A team of barbers and stylists in Louisville, Kentucky teamed up last week to give gender-affirming haircuts to local LGBTQ+ youth free of cost. Hairdressers and barbers from the city gathered at Wekhaus Barbers for the event hoping to promote accessible “bodily autonomy” for clients, according to LGBTQ Nation. The collective promoted the event through social media posting to Instagram “No Appointment Necessary, just walk-in! Priority will be given to LGBTQIA+ Youth and Young Adults (ages 5-24). All hair textures are welcome.” Services offered include personal haircuts and styling along with wig cutting and styling.
“Part of the reason why we do this event is to give young people bodily autonomy and give them the freedom to decide how they want to present themselves, what kind of cut they want to get,” said Em Joy, Louisville Youth Group program director. Participating barbers and stylists joined from six different salons and shops around the city to contribute their services, and a local brewery even provided pizza for the occasion.
The event was supported by the Louisville Youth Group (LYG). Established in the 1980s, the group has expanded its efforts to advocate for LGBTQ+ youth through “community connection, life skills education and social advocacy.” The group also hosts regular community programs to help support marginalized youth. Events include free markets, clothing swaps, youth summits, parties and more. According to LGBTQ+ Nation, LYG also supports Kentuckiana Pride and Pride visibility celebrations and continues to advocate for queer rights.
