The expression of identity for LGBTQ+ folks varies from person to person, from the ways one dresses, the ways of interacting with one another, and even the ways of styling one’s hair. For queer people, expressions of identity are often something valued down to the core. 

Kris Mattingly, 27, founder of Queers With Shears Kentucky, has had a huge impact on helping LGBTQ+ people express themselves through their hair. The featured project brings together queer hair stylists from different salons to create a safe, accepting network for clients to find exactly what they need. 

Mattingly specializes in masculine barber services such as fades, tapers, mohawks, mullets, and beard trims, and has been a licensed barber since 2022. They operate from Cuts on Lime Barbershop, located in Lexington. In July of this year, they will be switching to appointment only services, with prices at $33 for a haircut or beard trim. 

Mattingly grew up in a conservative, rural town in Kentucky. As a teenager, they were not allowed to express their identity, namely through their desire for a masculine haircut. 

“In high school I always wanted to cut off my hair to fit my masculine style,” they said. 

Some years after high school graduation, they were finally able to take the step to style their hair in a way congruent with their identity. 

“It was the most liberating experience. I felt so confident in myself,” they said, “This feeling is something I wanted to do for other people, and help them experience the confidence that I felt.”

Kris Mattingly cuts a clients hair. Photo by Gus Dickman.

This led to their becoming a barber, and eventually to an experience that birthed the beginning of Queers With Shears Kentucky: an interaction with a queer client hoping for a haircut that Mattingly wasn’t well-versed in styling. After recommending them to a queer friendly salon, they started the network to ensure clients could get exactly the look they desire. 

“The greatest feeling as a barber or stylist is seeing that big smile on your clients face after a service, and knowing that you made a difference in how they feel about themselves,” Mattingly said. 

Queers With Shears Kentucky is in its very early stages, but Mattingly has several ideas to bring the project to its maximum potential. They are hoping to do workshops, as well as a “meet-and-greet” event to connect barbers and stylists statewide. 

They want to host interviews of these stylists, and to involve a photographer for a weekly feature of individual hairdressers on their Instagram page, @queerswithshearsky. They are looking for ways to generate positive change in queer communities. 

“I would also like to come up with a plan on how to give back to the queer community at pride festivals, and host events throughout the year where we can do free services for clients, or education for others in the hair and beauty industry,” they said. 

Mattingly says that for them, “The sky is the limit!”

One of this project’s main goals is to build a network of queer (and allied) stylists and barbers. If you are a barber or stylist and would like to be featured on the Queers With Shears Kentucky page, Mattingly asks that people follow the account, and invite the page to be a collaborator. After these steps, they’ll be able to repost your work to their Instagram feed. 

“All work on our page is done by local queer artists or allies,” they said, “This is the safe space you’ve been looking for!”

This project has the potential to be transformative for queer folks in Kentucky, both clientele and for the involved barbers and hairdressers. This is another portion of a community being built across Kentucky consisting of queer people supporting queer people. To see and support more of Kris’ work, you can check out their business page on Instagram @krisxcuts.