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What I learned today, a thread:
I showed up to the capital this morning in my bright pink blazer willing and ready to advocate for women and against the proposed constitutional amendment.
I showed up to the capital this morning in my bright pink blazer willing and ready to advocate for women and against the proposed constitutional amendment.
The first two meetings went well. We spoke with representatives who planned to vote no. They gave us insight into their thoughts as well as advice on how better to carry our message.
Going into our final meeting of the morning we felt strong and empowered. We knew the last two reps we were going to speak to were on the fence with their support. We wanted to tell a compelling story of our experiences and our fears.
Our fears about the overreach that this amendment emboldens. This amendment could make birth control illegal. It could make abortion in all cases, including rape and incest, illegal. It is a dangerous step taken by the right.
So I spoke my truth. I shared my story. My friends talked about their experiences as women and as medical professionals. Before we could finish our short speech/presentation we were interrupted.
We were met with such hospitality and rage that we stood agape. I was told that my experience was my own fault. I was called stupid. I was berated where I stood by an elected representative.
After the rep finished his tirade, I thanked him for his time. I excused myself from the room and cried in the hallway. This is the endgame. They want women to feel shame. They want to embarrass us into silence.
I was met with such kindness from other women after the incident. Many expressed their disappointment with the rep. They offered me their apologies. They treated me as human being. They gave me the respect and dignity that I had been denied.
So what did Iearn? I learned this the fight is far from over. There are so many more people in our corner than one realizes. We have strength in our stories and in our activism. My experience today was unfortunate. But I will not allow it to silence me.
We have a lot of work to be done. It’s hard work but it’s the kind of work that is vital. So if you are ever made to feel less than because you are a woman or you have had to make difficult decisions, keep your head up. Keep fighting. And keep believing in yourself and your story
Women’s rights are human rights. Stand strong and stand tall. We are in this together. And together is how we change things. #standwithpp
