Dear Editor,
The owner of Attention Barbershop lost his business last night, and the community has lost a safe space to go to. I’ve known the owner of the shop for the past three years. I was first drawn to the shop simply because of the location, but I continued going back because the owner “Magic” turned out to be an incredible human being.
Magic stands six feet tall, a body builder with a Chuck Liddell haircut, a beautiful wife and a daughter. I am a 26-year-old transgendered person (born female). As a person who is gender non-conforming, sometimes just the simple process of getting a haircut can be really challenging. Sometimes barbers will refuse to cut my hair, or demand I pay ladies’ prices for a buzz cut, imagine that.
Magic was different, not only did he give me the fresh fade I asked for, charging me his usual low rate, he also became and ally in my gender transition and a friend. I was so impressed that I sent all of my friends to him, even from Vancouver, and they love him.
He is the kindest sweetest most compassionate man I have ever met. I’ve witnessed his compassion with the seniors that come to his shop and also low-income folks who may not be able to pay the full rate. He’s also a counsellor to many.
He’s a very selfless man and for his space to be burnt to the ground will be a huge loss for myself and the greater community.
I really wish there was something we could all do to support him through this loss.
Lauren Gill, via email
