Our Readers: Thomas Michel

by | Jan 1, 2022 | 0 comments

I am a queer, non-binary hairstylist. My pronouns are they/them, and I believe that gender is limitless. My biggest goal and passion is to create a safe space and community for all people—but for queer people in particular. As a hairstylist, I have the unique pleasure and opportunity to interact with all sorts of members of the community, who in turn are members of their own smaller communities with a multitude of intersectionalities. Getting the opportunity to work with and meet people of all backgrounds and cultures is a true gift, because I can use what I’ve learned from them or from my own learning/unlearning and impart that on others who may not have ended up in that orbit. I’m lucky enough to work at Midwest Beauty House, where we don’t gender our services or differentiate pricing based on hair texture. We encourage our clients to come as they are and let themselves be taken care of. Salon services can be life-changing, gender-euphoric, confidence-boosting, and mood-altering experiences that affect how we see and present ourselves to the world and how others perceive us. I strive to help others see the beauty that is being them, to be aware of the beauty that surrounds them, and to unlock their true power and potential to advocate for themselves and others so that we may create a more beautiful, empathetic, equitable, and euphoric existence. I intend to always lead by example, listen when it’s my turn to listen, show up when I need to show up, and fight for every person, community, etc. that needs it. I honor those who have come before me, who have lead the way—many times without their due gratitude or recognition—and I encourage you all to show up for yourselves and your communities in new ways, be kinder with yourself and others, and take a moment now and then to stop where you are and notice all that you have in that moment, because once you could only dream of having it. Remember, nothing about you is a mistake.

Article Tags

MGHA tournament
Ballet - Timeless - Banner
Advert 77

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

MGHA tournament
Advert 77
Ballet - Timeless - Banner

Latest News

TRACE Your Transition

TRACE Your Transition

Madison-born Taylor Greene (he/him) has created the world’s first mobile application for transgender and non-binary individuals. TRACE is an acronym representing the app’s purpose: Transition, recording, and community engagement.

Camp & Glamp Adventures

Camp & Glamp Adventures

Like so many, Nichie Bendt and Terri “Zeke” Zeman survived the isolation and disruption of Covid by finding ways to stay connected to their community (and to sanity) by getting outside and finding peace and joy through camping and outdoor adventures. They have now started a Brooklyn, Wisconsin-based hospitality business rooted in luxury camping accommodations and the creation of memorable experiences.

LGBTQ-owned madison Restaurant Harvest to Remain Closed

LGBTQ-owned madison Restaurant Harvest to Remain Closed

The pandemic and subsequent hardships with inflation, changing consumer habits, and difficulty keeping staff have caused the closure of Madison institution: Harvest. The fine dining establishment on the Capitol Square had been a staple for 20 years. The owner, Tami...

A Year of Crucial Elections

A Year of Crucial Elections

It’s 2024, and Americans are bracing for a contentious, ugly election year. The ugliness at the national level is well covered, but many LGBTQ+ Wisconsinites are bracing for their own key elections as state and local officials go head to head, many citing recent anti-gay and trans rhetoric and legislation as a reason to fear the outcomes, should right-wing candidates win.

Project celebrates the legacy of the Gay Rights State

Project celebrates the legacy of the Gay Rights State

Madison, WI - Did you know? Sunday, February 25th is the 42nd anniversary of Wisconsin becoming the first Gay Rights State in the nation. On February 25, 1982, Governor Lee Dreyfus passed Assembly Bill 70 into law, banning discrimination against gays and lesbians in...

Latest News

VIEW ALL LATEST NEWS

Ballet - Timeless - 300x300
Division of the arts
DCHS Wildlife Center

Events

SUBMIT AN EVENT

VIEW ALL EVENTS

Jobs

SUBMIT A JOB POSTING

VIEW ALL JOBS

Popular Tags

Pin It on Pinterest