A transgender man was left shocked and feeling "ashamed of his body" after being turned away from a barber shop.
James, who did not wish to give his surname, was refused service at Horwich Barber in Bolton on Saturday (January 8).
The 20-year-old, who has been to the salon three times in the past, visited the Winter Hey Lane business at roughly 4.30pm.
He asked staff if the shop was still open, but was taken aback when they allegedly replied: “We are open but we don’t cut women’s hair”.
James, who transitioned around two years ago, was forced to leave the shop and find an alternative.
The barbers said they refused James service as they are “only qualified for men’s haircuts”.
James said being misgendered left him feeling ashamed of his body.
The pub chef 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.”
A spokesman for Horwich Barber said: “I am out of the country in Turkey, but a staff member kindly explained we only have barbers qualified for men's haircuts.
“We are not qualified to cut long hair.”
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