Pittsburgh stylists affirm queer clients | Authentic Lives

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Grades: Grades 9-12, Grown-Ups and Educators

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Educator Guide | Identity Affirming Style

About

Barbershops and salons can be difficult to navigate for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Meet three Pittsburgh hairstylists with great respect, care, and understanding of their queer clients. We visit different salons to learn about their inclusive, gender affirming approach to hair care.

Queer and transgender people are not only underrepresented in the media, but reporting on these communities is often focused on negative stories. The mission of Authentic Lives is to showcase positive stories and explore the vibrancy of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Pittsburgh region—and beyond. For more information and resources, visit WQED’s Authentic Lives webpage.

Credits: WQED Multimedia

Standards

PA Academic Standards (Grades 9–12)

📘 PA Core ELA Standards (9–12)

Speaking & Listening

CC.1.5.9–10.A / CC.1.5.11–12.A
Initiate and participate effectively in collaborative discussions about complex issues, diverse identities, and lived experiences.
CC.1.5.9–10.B / CC.1.5.11–12.B
Integrate and evaluate information from media sources (the videos) during discussion.
CC.1.5.9–10.D / CC.1.5.11–12.D
Present claims and findings clearly during class dialogue or reflective sharing.
CC.1.5.9–10.E / CC.1.5.11–12.E
Use multimedia (video content) to support discussion points.

Reading Informational Text (Discussion Support)

CC.1.2.9–10.I / CC.1.2.11–12.I
Analyze diverse perspectives and evaluate how individuals shape and are shaped by their experiences.

🌎 PA Social Studies Standards (9–12)

Civics & Government

5.2.12.A–D
Engage in respectful dialogue, demonstrate empathy, and evaluate civic responsibilities — all central to conversations about identity and community.

History & Culture

8.4.12.A–D
Analyze global and cultural perspectives; compare lived experiences across communities.

Sociology / Human Behavior

6.1.12.A–D
Discuss how individuals and groups interact, form identity, and navigate society.
7.3.12.A–C
Examine cultural characteristics and how they influence personal and collective identity.

🎨 PA Arts & Humanities Standards (9–12)

Historical & Cultural Context

9.2.12.A–C
Discuss how culture and lived experience shape artistic expression.

💼 PA Career Education & Work Standards (9–12)

Career Awareness & Preparation

13.1.11.A–F
Reflect on personal strengths, identity, and future pathways — often sparked by hearing others’ stories.

Career Acquisition & Retention

13.2.11.A–D / 13.3.11.A–D
Discuss communication, collaboration, adaptability, and resilience — themes that appear throughout the videos.

🧠 Health, Safety & Social/Emotional Development (9–12)

Health & Wellness

10.1.12.A–C
Discuss how personal experiences influence emotional and mental well‑being.

Interpersonal Skills

10.2.12.A–E
Engage in respectful dialogue, active listening, and perspective‑taking.

Responsible Behavior

10.3.12.A–C
Reflect on how identity and choices affect oneself and others.