Dec. 21, 2021—A new queer-owned repair shop has opened has opened in Sheridan, Colo., a suburb of Denver.
Good Judy Garage, named after Judy Garland, a known ally for the LGBTQ+ community, opened on Dec. 19. The shop is roughly 2,200 square feet and has three bays.
The shop is owned by CC Haug, a transgender woman. According to a Denver Post article on the shop opening, Haug has always had a passion for cars and grew up in a family that owned dealerships and auto shops.
But when Haug decided to begin hormone therapy, she worried she would have to sacrifice either her identity or her livelihood. That was the genesis for creating Good Judy Garage.
“I identify as queer, I’m actually going to start hormone therapy at the beginning of January. One of the reasons I didn’t do that earlier in life is because, to me, mechanical stuff, cars, all of that stuff is such a big passion,” Haug told the Post. “If I start my transition, what am I going to do for work? What’s gonna happen?”
Haug’s mission is to provide a space where customers don’t feel intimidated because of their gender identity, sexual orientation or lack of knowledge about cars.
