Life has a funny way of throwing us curveballs, and my recent experience navigating the intricate world of queer spaces, particularly among white people, has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. Today, I want to open up about the challenges, the infighting, and the triumphant journey of rediscovering my voice in the face of white privilege and false allyship.

Entering the queer community, I expected to find a haven of acceptance and understanding. After all, we're all united by a shared struggle against societal norms, right? However, reality hit me like a ton of bricks when I found myself surrounded by predominantly queer white individuals whose perspectives often felt like they were worlds apart from mine.

One of the glaring issues I encountered was the pervasive presence of white privilege within the queer community- especially amongst the white trans or non-binary community. It became evident that the struggles faced by queer people of color were often overlooked or trivialized in comparison to the challenges faced by their white counterparts. It was disheartening to witness how easily some white members of the community could navigate spaces and conversations. Still, when it came to conflict resolution or even conflicting opinions, all bets were off. Suddenly, one's trans identity came before their whiteness without them even knowing.

The false sense of allyship has been and continues to be a huge hurdle to overcome. Many ""well-meaning"" white individuals claimed to be allies, but their actions often fell short of genuine support. It wasn't enough to share a post on social media or attend a pride parade; true allyship required a commitment to dismantling systemic inequalities, addressing unconscious biases, and actively amplifying the voices of marginalized individuals. I see a lot of talk but minimal action.

Infighting within the queer community, fueled by these issues, has become a breeding ground for division rather than an opportunity for growth. Conversations about intersectionality and privilege often turned into performative displays of wokeness, with little fundamental understanding or change. I have found myself caught in the crossfire, feeling like my voice was being drowned out by the cacophony of oppression Olympics.

During these moments of internal conflict, I realized I needed to take a step back and reevaluate my approach. Instead of succumbing to the pressure to conform, I am beginning to embrace my unique perspective and experiences. I've started to recognize that my voice was valid and crucial to the broader conversation within the community, even if I am ultimately accused of being the oppressor or problematic. The work is waking up my discomfort and anti-blackness, which will eventually reflect on the people around me. The folks doing this work won't be offended by these words. They will see them as a broader conversation or opportunity for connection.

The journey to rediscover my voice requires daily introspection, self-acceptance, and the courage to speak up despite adversity. I found strength in connecting with like-minded individuals who shared similar experiences, forming a support system that helped me navigate the complexities of the queer community.

As I begin to reclaim my voice and my space in this community, I am determined to challenge white privilege within the queer community and encourage genuine allyship. It means having difficult conversations, discussing the intersectionality of our struggles, and holding individuals accountable for their actions.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of identity, acceptance, and allyship, remember that true unity comes from celebrating our differences and recognizing the strength in our diverse narratives. Cheers to the journey ahead, my fellow trailblazers!

Hey there, beauties!

Jessie Santiago here, your go-to pal for all things beauty. Today, I want to share with you something truly special about Salon Benders that sets us apart from the rest! Our trauma-informed approach that we have created to ensure your experience is not only fabulous but also empowering and healing. At Salon Benders, we believe that beauty is so much more than just a superficial concept. It's about embracing and enhancing your unique self, inside and out. We understand that many of us have experienced trauma or mental health struggles in our lives, and it can have a profound impact on our self-image and confidence. That's why we've made it our mission to create a safe and nurturing environment where people feels seen, heard, and supported.

When you step into Salon Benders, you'll immediately notice the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Our team is trained to be compassionate, empathetic, and understanding, ensuring that your journey with us is a positive one. We know that sometimes, even the smallest gestures can make a huge difference. From the moment you walk in, we'll greet you with a genuine smile, offer you a comforting beverage, and take the time to listen to your needs and concerns. One of the key aspects of our trauma-informed approach is consent. We recognize that personal boundaries and comfort levels vary from person to person. Before any service, we'll have an open conversation with you, discussing your preferences, triggers, and any other important information you feel comfortable sharing. This allows us to tailor our services to your specific needs and ensure your comfort throughout your salon experience. And before we touch you, we will ask permission.

