June is the celebration of Pride Month, a celebration and a chance to reflect and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. The hair & beauty industry has been a space for self-expression, creative freedom, and community. But how can we make salons and spaces even more inclusive, safe, and supportive for LGBTQIA+ clients and professionals?

To honour Pride Month, we spoke to some of our incredible ambassadors and education manager, John Anthoney, Justin Mackland Alfa Italia Ambassador, and Georgia Bell, Quif Artist, to share what Pride means to them, and how the industry can increase their support and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.

John Anthoney: “Pride Month is a month to remember how far we, the LGBTQ+ community, have come and how much further we still have to go. For me, it’s also about honouring those who fought for the rights we have today and helping to create space for those who still don’t feel seen, safe, or supported. It’s a celebration, but it’s also a call to keep showing up and standing up for each other.”

Justin Mackland: “For me, Pride Month is a time to pause and reflect, not just on how far we’ve come as a community, but also on the work still ahead. It’s a reminder that being seen, heard, and accepted for who you truly are is a right,  not a privilege. Pride is about more than just parades, it’s also about finding chosen family, uplifting voices, and honouring resilience. To me, Pride is both a celebration and a promise that we’ll keep pushing for a world where everyone can live safely, openly, and freely.”

John Anthoney: “I celebrate Pride Month by amplifying LGBTQ+ voices and stories. Whether that’s sharing educational content, attending community events, or simply creating a safe and affirming space for all my friends and family. Pride is about visibility, so I use the month as a time to celebrate my LGBTQ+ team, friends & family in ways that is genuine and meaningful.”

Justin Mackland: “⁠⁠I celebrate Pride by coming together with the local community in Aberdeen. I’m an ambassador for Grampian Pride, which is an incredible group of individuals that organises, and I help spread the word on my Instagram page. I also attend the parade down the main high street in Aberdeen, and then to the organised event! We then celebrate into the night at the after parties at the bars and clubs!”

Georgia Bell: “At Society, we are our own little tribe. Pride month or not, we are inclusive on every level, from gender to hair type. I pride myself on consultation, but most importantly on suitability. Society is a safe space for anyone who feels they never quite fit into an ordinary salon, a space where you are welcomed to be whoever you want to be with other like-minded individuals. We celebrate Pride all year round, not just one month of the year! We welcome individuality on every level, from gender fluidity, culture.”

John Anthoney: “Inclusivity starts with education. Whether that means using gender-neutral language, respecting clients’ pronouns, offering gender neutral service options and creating a space where everyone feels welcome, regardless of how they identify. It also means showcasing inclusive imagery and words, in our bio information on socials and websites, showing support and that you are an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome, who can truly be themselves. Be open to learning and unlearning. Small changes can make a big difference in someone’s salon experience”

Justin Mackland: “Educate yourself and your staff on LGBTQ+ terminology, respectful communication, and how to handle mistakes with grace and accountability. Offer training on how to support trans and non-binary clients, especially around gender-affirming haircuts or style choices. Highlight LGBTQ+ clients or hairstylists on your social media (with consent). Host events or donate to queer causes during Pride Month and beyond!”

Georgia Bell: “If you are looking to be more inclusive within your salon, start introducing small changes such as gender fluid pricing. We don’t celebrate Pride, we celebrate people.”

---

Whilst the commitment to celebrate the community and advocate for inclusivity should go beyond June, we have the power to make every individual feel seen, valued and heard. Thank you to our ambassadors and educators for sharing their stories on what Pride means to them, and we hope their responses are a strong reminder of the role we all play in creating a more inclusive industry.