DENVER — June is pride month, and with it comes a goal to make Colorado more inclusive. Transgender individuals all over the country have been a target in recent months, with ballot initiatives and legislation focusing on reducing gender affirming resources.
That being said, not all gender affirming care requires a visit to the doctor.
"Being seen in the public, externally, with how I feel internally was one of the most pivotal moments for me for sure," Ashe Bowen, owner of Above Ground Salon in LoDo, said. "I created this space because I wanted to be around other people that are like me, and provide services for other people like me, so that we can all have a safe space to feel beautiful together."
Bowen has owned the LGBTQ salon for years. They, as well as many of their clients, know the childhood struggles of being a LGBTQ kid.
"There's something so beautiful of thinking of myself at that age and remembering how isolated I felt and knowing that kids don't have to feel that way anymore," Bowen said.
"That's a gift, because not everyone has that handed to them as youth. I certainly didn't," Heather Charlton, a client of Bowen's, said. Charlton was getting a haircut on Monday morning while Bowen shared an initiative the salon has taken.
"So, we provide free gender affirming haircuts for any youth," Bowen explained. "I want to create as few barriers as possible, and I think providing these services for free offers them an opportunity to try and see if they like it and not feel like they’re taking a risk."
The free gender affirming haircut is a one-time offer for anyone under the age of 21.
Chris Castañeda, the Youth Program Manager with Rocky Mountain Equality, doesn't think a service can get better than that. They understand what a gender affirming haircut can do for a teen.
"It's lifesaving," Castañeda said. "For LGBTQ folks, we are told to present a certain way when we feel something differently. You know, why would I deny somebody an opportunity to feel fabulous and amazing?"
Bowen hopes more folks take advantage of the opportunity, marking a first step in someone's journey.
"You’re not doing something so permanent like a medical procedure," Bowen said. "I think it’s a good first step in that direction to kind of break the ice and allow kids to start to navigate that gender affirming space."
The offer is not just for Pride month. Bowen says they will offer it year round. They're also planning to set up a gender affirming clothing swap at the salon sometime in the near future.
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