AN INTERVIEW WITH QUEER HAWK Hannah B Lane (she/her) in conversation with Thiago Mulligan, co-owner of Queer Hawk
somewhere to go where they don’t have to filter themselves, explain themselves, or second-guess how they present. It’s about more than haircuts and services, it’s about recognition and community. We’ve also seen a ripple effect. Other queer-led initiatives have reached out to collaborate or share space, and there’s been a growing sense of momentum around building alternative, affirming infrastructure for LGBTQ+ folks in Dublin.
much next on our list as we get many many customers coming to us from Cork. We’d also love to see smaller towns benefit from this, even if it’s through pop- ups or mobile services. Ultimately, we’re not just thinking salons, we’re thinking bigger. Travel, hospitality, wellness. All queer-led and queer-focused.
How did Queer Hawk come about? Queer Hawk came from a very personal place. We’re a gay couple, and the idea actually started during a conversation about how awkward getting a haircut often is as queer people. At first, we laughed it off but as we unpacked it more seriously and spoke to our friends, we realised it wasn’t just us. So many queer people have similar experiences in traditional barbershops and salons. It can be things like being asked as a gay man if you have a girlfriend or being misgendered because of how you look. These things either force us to come out repeatedly or just awkwardly let the assumption slide. And it can also be an outright refusal of service, a story that we have heard all too many times from our customers, particularly from members of the trans community. These are spaces that should feel relaxing, not tense or awkward. Queer Hawk is our response to that gap, a space that’s safe, affirming, and actually enjoyable for LGBTQ+ people. The name itself is a tongue-in-cheek reclaiming of the Irish slang “quare hawk”, a term once used to describe someone odd or eccentric. It’s proudly and unapologetically queer, and reflects the spirit of a community that doesn’t shy away from being different. We wanted something that felt grounded in place, playful in tone, but serious in mission.
Do you have any exciting events or initiatives coming up this year?
Yes! We’re launching our flagship salon soon, which will include not just hair services but also nails, eyebrows, beauty treatments as well as community events. We’re also planning a pride celebration in Dublin, so look out for news on that soon.
Has there been an immediate acceptance to Queer Hawk?
Yes, overwhelmingly so from the LGBTQ+ community and allies. People are relieved that a space like this exists, and the sense of solidarity has been powerful. Of course, there have been some raised eyebrows. Anytime you challenge heteronormative spaces or suggest that not all “banter” is harmless, it can make people uncomfortable. But we’re not here to apologise for creating safety. You also do great work with Asylum seekers and the homeless community; can you talk a bit about this work? Yes, this is really important to us. There is intersectionality among the LGBTQ+, the asylum seeker, refugee and homeless communities that is often overlooked and we wanted to ensure that the people in these categories felt included. To do this, we offer free haircuts to people in these situations as a way to build connections between communities. Are there any plans to expand to other cities in Ireland? If so, where would you love to see Queer Hawk next? We absolutely have plans to expand. By the time this goes to print our larger second location in Dublin’s Liffey Street Upper will be open. Cork is also very
Lastly, is there anything else you would like to add or expand on?
Just that we see Queer Hawk as more than a business, it’s a movement. It’s about recognising that our community needs its own spaces and we are not afraid to take them. We celebrate queerness in a space that feels like it was made for us. We want people to know that there is a place that doesn’t ask you to shrink, wear a mask or explain. Queer Hawk is a community. Come for the cut, stay for the kiki. BOOKINGS
What impact have you seen your work have on the LGBT+ community?
Even before we opened the physical space, just talking about the concept got a huge response. So many queer people related instantly to our experience and it sparked a bigger conversation about how often we have to navigate discomfort in everyday services. The response has shown us how deeply needed spaces like this are. People have told us they feel like they finally have
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