut.
Barber Jesse Mathieu, the owner of Le cutting club de Bouctouche in Bouctouche, decided to offer free first-time haircuts for individuals looking to align their appearance with their chosen gender after facing difficulties getting a masculine haircut as a non-binary person in Montreal in 2015. Mathieu believes that a haircut can deeply impact personal identity and expression, and aims to provide a safe and inclusive space for all clients. They have already helped clients like Sara Idris, who went to Jesse after feeling unsatisfied with a previous haircut that did not align with her gender identity.
Idris, reflecting on the importance of hair in personal identity, emphasizes the significance of choosing one’s own hair style and representation. She has experienced hairstylists trying to dissuade her from getting the haircut she wants, resulting in feelings of frustration and lack of agency over her own appearance. After visiting Jesse for a transformational haircut, she felt empowered and seen as her authentic self. The journey of self-expression and self-determination through haircuts resonates deeply with both Jesse and their clients.
Clients travel from as far as Moncton to visit Jesse’s queer-inclusive barbershop, seeking a transformative experience that aligns with their true selves. With an understanding of the impact that a haircut can have on personal identity and self-esteem, Jesse strives to create a welcoming environment where individuals can feel supported in expressing their true selves through their appearance. The joy and satisfaction of clients leaving the barbershop with a newfound confidence and sense of self is a rewarding experience for Jesse, who appreciates being able to witness the transformative power of a haircut.
The initiative of offering free first-time haircuts for individuals exploring their gender identity at Le cutting club de Bouctouche highlights the importance of creating inclusive and affirming spaces in the hair industry. By providing a safe and welcoming environment for all clients, Jesse aims to empower individuals to express themselves authentically through their hair and appearance. The positive impact of receiving a haircut that aligns with one’s gender identity can be transformative and validating, contributing to a sense of self-acceptance and empowerment for clients like Izzy Gallant and Sara Idris.
In a world where transgender and non-binary individuals often face discrimination and exclusion in various aspects of society, initiatives like the one offered by Le cutting club de Bouctouche serve as a beacon of hope and acceptance. By prioritizing inclusivity and creating a space where individuals can feel seen and affirmed in their gender identity, barbershops like Jesse’s play a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging and validation for members of the LGBTQ+ community. The power of a haircut to reflect and affirm one’s true self is evident in the experiences of clients like Izzy, Sara, and others who have found a sense of empowerment and self-discovery through their visits to Le cutting club de Bouctouche.
