Sliding Scale + Mutual Aid

This privilege-based sliding scale model was adapted from “The Sliding Scale: A Tool of Economic Justice” by Alexis J. Cunningfolk

Why Sliding Scale?

Handy Dandy is a queer business and I work to center the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

This includes challenging the classist / racist / capitalistic structures deeply ingrained in our society.

One way I take into account the different intersections of privileges / oppressions my clients hold is to offer a sliding scale payment model for my services.

Offering a sliding scale rate is my commitment to economic + racial justice on a personal and local level. I will never question your choice or ask you to prove yourself. I trust you, one community member to another.

What is Sliding Scale?

Sliding scale is a tool that allows for my services to be obtained at multiple price points based on the varied socioeconomic circumstances of my clients.

Sliding scale represents the idea that financial resources, including income, are not and should not be the only determining factor in whether or not someone can access services or care.

I use a sliding scale to encourage people to pay according to their available resources. Those with greater financial privilege contribute more, allowing those with less access, to pay according to their means. This allows me to sustain my business while making my services as accessible as possible.

How do I choose what to pay?

The outline below helps breakdown our understanding of financial privilege and experience. Please feel free to use it as a guide to determine where on the scale you feel matches your financial situation.

Top of the Scale:

  • I am comfortably able to meet all of my basic* needs

  • I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs

  • I own my home or property OR I rent a higher-end property

  • I own or lease a car

  • I am employed or do not need to work to meet my needs

  • I have regular access to health care

  • I have access to financial savings

  • I have an expendable** income

  • I can always buy new items

  • I can afford an annual vacation or take time off

Middle of the Scale:

  • I may stress about meeting my basic needs but still regularly achieve them

  • I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs

  • I own or lease a car

  • I am employed

  • I have access to health care

  • I might have access to financial savings

  • I have some expendable income

  • I am able to buy some new items & I thrift others

  • I can take a vacation annually or every few years without financial burden

Bottom of the Scale:

  • I frequently stress about meeting basic needs & don’t always achieve them

  • I have debt and it sometimes prohibits me from meeting my basic needs

  • I rent lower-end properties or have unstable housing

  • I do not have a car and/or have limited access to a car but I am not always able to afford gas

  • I am unemployed or underemployed

  • I qualify for government assistance including food stamps & health care

  • I have no access to savings

  • I have no or very limited expendable income

  • I rarely buy new items because I am unable to afford them

  • I cannot afford a vacation or have the ability to take time off without financial burden

* Basic Needs include food, housing, health care, and transportation.


** Expendable Income might mean you are able to buy coffee or tea at a shop, go to the movies or a concert, buy new clothes, books, and similar items each month, etc.