LGBTQ+ friendly barber shop in Toronto has shut down

MPL Cuts, an indie barber shop focused on serving LGBTQ+ folks in Little Italy, has suddenly and permanently closed its doors.

The shop was an innovative, much-needed concept in the face of hyper-masculine bro barber culture, offering gender-free haircuts and serving (and employing) a diverse, LGBTQ+ clientele.

View this post on Instagram

I'm sorry to spread this news.... as of today @life.w.staci has shut down operation of @mplcuts.theshop. in september my twin sister took ownership of the shop. She told me she would put her name and let me run the shop. As you can see from my story that has not been the case. She has decided to fire me and close the doors. I cant do anything about this. If you are upset about this please email my sister directly to tell her your concerns. Staci.lumb@gmail.com. blood isnt always thicker than water. Choose your family wisely. #prayformplcuts

A post shared by Tyler Lumb (@tylerrlumb) on Feb 10, 2020 at 12:46pm PST

MPL was known for pricing its haircuts by hour rather than by gender or hair length, and for offering sliding scale days and Toonie deals on certain days of the month for those who desperately needed a cut but were strapped for cash.

It also featured house-made balms and products, gender-neutral washrooms and colourful, comfortable atmosphere.

The barber shop and community space will hopefully get a chance to return in either its former iteration, or a new one.

In the meantime, proprietor Tyler Lumb, who first opened the shop near College and Bathurst back in 2018, is cutting hair independently from his home and seeking to guest spot at another barber shop in Toronto.