What should have been a simple beauty appointment in the French capital has turned into a shocking story of discrimination and violence. A young gay man says he was mocked, insulted, and finally attacked inside a small nail salon in Montmartre, exposing once again how fragile LGBTQ+ safety remains in everyday spaces.
A visit that spiraled out of control
According to the victim, he entered Glow House to book a nail service. Instead of being welcomed like any other customer, he was met with ridicule. The salon manager allegedly laughed at his request, telling him that nail extensions were “for women only.”
When the young man insisted, the tone escalated. He says he was told to “get out” and then insulted with slurs, including being called a “dirty gay” and even being mocked with references to HIV.
Violence with lasting consequences
Trying to protect himself, the victim began filming the exchange with his phone. That’s when, according to his account, the salon manager lost control, grabbing a wax heater and throwing the scalding contents onto his face.
The boiling wax caused severe burns to his skin and eyes. Doctors have confirmed that his vision has been permanently damaged, leaving him with what could be lifelong consequences from an act of pure hate.
Homophobia in everyday places
This story is not only about one violent incident. It raises a wider question: how safe are LGBTQ+ people in supposedly neutral public spaces like cafés, gyms, shops, and salons?
French police data shows a worrying trend: reports of homophobic and transphobic acts have increased year after year, while many victims never even file complaints for fear of being ignored. The case of Glow House is a painful reminder that hate can surface anywhere — even in places meant for relaxation and self-care.
Justice and accountability
A police investigation is reportedly underway. The victim has filed charges for aggravated assault with a homophobic motive — a crime that, under French law, carries heavier penalties.
But the legal system often moves slowly, and the outcome is uncertain. What remains clear is that silence cannot be an option. Each case of homophobic violence, whether verbal or physical, must be exposed, challenged, and remembered.
What can we do?
As students, activists, and allies, we cannot change the past. But we can take action to support victims and demand accountability.
One immediate way to help is by making sure others don’t walk blindly into the same hostile environment. If you believe in equality and want to stand against discrimination, consider leaving a negative online review for Glow House: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nUbXRDeWRyypXS198. Share your disapproval, highlight that homophobia has no place in a modern city, and make it clear that hate has consequences.
Final thought: Pride is not only about festivals and parades. It’s about everyday resistance, about saying “no” when hate tries to disguise itself as business as usual. And as this case shows, sometimes even a nail salon can become a frontline in the fight for dignity.