Dress Code Project & Gender-Free Haircut Club : Friseur NYC

Year Round Pride & some quiet activism

As we wind down Pride month in NYC I just want to share some good news.

I am reconfirming my commitment to being a welcoming, and affirming stylist/human. I have pledged my allegiance to the Dress Code Project, in addition to celebrating, just over a year, with the Strands for Trans registry.

For over three decades behind the chair, I have welcomed all kind souls in my chair, have been pushing back against “beauty standards”, pushing the beauty industry towards sustainable products, and gender-neutral pricing. Affectionately called an Enfant Terrible’ by my basics teacher back hair school, for questioning things and challenging them, in a good way.

As an outre’ feminine, neuro-diverse human I have spent a lot of time feeling unwelcome, real or dysphoric, thanks to ADHD, and a culture that tries to pigeon hole, especially “girls”, but also non-conforming “boys” into very narrow definitions of their “roles”. I have often preferred Queer spaces, feeling more at ease, and at home in them. I have recently embraced new language for myself, Gender Queer. Pronouns She/They. Although generally, I don’t like labels, they make my skin itchy, and I break out in a rash.

I joined the Strands for Trans Registry a year ago, because I wanted to make a clear statement to non-binary/gender expansive folks that they are welcomed, honored, and cherished in my chair.

When I learned about the Dress Code Project Registry, and Gender Free Haircut Club, I was happy to jump onboard. Don’t you just love when the stars align, and you find your people.

Dress Code Project (DCP):

“Our Mission is to educate and empower hair stylists and barbers to give people haircuts that help them look the way they feel. We envision a world where every hair salon and barbershop is a gender affirming, safer-space for LGBTQ2S+ clients.”

Me: “Yes, Please! Sign me up STAT.”

The DCP asks member stylists, salons, and barber shops to host a Gender Free Haircut Club, annually, offering affirming and FREE haircut experience for LGBTQ2S+ youth. I am really looking forward to this!

I’m planning on doing a Back to School event in September. Sign up below if you’re under 21 & want to join the club!

I have low-key been running a “haircut club” out of my apartment for about a year, since my son started sitting his friends down in my kitchen for cuts. Often their first affirming cuts, which is my absolute favorite thing to do!

Just to add icing on the Pride cake, I went full blown mom-dork this month, and volunteered with Free Mom Hugs, cool shirt and all. And with Stand In Pride, started by a proud dad, honored to be a part of his daughter’s union with her wife. But, later became heartbroken when he saw videos on social media of LGBTQIA2S+ folks not having someone to walk them down the aisle, or stand beside them at their weddings. So he offered to be a stand in dad for anyone who needs one, and is growing a quiet, army of humans ready, willing, and able to Stand In Pride.

So, I’m now a newly minted Stand-in-Mom dolling out Free Mom Hugs. Links below if you’s like to volunteer.

Join me in creating a more welcoming and affirming world for non-binary and gender expansive individuals.

Let’s create safer spaces and stand up for those who need support and love.