A transgender man was appalled after he was refused service at a barber shop.
James, who did not want to give his full name, was refused a haircut at a Bolton barber on Saturday, January 8, after making a visit at around 4.30pm.
The 20-year-old had visited Horwich Barber, on Winter Hey Lane, three times previously but as he entered the shop to check that they were still open, he was told: "We are open but we don’t cut women’s hair".
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James, who transitioned around two years ago, was forced to leave the premises and find a new barber, reported Manchester Evening News.
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."
He added: “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.”
Speaking to the M.E.N, 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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