Artists, Audience To Share Reproductive Justice Stories at April 18 Event
With the dismantling of Roe V. Wade, artists and activists across the nation have hosted abortion-story shares as a tool for community-building, healing, and transforming public opinion. “Speak Your Truth: Reproductive Justice Stories” continues the abortion stories conversation with live theater to celebrate women, queer, and trans bodily autonomy.
“Voice and specificity bring us into a state of greater empathy,’’ said Rebecca Goyette, Curator of Public Programs, Paul Robeson Galleries at Rutgers-Newark, which is sponsoring the program.
The event will be held on April 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Essex Room, Robeson Campus Center, 350 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
Rutgers University–Newark Health Promotion Division and community partners will present art, visuals, and information about reproductive rights and resources. There will also be one-on-one conversations with peers available throughout the event and afterwards for anyone who has questions.
Host Molly Gaebe, a comedian and abortion doula, showcases her comedic wit through stories about her work as an abortion doula in NYC, where she employs humor and empathy and to offer clients reproductive health support. Molly is a writer and performer at Abortion Access Front, a reproductive rights organization that uses comedy to expose anti-choice extremists. With AAF, she goes on tour in the US putting on comedy shows for cities with independent abortion clinics.
Feminist artist Yvette Molina created a Volcano Goddess wearable sculpture that urges participants to erupt with free expression. Embedded in the gigantic hoop skirt volcano is the phrase “Speak Your Truth,” which became her moniker while wearing the garment at abortion rallies this past year. The dress fits everyone who wears it with its expandable waistband.
At the event, peer advocates will incorporate the costume in their theater production. Post-show, the “Speak Your Truth” dress will be available for audience members to try on and snap pictures.
For question and press inquiries reach out to: Rebecca Goyette, Curator of Public Programs, Paul Robeson Galleries, rebecca.goyette@rutgers.edu, 973-353-0606. Questions about accessibility and accommodations? Contact Bryant Lebron at blebron@newark.rutgers.eduor 973.353.0707. The Paul Robeson Galleries’ programs are supported, in part, by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, The City of Newark (Creative Catalyst Fund), The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and by private donations. We are also supported by Express Newark, Robeson Campus Center, and the Cultural Programming Committee, Rutgers University-Newark.
