T HE LAW surrounding gender self-identity has progressed furthest in Canada. Last year it added gender identity and gender expression to the characteristics protected by federal human-rights law. But in Vancouver that has led to a conflict with women’s rights.

In March JY, whose full name cannot legally be published, contacted Shelah Poyer, a beautician who advertised body-waxing services from her home on Facebook Marketplace. JY, who uses a man’s name and whose profile picture looks male, asked if Ms Poyer did Brazilian waxes, a procedure that entails the removal of pubic hair.

She replied: “Not for men, sorry.”

JY retorted: “I’m a woman, I transitioned last year.”

JY complained to British Columbia’s human-rights tribunal, alleging discrimination and seeking damages of C$2,500 ($2,000). The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, a non-profit libertarian group, offered to represent Ms Poyer. It argued that waxing male genitalia requires different training and equipment, which she does not possess, and said that, as a woman, she too has protected rights to privacy and safety.

They sought to remove the anonymity order, granted to avoid “outing” JY as transgender. JY had mentioned using a women’s gym, and the lawyers presented evidence to the tribunal that JY had also talked about being a trans woman online—in posts asking for advice on how to approach a naked ten-year-old girl to ask for a tampon, and whether it is appropriate to show a young girl how to use it. JY denied writing the posts, said the account had been hacked, and withdrew the case. Over a dozen cases brought by JY against other women who offer Brazilian-waxing services continue.

Canadian law is still unclear. Is a woman willing to perform intimate services involving nudity for women obliged to perform the same services for any male who claims to be a woman?