(I'm very pleased and honored today to host the work of activist/writer Amelia Bonow, co-founder of the #ShoutYourAbortion movement, and Victoria Holt, ace photographer. I am inspired by the creativity and courage both these friends have shown, and grateful for all they bring to our community. Amelia has written a lil' wrap up about the recent benefit show in support of SYA's larger mission, which is to keep opening up productive, positive, and non-judgmental dialogue about abortion, and Victoria took some kick-ass photos of the great local bands that played that night.
I realize that the topic of abortion is extremely divisive, and I respect that it's a complex subject. However, any analysis of human history shows two things: 1. Abortion has existed forever, and will continue to exist forever, no matter what restrictions are put in place, so all societies choose to make the procedure safe or unsafe, and; 2. If women do not have full autonomy and choice about what happens to their own bodies, they are made lesser humans, and will exist as prisoners all their lives.
Thank you, Amelia and Victoria. -- Marianne)
Lots of journalists ask me, "What is #ShoutYourAbortion,
beyond a hashtag?" SYA is our new reality, and it has never felt more
real to me than it did on last Tuesday night. Since SYA began, our community of
artists, rockers, queer folks, activists, and punks has worked to make our
world a place where women can talk about abortion. As I was running around and
giving a thousand hugs on Tuesday night, it was 100% clear to me that I was
living in a post-SYA world. And people have rallied so hard! People donated so
much time and energy to make the show come together. The raffle stuff was
great--a year of shows donated by Chop Suey, a bunch of swag from John Criscitello, tats from MKNZ, tons more. A woman made a beautiful ‘zine inspired
by SYA , and BRAT Records made a mixtape. From Sayonara to S to Pony Time, the
seven bands on the bill were all over the place and were all just killer. Our
little scene is tough and talented and we have each others' backs -- I
couldn't be more proud or grateful and I have never ever felt more like the 206
is the only place I want to be.
As far as what's next, I really want everyone to check out www.shoutyourabortion.com, look at the #TogetherForAbortion page, and share it with people all over the country—on 1/22/16 SYA is partnering with a bunch of organizations to make nights like that happen all at once, on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, in all 50 states. It has the power to be huge, and we need help finding people, especially in the South and Bible Belt.
Lisa Prank
Sayonara
SYA Raffle
Amelia Bonow and Kimberly Morrison
Amelia Bonow and Lindy West
Matt Nyce of Wimps
S
Pony Time
© Copyright 2008- Marianne Spellman