why a sliding scale?

as a doula, herbalist, holistic reproductive sexual health educator, and the owner of the kindred feminine, i believe that everyone should have access to the support they want and need throughout their reproductive years. i recognize the chaos that our current economic system has created, and envision another model in which every person from menarche to menopause is supported and empowered and are truly the final authorities of their bodies and reproductive health. However, while we work toward a new model in which the rights of folks are paramount, accountable institutions are created, and equitable reproductive support is accessible for everyone, i realize we are not there yet. 

This sliding scale is one way of acknowledging differences in wealth, income, costs, and privilege and actively addresses the economic disparities in our communities and society. This sliding scale is a way to say no to the way things are and yes to the way they can be while providing support for all.

My personal moral and ethical compass includes challenging classist, capitalistic, colonialist structures that are deeply ingrained in our current society and in the current reproductive health models. A sliding scale rate of payment for services is one small way to take into account for the layered opportunities and oppressions we all encounter. This is also geared toward economic justice on a personal and local level. Please take into account the factors listed below; I will not quiz you or ask you to prove anything, I trust you to have authority of your own complicated needs.

things to consider…

Consider paying less:

  • are a person who experiences racism directed at you, or via systemic oppression

  • are a black, brown, indigenous, or otherwise non-white person

  • are someone with a disability

  • are transgender and experience trans related discrimination and/or violence regularly

  • are gay/queer and experience related discrimination and/or violence regularly

  • are a pregnant teenager struggling to find support

  • have medical expenses not covered by insurance

  • have been denied work

  • are eligible for public assistance

  • have immigration-related expenses

  • are an unpaid community organizer

  • are a returning citizen who has been denied work due to incarceration history

  • are supporting children or have other dependents

Consider paying more:

  • own the home you live in

  • have investments, retirement accounts, or inherited money

  • travel recreationally

  • have access to family money and resources in times of need

  • work part time by choice

  • have a relatively high degree of earning power due to level of education, gender privilege, racial privilege, class background, etc. Even if you are not currently exercising your earning power, I ask you to recognize this as a choice.

think to yourself:

When I pay more, I know that I am helping support the kindred feminine. When I pay in the middle, I know I am helping cover costs. (things like additional training and supplies.) 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. I recognize that some people may not be able to afford the low end of the scale. Please let me know and we can work something out.

The scale is intended to be a map, inviting each of us to take inventory of our financial resources and look deeper at our levels of privilege. It is a way to challenge our capitalist society we live in and work towards economic justice on a local level. While i ask you to take these factors into consideration, please don’t stress about it. Pay what feels right. i will not ask questions or quiz you on your payment choices!

This privilege-based sliding scale model was adapted from abm tattoo.