A local hair salon is facing a discrimination charge after a controversial Facebook post declared that transgender individuals were not welcome and should seek services at a pet groomer instead. The post, made by Studio 8 Hair Lab owner Christine Geiger, has sparked outrage and legal action.
The Michigan Department of Civil Rights filed the charge on Wednesday, stating that the post violated the state’s civil rights act by discriminating against three claimants. The post, which was made in July, stated “If a human identifies as anything other than a man/woman, please seek services at a local pet groomer. You are not welcome at this salon. Period.” The post also referenced Michigan’s hate crime law, stating that the salon may refer to transgender individuals as “hey you.”
The post received hundreds of comments and reactions, including backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates, before it was eventually deleted. Geiger defended her stance in a July interview with the Associated Press, stating that small business owners should be able to serve whomever they wish. “I just don’t want the woke dollar…I’d rather not be as busy than to have to do services that I don’t agree with,” she said.
The Michigan Department of Civil Rights filed a charge of discrimination against Studio 8 Hair Lab in Traverse City following a post by the owner on social media. https://t.co/kR4mV77jSv
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The salon, which could face fines and suspension or revocation of its business license if the charge is adopted by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, has also filed a complaint against the city of Traverse City and the three individuals who filed discrimination complaints.
Geiger later clarified on a different Facebook page that she has no issues with lesbian, gay, or bisexual individuals, but “It’s the TQ+” that she takes issue with. She also falsely claimed that the “+” represents pedophiles. Geiger stated that she has taken this stance to “insure [sic] that clients have the best experience,” and acknowledged that the salon may not be the best option for transgender individuals.
Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public services based on several factors, including sex. While the act was amended earlier this year to add greater protections over sexual orientation and gender identity, the legislation will not take effect until 2024. Until then, the Department of Civil Rights will be taking complaints and have jurisdiction under sex for both sexual orientation and gender identity or expression under case law.
Traverse City officials have announced that the salon was under investigation for discrimination over these claims. If the charge is adopted by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission after a hearing before an administrative law judge, the salon could face penalties for violating the state’s civil rights act.
