Sliding Scale Guide
I offer opt-in sliding scale pricing for trans+, QTBIPOC, disabled and neurodivergent clients.
Note - I am only able to offer a limited number of sliding scale appointments per month, so if you can afford to pay my normal rate please leave these appointments available to those who can’t.
Please be sure to indicate there that you would like to take advantage of the sliding scale, there is a box to do so on my booking forms in my scheduling page. I cannot accommodate sliding scale pricing to clients who do not request it at the point of booking.
When I pay more, I know that I am helping my artist support themselves, as well as ensuring they are able to offer services to those who would otherwise not be able to access them.
When I pay in the middle, I know I am helping the artist cover supply costs and . And when I pay at the bottom, I know I am letting my community hold me and support me. All of these are acceptable ways of participating.
Consider paying more on the scale if you:
own the home you live in
have investments, retirement accounts, or inherited money
travel for recreation
have access to family money and resources in times of need
work part time or are unemployed by choice, including unemployment due to full-time school in a degree-earning program
have a relatively high degree of earning power due to level of education (or gender and racial privilege, class background, etc.) Even if you are not currently exercising your earning power, I ask you to recognize this as a choice
Consider paying less on the scale if you:
identify as Black, Indigenous, First Nations, and/or a person of color
are transgender and experience trans related discrimination and/or violence regularly
are gay/queer and experience related discrimination and/or violence regularly
are supporting children or have other dependents
have significant debt
have medical expenses not covered by insurance
are eligible for public assistance
have immigration-related expenses
are an elder with limited financial support
are an unpaid community organizer
are a returning citizen who has been denied work due to incarceration history
experience discrimination in hiring or pay level
are a sex worker who experiences occupational discrimination (personal and/or legislative)
have been impacted by criminalization or incarceration
These guidelines are adapted from the Little Red Bird Botanicals adaptation of the sliding scale model of Underground Alchemy (no current online presence).
Trades
I consider trades as payment on a case by case basis. If you are interested in bartering goods or services, please reach out via penjoyment@gmail.com. I am particularly interested in bartering for tattoos, massage, chiropractic, esthetic services, acupuncture, and reiki.