Being Seen

Barbering, tattooing, and massaging are services seen by many as superficial, cosmetic appointments; there to make you feel or look better. For queer people, the complex emotions that come with appearance changes, the reclamation of our bodies, and being touched, can be intense. Many queer people are alienated from the idea of undressing for a massage, entering a typical barbershop for a 'men's haircut' while being perceived as something else, or facing the repercussions of a 'controversial' tattoo.

Being Seen explores those complexities, following three individuals as they each attend an appointment with queer practitioners who provide these hands-on services, catering almost exclusively to queer customers. Each client will be guided through their milestone appointment; a first short haircut, a first queer tattoo, and a massage.