Heading to NYC Pride? Get a Haircut and Support LGBTQ Youth

In celebration of the largest LGBTQ event in history, Stonewall's 50th anniversary, and World Pride coming to NYC for the first time, Barba Men's Grooming Boutique has launched #WhatAboutUs, a new initiative supporting LGBTQ homeless youth. The campaign is backed by partnership with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and Nutrafol.

Over 40 percent of homeless youth in New York are LBGTQ with one in four becoming homeless after coming out to their families. Currently, there are no federal programs designed to meet their needs or protect them against discrimination while accessing federally funded programs. #WhatAboutUs is a movement to highlight and bring support to those most often neglected in our society.

"We believe everyone has the right to celebrate this milestone in gay history," shared Barba co-owner JP Gomez. "We came up with the concept #What About Us to provide these young individuals a complimentary makeover including haircuts, fun clothing in the colors inspired by the [Pride] flag and more importantly, help them find a home."

This Pride, Barba will donate 25 percent of every haircut (June 24-29) to New Alternatives Foundation – an organization dedicated to improving self-sufficiency of LGBTQ homeless youth by supporting their gradual move from shelter living to adult independence. Each day will leverage a color of the rainbow flag (clients and friends are invited to wear the respective color to create a fun visual of solidarity) and Barba's services will be donated daily to LGBTQ homeless kids. A fun and colorful menu of drinks will be offered for clients and those who are 21 and older.

AHF will offer free HIV testing and educational materials at Barba's events, as well as hold raffles to raise money for the cause. AHF is a nonprofit organization at the forefront of HIV/AIDS medicine and the largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the world. They offer medical services and advocacy to over 1,000,000 people in 43 countries. Nutrafol will be matching client donations that Barba raises during their Pride week events and donating $20 for every order made via www.growwithpride.com through July 6, 2019.

With more 30 years in the beauty industry, it's no secret Xavier Cruz, founding owner of Barba Men's Grooming Boutique, is established as one of the best in the business. Located in the heart of Chelsea, New York City, Barba prides itself on creating an inclusive and more casual, friendly atmosphere for its clientele.

Cruz and his business and life partner JP Gomez (who met at the salon five years ago while getting a haircu) focus wholeheartedly on bringing the LGBTQ community closer. Together with Terri & Sandy (Ad agency) they have created a number of campaign initiatives such as "Pay with your Balls" "La Isla Bonita–Puerto Rico Relief" and "Strands for Trans" designed and inspired to give back to those in need.