LGBTQ-Owned Good Judy Garage Opening, Hosting Open House

Most folks would say without hesitation that a trip to the mechanic isn’t necessarily something that elicits excitement. As the auto industry often comes with a culture of cisheteronormativity and masculinity, many queer folks feel an increased anxiety as they enter those spaces, too. Good Judy Garage is looking to change that for people in the Denver area.

CC (they/she) and Faith (she/her) Haug are both a married couple and business partners, looking forward to opening the shop later in December. The name Good Judy Garage references the icon Judy Garland, a well-known supporter of the LGBTQ community in her time. “Good Judy” often describes a trusted friend, and similarly, they adopted the name to let folks know that their shop is a safe space for all genders and orientations.

CC, who is genderqueer and trans, has been in the auto industry for years and can attest to the fact that, not only do folks on the outside often experience hesitation about auto industry culture, it’s felt on the inside, too.

“I always was in a position where there were a lot of people around that weren’t OK with those kinds of things,” CC says. “So, I felt like I would have to give up my love for cars and automobilia and that type of stuff in order to transition. So, the conflict internally of those two things is what led us to this idea and pursue Good Judy.”

It’s a hustle period for the couple, who plan to open their doors for business December 19 and are now allowing scheduling via their website.

“It feels really good,” Faith says. “We had some struggles finding a location, which is normal for businesses, especially in Denver … The last couple of weeks have really been a lot, just getting those things wrapped up, delivered, painting, and kind of making the shop the way we want it.”

In anticipation of their opening, the pair started an Instagram page for Good Judy and were immediately blown away by the reception. They will host two open house dates for folks to say hi and get familiar with the business, on December 3 and 4 from 6-9 p.m. at the storefront located at 1865 W. Union, Unit M. in Englewood.

To learn more about Good Judy Garage, visit their official website and Instagram page, and look out for OFM‘s full feature story, coming January 2022.

Photo courtesy of CC and Faith Haug