We’re living in a time of cultural transition. Individuals are openly expressing gender and sexuality in ways that are new to Western culture. At the same time, some members of our society still believe that expression outside of the traditional cisgender heterosexual frame is a bad thing. Others want to be supportive, but are unsure about the correct pronouns and terminology to use, or how to respectfully acknowledge queer identities.

As beauty professionals, we want all guests and staff to feel safe and welcome in the salon. So how do we normalize queer inclusivity in our lives and professional spaces? 

Never fear, Emily Holiday is here! Emily Holiday is an activist and humanitarian, owner of Emily Holiday Salon, and a stylist at Sola Salons in Charlotte, North Carolina. She’s a facilitator for queer inclusivity and identity workshops for salon companies and other organizations. Emily considers herself a “brave space”-- that means she’s here to answer questions that might be uncomfortable or inappropriate to bring up in everyday life. 

Even if you’re new to talking about gender and sexuality, this episode is for you. Emily and Blake break down all of the letters in LGBTQIA+, talk about what it means to be non-binary, and get at the differences between gender, sexuality, and romantic attraction. Emily shares some simple yet brilliant practices that you can implement at your salon company. And so much more. 

Get in touch with Emily Holiday on Instagram: @emilyholidaybeauty.

QUEER EDUCATION AND CULTURE RESOURCES RECOMMENDED BY EMILY AND BLAKE

Janet Mock, a trans author and activist

The Human Rights Campaign, a leading organization in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights in the US

The Audre Lorde Project, a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans and Gender Non-Conforming People of Color community organizing center, focusing on the NYC area

Time Out Youth, a queer youth center in Charlotte, NC

Equality Florida, a statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization

Jonathan Van Ness, a non-binary hair stylist, influencer, writer, podcaster, comedian, and entertainer

Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. 

Find Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at [email protected]. 

Visit us at SummitSalon.com  to connect with others in the industry. Join our new online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and schools.

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Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. 

SUMM IT UP  is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlocked

Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at [email protected]. 

Visit us at SummitSalon.com  to connect with others in the industry.