Another important element of our trauma-informed approach is education. Our stylists are continuously trained in trauma sensitivity, understanding the effects trauma can have on one's body, mind, and spirit. We stay up-to-date with the latest research and techniques, empowering us to provide you with the highest quality service while keeping your emotional well-being in mind. We also have a “self-first” approach, meaning we center self-care inside and outside of work. We all commit to our own therapy,spiritual and/or self-discovery practices.

Salon Benders is also dedicated to creating an inclusive space for as many people as possible. We celebrate diversity and understand that trauma can affect individuals from all walks of life. Our team is committed to embracing and respecting identities, whether it's race, gender, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you uniquely you. We believe fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding, can help our clients heal and feel confident in their own skin. We also offer a range of services that go beyond the usual beauty treatments. From relaxing aromatherapy to detoxifying scalp treatments, we aim to provide holistic care that nurtures your mind, body, and soul. Our goal is to not only help you look your best but also feel your best from within.

So, whether you're looking for a fresh haircut, a healing somatic treatment, or simply a safe space to unwind and feel pampered, Salon Benders is here for you. Remember, beauties, you deserve to feel beautiful, confident, and supported. At Salon Benders, we're honored to be part of your journey toward healing and self-discovery. Trust us to provide you with a transformative experience that will leave you feeling empowered and ready to conquer the world, one fabulous hairstyle at a time.

Hey there, fabulous folks!

Jessie Santiago here, your friendly neighborhood wordsmith and lover of all things empowering! Today, I want to take you on a delightful journey through time and language as we explore the fascinating origins of the word "salon" and how it has evolved to empower women in the modern world. And what better place to start than Salon Benders, the trendiest spot for beauty, brains, and banter!

Now, you might be thinking, "Jessie, isn't a salon just a place where we get our hair done?" Oh, my dear friends, it's so much more! Let's rewind the clock to 17th-century France, where the word "salon" made its grand debut. Back then, it was a gathering of artists, writers, philosophers, and, yes, you guessed it—mostly women! These brilliant minds would come together in the comfort of their homes to discuss ideas, share their creative endeavors, and engage in spirited debates. It was like a creative think tank, only with more wigs and fewer PowerPoint presentations.

These salons became a hotbed of intellectual stimulation and empowerment for women otherwise marginalized in society. Can you imagine the audacity of these ladies taking charge of their own intellectual destiny? They were blazing a trail, breaking barriers, and dropping truth bombs like confetti! These gatherings were the birthplace of some of the most influential ideas of the time.

Fast forward to the present, and we have Salon Benders—a haven where the spirit of those original salons lives on. We've infused the essence of those gatherings with a modern twist. Picture a vibrant space filled with dazzling hairstylists, talented makeup artists, and a whole lot of sass. It's where people come to transform their outer beauty and embrace their inner brilliance.

At Salon Benders, we've redefined what a salon can be. It's not just about getting a haircut or a killer manicure (although we've got you covered on that front!). It's about creating a community of like-minded individuals who uplift and support each other. We believe in the power of conversation, laughter, magic, and hugs to nourish our souls.

Just like those pioneering women of the past, we encourage our clients to bring their wildest dreams, their unique perspectives, and their untamed laughter to our space. It's a place where we celebrate individuality, embrace diversity, and believe that confidence comes in all shapes, colors, and styles.

So, my lovelies, the next time you step into Salon Benders, remember the legacy you're carrying forward. You're not just here for a haircut; you're joining a lineage of incredible women who dared to challenge the norms and rewrite the rules. Together, we can make this world a little more fabulous, one hair flip at a time! So, let your hair down, sip on that cup of gossip (or coffee, we're not picky), and unleash the power of your inner salons! Because at Salon Benders, we're all about transforming more than just your appearance—we're here to help you transform your entire outlook on life.

Stay fierce, stay fabulous, and remember, you are the master of your own salon-tastic destiny!

XOXO,

Jessie Santiago

It all begins with an idea.