“Our Bodies, Our Futures” is a Pro Choice Protest in support of putting abortion protections on NV’s ballot this fall to ensure a woman’s/person’s right to choose!
Monday 6.24.24
(This day two years ago Roe V Wade was overturned)
At 7pm: S Art Way & Boulder Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Speakers:
Stormi from @cinnamonbabemusic
Reya from @hottakelv
Mariah from @riyahbandofficial
@jewalbeatsyou
@myrashatters
@fr1ckit
@reproforallnv
@lilitv
EVENTS LEADING UP TO PROTEST:
Acoustic Alchemy
‘Unplugged Fem Voices Supporting Planned Parenthood’
Wednesday 6.19.24
6pm at Taverna Costera Courtyard
1031 S Main St
All Ages
$10 Presale $15 Day Of
Tickets Sold Posh.vip
Performers:
Lies For Attention
The Downstairs Project
Hot Take
Ella Preslyn
Joobilee
Ava Chanel
Protest Sign Making & Art with LV Craft Circle
( @lvcraftcircle )
Saturday 6.22.24
12-3pm
Grouchy John’s Coffee:
8520 S Maryland Pwky
Energy Cleansing with Sisters of the Moon LV
( @sistersofthemoonlv )
Monday 6.24.24
5:30pm
Route 91 Memorial Park
1007 S Casino Center Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89101
I got the opportunity to talk to the amazing women putting together this whole rally, and they are such incredibly strong and wonderful women and I’m so incredibly honored that they let me talk to them about such a very important topic for all of us. In this interview we talk about the importance of Roe vs. Wade, and what are unfortunate foreseeable looks like without it.
VMS:
“June 24th is the two year anniversary of Roe vs. Wade being overturned, how did you ladies all connect to do this incredibly important event and what can we expect that day at the “Our Bodies, Our Futures” rally.”
Reya:
“The four of us have been very connected to the Las Vegas music scene and met each other through it! While the scene is incredible, it also has its downs. Many women have been targeted, assaulted, and harassed at shows and have been pushed to the side. We created Riyah booking to ensure that there is a safe place/community for everyone to show love for music and stand up for what they believe in. We hope to have as many people as possible show up to make a change and empower female voices around America.”
VMS:
” I’m excited for all the guest speakers, tell me a little about everyone’s background and why this is so important for them to be involved in this event. What’s a good way to describe the importance of Roe vs Wade and reproduction rights. And why is this so important for you personally
Mariah:
“The guest speakers are some members of the Las Vegas Music Scene, including Stormi Maya of the band Cinnamon Babe who recently moved to Vegas. We have a member of our LGBTQ+ community, Myra, speaking on how this impacts everyone with and without uteruses. A teacher, Sandra, from Western High School, will be speaking about the injustices she has personally faced with support from her students attending. Jewal and Reya are also speaking. I am speaking on behalf of my grandmother, Jane Specht, who remembers when Roe V Wade legalized abortion in the first place. Ivy, a community activist, and Liliana from the organization ReproforallNV will be sharing their stories. This is important to all of us for our own personal experiences and that is why we are speaking.”
Reya:
“As a biracial, alternative woman, the importance of reproductive rights is deeply meaningful to me. I believe in the fundamental right to make decisions about my own body and reproductive health. I am passionate about advocating for reproductive rights because I recognize the impact it has on the lives of women and marginalized communities. It’s about autonomy, dignity, and the ability to plan for a healthy and empowered future. This event provides an opportunity to amplify these important conversations and work towards a more just and equitable society for all.”
Charlene:
“Hello! I’m Charlene! I’m working with the rest of RIYAH booking to organize and coordinate this event as well as the events leading up to it. I also designed the flyer for “Acoustic Alchemy”, an unplugged fem-fronted showcase that is leading up to this protest and raising donations for Planned Parenthood, a non profit supporting reproductive healthcare. Something that has always been important to me and aligned with my values are human rights. It hurts to see that some people fail to recognize reproductive rights as essential human rights. I believe everyone deserves equal access to reproductive healthcare and should not be shamed, criticized, or restricted in their decision to choose what’s best for their bodies and futures. Outside of RIYAH booking, I play bass for Maybe You’re Right and design graphics for bands. Involvement in our local music scene is important to me, and I’m so grateful to be part of such a valuable project.”
