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Clinic Closure Sparks Outrage Over Unpaid Wages
29 Jul
Summary
- Clinic closed July 24, 2026, after workers reported bounced paychecks.
- Employees sought unionization for guaranteed pay, leading to walkouts and strike.
- 25 wage complaints filed with state labor department cite non-sufficient funds.
Real You Electrolysis, a permanent hair removal clinic that primarily served the transgender and LGBTQ+ community, permanently closed on Friday, July 24, 2026. The closure followed numerous complaints from workers about difficulties cashing their paychecks since April. Employees had been engaged in unionization efforts demanding guaranteed pay.
The clinic, which had locations in Vancouver and Lakewood, was a crucial provider of gender-affirming care. Many patients, some traveling from hours away, relied on the clinic for permanent hair removal services necessary before gender reassignment surgeries. The clinic also distinguished itself by accepting a wide range of health insurance plans.
Workers reported receiving paper checks instead of direct deposits starting in April, with many checks bouncing due to non-sufficient funds. This led to escalated actions, including walkouts and a strike beginning July 18, 2026. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries confirmed receiving 25 wage complaints between July 2 and July 20, 2026, related to insufficient funds.
In the interim, former RYE electrologists are assisting patients in finding new electrolysis clinics, particularly those with upcoming surgeries. They have also initiated a GoFundMe to support affected workers and aim to establish a worker cooperative for gender-affirming care in the future.
