Non-Binary Activist Wins Legal Battle Against Hair Salon Over Gender Options

Alexe Frédéric Migneault, a non-binary activist who uses they/them pronouns, successfully sued Station10 hair salon in Longueuil, Quebec, after the salon's online booking system only offered male and female options for haircuts. Migneault's experience in 2023 led to significant emotional distress, resulting in a year and a half away from work. They filed a complaint with the Quebec Human Rights Commission, which recommended a $500 CAD ($365 USD) settlement. After the salon's co-owner, Alexis Labrecque, disagreed with the ruling, Migneault escalated the matter to court, seeking $12,000 CAD ($8,766 USD) in damages.

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Migneault was drawn to Station10 due to its unique pricing model, which charges by the minute. However, upon attempting to book an appointment, they were confronted with a mandatory gender selection that did not accommodate non-binary identities. Migneault described the experience as a personal affront, stating, “It is not fair, and it’s not legal to tell me, ‘No, since you don’t fit into my worldview, I don’t want to do anything with you.’”

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Labrecque defended the salon's policy, asserting that it was operational rather than ideological. He explained that the pricing structure was based on average haircut durations, noting that "it typically takes longer for a woman’s haircut than a man’s haircut." Following the controversy, the salon updated its booking system to include a gender-neutral option. Despite this, Labrecque expressed disappointment with the ruling, emphasizing concerns about the precedent it sets for future legal debates regarding LGBTQ rights in Quebec.

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Migneault viewed the court's decision as a validation of their experience, stating, “It was discrimination, and non-binary people should not be forced to pick between men and women if they don’t want to identify as such.” The case has sparked broader discussions about the implications of gendered options in business practices and the potential for legal repercussions stemming from seemingly innocuous policies.

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• “It is not fair, and it’s not legal to tell me, ‘No, since you don’t fit into my worldview, I don’t want to do anything with you, and I don’t want you as my customer,’” — Alexe Frédéric Migneault, Non-Binary Activist

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• “The amount we have to pay is relatively small compared to the precedent it creates for LGBTQ legal debates in Quebec,” — Alexis Labrecque, Co-Owner of Station10

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• “It was discrimination, and non-binary people should not be forced to pick between men and women if they don’t want to identify as such,” — Alexe Frédéric Migneault, Non-Binary Activist

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The ruling has the potential to influence future discussions on gender inclusivity in business practices across Quebec. Migneault's activism is not limited to this case; they previously staged a hunger strike to advocate for a gender-neutral "X" option on Quebec health cards. Station10 retains the option to appeal the ruling, which could further shape the legal landscape surrounding LGBTQ rights in Canada.

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