Quick PSA!
Gabby’s Barbershop has a community board now, it’s hanging above Talas office (aka the couch).
We want to invite you all to contribute business cards, event flyers, or anything else you wish to share with this community. We love to see what you are doing and always want to show YOU off.
As well, we wanted to share some of our favourite Queer/Gender affirming spots in and around the City since we have had so many newcomers lately…
To start a big, huge, loud, shoutout to Skipping Stones. Not only are they pretty much a one stop shop for anything Queer needs related but they also partner with many local businesses (like Gabby’s Barbershop) so it takes the guesswork out of where the safe spaces are.
For example Wellness on 1st is a clinic that offers everything from massage to reiki to lash extensions and they are an extremely affirming place with some sweet humans. They even offer massage to specifically care for folks that have gotten Top Surgery or double Mascetomys.
Speaking of Massage, if you are looking for a queer cutie to support who will also give you a professional, healing, and safe space to get massage therapy services. Look no further than Mx. Lanny Chep. Check out Baklabyan as well to see more of the goodness this human does with their free time, alongside their partner Sallie Mae (singer extraordinaire). They will be practicing at various locations including here at Gabbys Barbershop, sharing the other room with the lovely queerio tattoo artist in our space, Jean! Jean is known as Conjeaniality on Insta and is the best hand poke tattoo artist around. Plus their bright sunshine energy will make any day better.
If your brain is needing a massage, check out Ash at The Cognitive Corner for therapy and mental health services with a special focus on folks in marginalized communities. Their practices include Narrative Therapy, Feminist Therapy, Somatic Therapy, DBT, Internal Family Systems, and Mindfullness.
As well, Revolution Therapy & Wellness is a collective that specializes in providing inclusive therapy for 2SLGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, polyamorous, & kink/ sex work communities. They also support local Artists (find JP’s bugs here), have free resources, and a cozy space to meet some of the cutest Devon Rex Kitties.
Another GB Crew favourite spot is Dickens bar and pub. They host a wide range of Queer events and take the safety of their patrons, staff, and performers seriously.
Check out events like They Got Talent, Slutty Social Dungeon, and Hang The DJ.
A Gabby favourite is a collective called Pansy Club, an "unapologetically Queer and Trans worker-owned cooperative", that will be opening up a physical location later this year. They host a variety of events, operate a cafe, and provide free resources, harm reduction, and sliding scale options.
A JP favourite, Black Sheep Collective, is a group that organizes markets for the Calgary weirdos and queerios. They wanted to create a safe and open space for those that don’t quite fit the traditional mold. You can find the markets every second month on a Saturday at the Renfrew Community Association.
For those of you looking for activities that will get your heart rate up, Different Strokes (DSC) is a non-profit, volunteer swim club for LGBTQ+ members. We learned about this group from one of the former coaches, Graham Taylor, on our way to Victoria earlier this year. Organized since 1993 they have been a staple for those looking for recreational, competitive, and socially active swimming in the city.
Gummi Boutique is a queer run candy store located in Kensington. You may have seen their candy machine in our shop and while we definitely recommend snagging some next time you are here, all proceeds go to the Make A Wish Foundation, also going in house and supporting local!
And lastly if you are looking for your community here in YYC and want something super low pressure, check out Calgary Outlink. They host monthly coffee and chat meetups across the city and if you are looking for an event that speaks specifically to YOU then just know they focus on spaces where you can connect with others just like you.
Here at Gabby's Barbershop, community is at the root of everything we do. We want to know and support you. If you know anyone that we should add to this list, because trust us we know there are SO many talented and incredible folks out there, please send them our way.
That's All Folks!
