Line in the Sand: Michigan Salon Refuses Service to Transgender, Queer Persons

The backlash has been severe and swift after a Northern Michigan hair salon announced that it would not service transgender or queer individuals.

In a since-deleted post on Facebook, the owner of Studio 8 Hair Lab in Traverse City made it queer, er, clear that she has no interest in providing services for individuals who identify as transgender or queer.

"If a human identifies as anything other than a man/woman please seek services at a local pet groomer," the post said. "You are not welcome at this salon. Period. Should you request to have a particular pronoun used please note we may simply refer to you as 'hey you.'"

The post, created by salon owner Christine Geiger, goes on to disparage Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and claim that refusing to service would-be patrons falls under the protection of free speech.

Erin Reed was able to grab a screenshot of the post before it was taken down and shared it on Twitter, calling it "disgusting."

Backlash From the Community

Jocelyn Link is the chairperson at the Polestar LGBTQ+ Community Center. Link tells the Detroit Free Press that Studio 8 Hair Lab's comments aren't welcome.

"Hate has shown time and time again to be a losing business strategy and we must not allow this blight to take root in our town," Link said. "Traverse City has a vibrant and thriving queer community thanks in part to our many allies and queer friendly businesses. Statements like the one from Studio 8 undermine the hard work that has been put in to make Traverse City the absolute best that it can be."