Transgender man left 'disgusted' after barber refuses to cut his hair

A transgender man has spoken out against being misgendered and refused service at a barber shop in Bolton.

James, who did not wish to provide a second name, felt "disgusted" after the incident.

The 20-year-old visited the Horwich Barber for for a haircut at 4:30pm on Saturday but was turned away after allegedly being told: “We are open but we don’t cut women’s hair”.

James told Manchester Evening News that he has visited the Winter Hey Lane barbers three times before.

In this visit, however, James said that he left feeling ashamed of his body when he was refused service.

The barbers told Manchester Evening News they refused James service as they are “only qualified for men’s haircuts”.

The spokesperson explained: “I am out of the country in Turkey, but a staff member kindly explained we only have barbers qualified for men's haircuts".

James, who transitioned around two years ago, said: “It was shocking as I have been before.

“Since transitioning, things haven’t been the easiest to talk about or anything like that.

“I felt disgusted being treated like I didn’t even matter.

“I felt so bad and ashamed of my body. Due to me being transgender, being called a woman is very hurtful and disrespectful.

“It would be good to put a highlight on this issue due to there being so many people who are scared to go outside without being judged on what they look like or sound like and scared of being misgendered.”