Unruly Bodies: Power, Pleasure & Resistance for Reproductive Rights

At SXSW in Austin, Texas, FEMINIST partnered with SisterSong, the Repro Uncensored Coalition, Future Front Texas, Noise for Now and more to host a sunset salon and popup nightclub for power, pleasure, resistance and reproductive rights at Cheer Up Charlies. In support of The Afiya Center’s SYS FUnd, we gathered for an evening of dynamic sets and talks by 15+ global and Texas-based artists, musicians, activists and organizers, including Madame Gandhi, Zyah Belle and more.

The evening opened with a salon discussion moderated by FEMINIST co-founder Aisha Becker-Burrowes and accompanied by Qiana Lewis-Arnold from the Texas Doula Association, Monica Raye Simpson from SisterSong, communications strategist Ana Flores, Dallas-based artist SM Sanz, first generation Honduran- American artist Jasmine Zelaya, and Rindala "Rin" Alajaji from the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Through a conversation about reproductive rights and bodily autonomy, we learned about the importance of joy, resistance, and unruly bodies.

📸: @rohofoto

Co-founder and Co-executive Director of FEMINIST, Aisha Becker-Burrowes moderated the opening panel discussion with a group of organization leaders and artists on the state of reproductive rights in Texas. Pictured: Aisha Becker-Burrowes and Monica Rae Simpson of Sistersong. 📸 Via FEMINIST

The evening concluded with inspiring talks and energizing performances from Texas-based artists, musicians, activists and organizers including Jasmine Solano, Zyah Belle, Madame Gandhi, DJ Ella Ella, and RaeCola.

With our reproductive rights under attack, there is a need for more public learning spaces for reproductive justice rooted in creativity, community care, resource-sharing, cultural exchange, and shared values. Unruly Bodies created space to embrace joy as an act of resistance, while learning about reproductive justice solutions.

Pictures (L to R) Aisha Becker-Burrowes, Monica Rae Simpson (Sistersong), Ana Flores, Qiana Lewis-Arnold (Afiya Center), SM Sanz, Rin Alajaji (Electronic Frontier Foundation) Via FEMINIST

ENDING SATURDAY MARCH 15, 5PM Online Auction

Artist Michele Pred is auctioning this work as part of out our Unruly Bodies event, and donating 60% of the hammer price to the Afiya Center's SYS Fund.

Michele Pred

We Shall Overcome, 2025

Electroluminescent wire on vintage purse

11" x 11" x 3"

FEMINIST is able to create meaningful action because of supporters like you. You can help fuel our efforts by donating to FEMINIST here. Your contribution will further our actions to stand up for our mission.

❇️  Click here to donate to The Afiya Center.

❇️  Click here for reproductive rights resources.

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