Frequently Asked Questions 

Identity

I’m not queer, transgender, a person of color, or fat-identified. Can I still receive service here?

Absolutely, yes! The reason we name those specific identities in our mission is that we feel the wellness industry actively excludes them. We want to change this culture by actively calling in folks who might not feel welcomed in traditional wellness spaces. If you do not identify as any of those, you may not have experienced discrimination while receiving something as intimiate as massage therapy and may feel comfortable at any massage business. AND, you are also more than welcome to enjoy our services!!



What does it mean to be “queer centered” business?

Many things! For us, the term “queer” is synonymous with radical resistance so much of it means going against the status quo that oppresses and marginalized people out of the main stream. Queer is the norm, not exception. 1. Almost all of us are queer identified, and this business is owned by a queer, trans, person of color. 2. Queer therapists in the Bay Area seek us out and work with us in order to serve the community in which they belong and to escape discrimination they experience in other work environments. 3. Queer couple’s massage happens regularly here because folks feel safer showing up as who they are. We are also happy to offer services to hetero couples!. #loveislove



What does it mean to be “trans-competent”?

This definition is ever-evolving as we continue to learn more ways of creating a safer space for gender divergent folks! As some of our staff are trans-identified, we know firsthand just how daunting and triggering the health care system can be. One of our main missions is to provide gender-affirming care. Some of the ways this we accomplish this: 1. Never assume anyone’s gender identity based on their appearance and always ask people for their pronouns. 2. Refraining from using language in our documents and interactions that support transgender identities. For example instead of saying “biologically male” we could say “assigned male at birth.” And instead of “had a sex change” we could say “transitioned.” 3. Only asking questions relevant to the care that we provide. Unnecessary and prying questions about gender and body parts can make transgender people feel “othered” and uncomfortable.



What does it mean to be a “fat-friendly” space?

Larger bodied people and fat-identified people are another group of folks who are often mistreated within health care and wellness systems. Their weight and size are often blamed for unrelated health concerns which can prevent them from receiving the actual care they need. Some of the ways we make our space fat friendly: 1. We purchased the maximum width tables with extra padding. 2. We also have arm rest extensions so that folks can fully let their arms relax while lying down. 3. We have a wide variety of waiting room furniture to accommodate different bodies. 4. We will never offer unsolicited nutrition, dietary, or exercise advice. (Especially since it is out of the scope of practice for most of our staff!) 5. We will only discuss topics relevant to the care we are providing.



What does it mean to be a "POC centered" space?

As massage therapists in the industry for a combined 30+ years experience, we each have noticed the lack of people of color (POC) in practitioners and clientele. It is our mission to shift this and invite more POC into the wellness industry. Our experience suggests that cost is not the only barrier for some POC. Massage therapy in an individualistic culture like American society is regarded as a luxury and an occasional treat. Many communities of color, collectivistic cultures are socialized to put the needs of the group or others before themselves. Massage therapy can sometimes be seen as a wasteful form of self-care that POC may feel unworthy of receiving. It’s our goal to change the narrative to where all black and brown bodies believe that they are worthy of this service.



Pricing & Booking

I use a wheelchair, is Bayan Roots accessible?

Bayan Roots is located on street level with no steps up to the door or inside the space. Unfortunately, the bathroom is not ADA compliant.



I have chemical sensitivities, what are your fragrance practices?

Bayan Roots is a low scent environment. Clients and therapists are encouraged to arrive to appointments wearing no scented products (deodorant, essential oils, cigarette smoke included). The therapist may refuse service if the scent is too bothersome and the session will be billed as a no-show. Please note that many of our therapists have adverse reactions to scents and will cause illness like migraines or nausea, and will greatly impact their health. Thank you for understanding! We primarily use a water/vinegar solution for cleaning the space. Sheets are always laundered with free and clear detergents, and hand soaps are always unscented.
Here are some guidelines for low scent practice



Is the space accessible by public transportation?

Fruitvale BART is about 2 miles away. The following AC Transit bus lines will drop you off at the stop 20 feet from our front door: 57, 657, 658, 680, 805. The NL line drops off 2 blocks (0.1 miles) away.



Where can I park my car?

One of the best features of this location is the unmetered street parking! If you don't see a spot on MacArthur, you can usually find one around the corner on Laguna. We do not have a dedicated parking lot.



Preparing For Your Massage

When getting ready for a massage, should I leave my underwear on?

It's completely up to you! You can disrobe to your comfort level or receive a massage fully clothed. During your intake, your massage therapist will discuss all these options with you. If you choose to undress, the therapist will only undrape areas of the body they are massaging at the time. Otherwise, you will be safe and snug under the sheet and blanket. The genital area and gluteal crease are covered at all times. The chest is also always covered unless you give explicit consent to allow for specific work in this area.



What if I miss a session or am sick the day of an appointment?

