Owner of Studio 8 Hair Lab in Traverse City stands by controversial Facebook post
Studio 8 Hair Lab's exclusionary Facebook post about the LGBTQ+ community has prompted a city investigation, a community protest and a public disassociation by a hair products company that the salon regularly used and promoted.
In a now-deleted Facebook post, the 48-year-old Traverse City salon owner, Christine Geiger, encouraged those who identified as "anything other than a man/woman" to "seek services at a local pet groomer."
Despite the backlash, Geiger stood by her comments and told the Associated Press 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.
Screenshots of the Facebook post circulated on social media showed a division of opinions — some expressed disapproval while others defended Geiger, citing freedom of speech.
Geiger told AP that her remarks were not influenced by the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing a Christian web developer in Denver to refuse designing wedding websites for same-sex couples. While she agreed with the ruling, she stated that her comments stemmed from personal experiences and her objection to schools and doctor's offices addressing gender identification matters with children.
In a statement, Traverse City officials expressed their disappointment after receiving multiple complaints regarding Geiger's discriminatory language.
More: Chasten Buttigieg wrote book he wishes his Michigan parents could have read
"Several notifications referenced the city’s non-discrimination ordinance, adopted in 2010," according to the city. The ordinance states: "It is the intent of the City of Traverse City that no person be denied the equal protection of the laws; nor shall any person be denied the enjoyment of his or her civil rights or be discriminated against because of their actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, height, weight, marital status, physical or mental disability, family status, sexual orientation, or gender identity."
City attorney Lauren Trible-Laucht is conducting an investigation "based upon the relevant legal standards, including the city’s non-discrimination ordinance as well as recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions and State legislation," according to the statement.
More: Neal Rubin: A first at this year's National Cherry Festival in Traverse City
Gathered at the city's civic center and outside Studio 8 Hair Lab, demonstrators —joined by Traverse City Mayor Pro-Tem Amy Shamroe— protested Geiger's stance Wednesday, marching, chanting and carrying pro LGBTQ+ signs that said, "Love is love," and "Hate has no home here!"
Studio 8 Hair Lab operates on an appointment-only basis, serving mainly acquaintances and referrals. Geiger said she has received support from her existing clients, but has also faced a barrage of angry messages, including threatening ones.
Associated Press Reporter John Flesher contributed to this report.
Contact Nour Rahal: nrahal@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Owner of Studio 8 Hair Lab in Traverse City under city investigation
