Who hasn’t had a bad hairstyle experience? A botched trim or a difficult style can make you feel self -conscious for weeks. But for many queer individuals, the worry about getting a hairstyle is not just about aesthetics, it’s about security, identity and finding a hairdresser who really understands their vision.

M Arida, a hairdresser based in Providence, Rhode Island, knows this struggle from the first place.

“I had gone to Barbershops for a long time, and the experience was good,” Arida told “Good Morning America.” “But I felt it could be better. People just chopped it up, laughed … I always liked it, but they just wasn’t really my people. And I was like:” How crazy would it be if there was a space So, but there were (for) queer people? “

That question, in combination with an unexpected labor loss, led to Arida to a career pivot. After several years of searching for the right fit in traditional barbershops, they decided to go behind the chair themselves. What started as a general hairstyle was quickly developed into a safe sanctuary for queer, masculine presenting individuals who are looking for haircuts that adapt to their identity.

Arida’s operations grew organically, but social media took it to the next level. On Instagram and Tiktok, their posts show striking before and after transformations of clients who arrive worried and leave themselves as their most authentic self.

“It was important for me to start doing content on social media, because I wanted to let people know what I was doing and just invite more people,” Arida said.

The answer has been overwhelmingly positive. Followers flood the comments and call the transformations and celebrate the safe space that Arida has created and wishes that they lived closer to experience it themselves.

“I didn’t expect (this) when I first started cutting hair,” Arida said. “I knew there was a need. I was like,” I can’t be the only person who wants this. “But I underestimated how many people wanted (a space like this), and I also underestimated how important it would be too many people.”

Arida approaches every meeting with care, which ensures that every client feels seen and understood. For many, the experience is more than just a hairstyle, it is a transformative moment of self -confirmation.

“It’s amazing to just see people get excited. People who come in and are like,” I don’t feel really good for my hair, about how I look, “and then let them leave to feel good, it’s very cool , “they said.

For Adria, this work extends far beyond styling hair. It is about creating a space where each person, regardless of gender identity, feels valued and celebrated.

“Queer people deserve good things. They deserve nice things,” they said. “We shouldn’t have to expect what we can get. And it feels very important to me – it feels like a responsibility.”