Jewal:
“I grew up Mormon & sheltered. So sex Ed or anything relating to women was seen as taboo or “sinful”. Now as an ex Mormon who has gotten the surgery to get my tubes removed at 23, this subject means so much to me. I thought I didn’t have a choice in this world, I thought my only one was to be a mom & a servant to them & my future husband. To fully grasp that I do indeed have one & use that choice for an operation that not many woman can have access to is a new goal in itself to fight for. I want to be a voice to those who haven’t realized yet that they do have a say on who they can be or want to be in this world. I am so grateful to be given the opportunity to speak on this subject as it effects me & so many others out there that feel the same way.”
VMS:
“There are people who are going to be very opposed to this rally, and have a different opinion on the subject, what would you like to say to them.”
Jewal:
“You were given life by a woman. You were given laughter, a smile, a brace of kindness by a woman at some point in your life. By being opposed to this movement you are denying your up bringing. Denying that another human freedom to be safe & secure in their own skin. Denying history of your ancestors that involve women to bring you here. Denying the fact that a woman in your life does deserve a choice. We are people whether you like it or not & no, we will not be silenced & go back to the kitchen. We will stand up & be loud; it doesn’t matter if you plug in your ears & think you’re better than us, we will prevail.”
VMS:
“What are your personal experiences as a woman in this society and how has the June 24th decision impacted your life personally.”
Reya:
“As a woman in today’s society, I have faced various challenges and obstacles, particularly when it comes to reproductive rights and autonomy. The decision on June 24th, two years ago, to overturn Roe vs. Wade has profoundly impacted my life personally. It has created a sense of uncertainty and fear about the future of women’s reproductive rights and the ability to make decisions about my own body. Being part of the Our Bodies, Our Future protest has heightened my awareness of the need to advocate for women’s rights and the importance of standing up for our autonomy and freedom to make choices that impact our health and well-being.”
VMS:
“What are the changes you would like to see either in the las vegas community, Nevada and / or the United States regarding women’s reproductive rights and women’s rights in general.”
Jewal:
“More education for not only women but for everyone no matter how they identify so they can understand our bodies & history. To not repeat the same mistakes as our older generations did. As well as more research done on how our reproductive organs work. Research on this subject has mostly been done by men who barely understand it & refused to have actual women participate in studies. As more & more women enter the STEM field I hope to see new discoveries be made about what we carry, that way we can understand ourselves better & others who may have health conditions surrounding these issues.”
VMS:
“In the 2 years since Roe vs Wade being overturned, what has been the domino effects, how has this impacted society for women.”
Mariah:
“When Roe V Wade was overturned it caused much unnecessary harm. According to @impact on February 2024 64,000 people became pregnant due to rape in states with total abortion bans. In 9 out of 14 states with a total abortion ban there is no exception for cases of rape. These are the political domino effects that have impacted women in the most horrible way. Not only do those women have to deal with the trauma of being raped, but having a child they may or may not have wanted in the first place is just cruel. 80% of Americans believe that abortion should be legal in some or all cases, so why do the laws not add up? It’s time to put this to rest and allow people to choose what they want medically for their own bodies.”
VMS:
“What do you feel are the biggest misconceptions people might have about Reproduction Rights and the importance.”
Charlene:
“I think one of the biggest misconceptions about the importance of reproductive rights is the extent of lives affected by reproductive restrictions and the significance of providing these essential rights. I’ve seen people correlate an individual’s circumstances with carelessness and irresponsibility. However, these people are often oblivious or unaware of why someone would be placed in that situation in the first place. Unprecedented or non consensual situations can occur that result in pregnancy. This can happen to people of different ages, genders, and demographics. Housing, financial situations, age, and health may also influence one’s choice to have an abortion. Many of these reasons are out of an individual’s control, and I find it unfair to judge a person based on such a decision. I think many people are ignorant of the significance of allowing people to have a choice in what they do to their own bodies and futures. While not everyone may need or decide to have an abortion, they still deserve the right to choose. This affects more lives than we realize.”
VMS:
“What does the foreseeable future look like for women and our society if we continue to keep Roe vs Wade overturned.”
Charlene:
“Honestly, I’m worried about the foreseeable future for our society if we continue to keep Roe v Wade overturned. The reality is that with Roe v Wade overturned, we are only making reproductive healthcare less accessible to those that truly need it. Right now, I’m thinking of children in particular. As unfortunate as it is, there are cases where children or young teens get pregnant. Who are we to force a child to endure the physical and mental implications of carrying a child when they are no more than children themselves? Who are we to advocate for safety and wellbeing and then deny essential healthcare to those that need it? For these people especially, accessible reproductive healthcare is imperative.”
For More Information about “Our Bodies, Our Futures” please visit their website:
https://map.wewontgoback.com/events/our-bodies-our-future-in-las-vegas-nevada
——Vegas Music Scene.