Please give us as much notice as possible to cancel your session so that other clients may have access to your appointment slot. If you cancel within less than 24 hours, you will be charged 50% of your session rate. If you cancel within 3 hours or no-show, you will be charged 100% of your session rate. We do not love to do this! And also we do compensate our therapists fairly for their valuable time.
If you are sick with a fever or cold we ask that you do not come in for your session. If you feel a cold coming on, massage can sometimes make you feel worse! Please email info@bayanroots.com as soon as you feel symptoms and need to cancel.



Accessibility

I use a wheelchair, is Bayan Roots accessible?

Bayan Roots is located on street level with no steps up to the door or inside the space. Unfortunately, the bathroom is not ADA compliant.



I have chemical sensitivities, what are your fragrance practices?

Bayan Roots is a low scent environment. Clients and therapists are encouraged to arrive to appointments wearing no scented products (deodorant, essential oils, cigarette smoke included). The therapist may refuse service if the scent is too bothersome and the session will be billed as a no-show. Please note that many of our therapists have adverse reactions to scents and will cause illness like migraines or nausea, and will greatly impact their health. Thank you for understanding! We primarily use a water/vinegar solution for cleaning the space. Sheets are always laundered with free and clear detergents, and hand soaps are always unscented.
Here are some guidelines for low scent practice



Is the space accessible by public transportation?

Fruitvale BART is about 2 miles away. The following AC Transit bus lines will drop you off at the stop 20 feet from our front door: 57, 657, 658, 680, 805. The NL line drops off 2 blocks (0.1 miles) away.



Where can I park my car?

One of the best features of this location is the unmetered street parking! If you don't see a spot on MacArthur, you can usually find one around the corner on Laguna. We do not have a dedicated parking lot.



Working with Bayan Roots

I’m not queer, transgender, a person of color, or fat-identified. Can I still receive service here?

Absolutely, yes! The reason we name those specific identities in our mission is that we feel the wellness industry actively excludes them. We want to change this culture by actively calling in folks who might not feel welcomed in traditional wellness spaces. If you do not identify as any of those, you may not have experienced discrimination while receiving something as intimiate as massage therapy and may feel comfortable at any massage business. AND, you are also more than welcome to enjoy our services!!



What does it mean to be “queer centered” business?

Many things! For us, the term “queer” is synonymous with radical resistance so much of it means going against the status quo that oppresses and marginalized people out of the main stream. Queer is the norm, not exception. 1. Almost all of us are queer identified, and this business is owned by a queer, trans, person of color. 2. Queer therapists in the Bay Area seek us out and work with us in order to serve the community in which they belong and to escape discrimination they experience in other work environments. 3. Queer couple’s massage happens regularly here because folks feel safer showing up as who they are. We are also happy to offer services to hetero couples!. #loveislove



What does it mean to be “trans-competent”?

This definition is ever-evolving as we continue to learn more ways of creating a safer space for gender divergent folks! As some of our staff are trans-identified, we know firsthand just how daunting and triggering the health care system can be. One of our main missions is to provide gender-affirming care. Some of the ways this we accomplish this: 1. Never assume anyone’s gender identity based on their appearance and always ask people for their pronouns. 2. Refraining from using language in our documents and interactions that support transgender identities. For example instead of saying “biologically male” we could say “assigned male at birth.” And instead of “had a sex change” we could say “transitioned.” 3. Only asking questions relevant to the care that we provide. Unnecessary and prying questions about gender and body parts can make transgender people feel “othered” and uncomfortable.



What does it mean to be a “fat-friendly” space?

Larger bodied people and fat-identified people are another group of folks who are often mistreated within health care and wellness systems. Their weight and size are often blamed for unrelated health concerns which can prevent them from receiving the actual care they need. Some of the ways we make our space fat friendly: 1. We purchased the maximum width tables with extra padding. 2. We also have arm rest extensions so that folks can fully let their arms relax while lying down. 3. We have a wide variety of waiting room furniture to accommodate different bodies. 4. We will never offer unsolicited nutrition, dietary, or exercise advice. (Especially since it is out of the scope of practice for most of our staff!) 5. We will only discuss topics relevant to the care we are providing.



What does it mean to be a "POC centered" space?

As massage therapists in the industry for a combined 30+ years experience, we each have noticed the lack of people of color (POC) in practitioners and clientele. It is our mission to shift this and invite more POC into the wellness industry. Our experience suggests that cost is not the only barrier for some POC. Massage therapy in an individualistic culture like American society is regarded as a luxury and an occasional treat. Many communities of color, collectivistic cultures are socialized to put the needs of the group or others before themselves. Massage therapy can sometimes be seen as a wasteful form of self-care that POC may feel unworthy of receiving. It’s our goal to change the narrative to where all black and brown bodies believe that they are worthy of this service.



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info@bayanroots.com    |    2575 MacArthur Blvd. Oakland, CA 94602    |    510 - 842 - 8007

©2019 by Bayan Roots.