At FemmSouth we have a mission.
We believe that through feminist theory, through a comprehensive study of women's history, and through current dialogue women can transform and heal.
We seek to demystify the feminist movement, with grass-roots, community building and local empowering efforts.
We aim to give voice to Southern women in unifying and connecting all sides of the global women's movement.
In this podcast episode, Leigh, Lindsay, and Mette welcome guests Lauren and Jasmine, members of the Pensacola Abortion Rights Task Force (PART), to discuss Pensacola's history with abortion care and activism, as well as Florida's current Amendment 4 initiative. PART was founded in 2022 in response to the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and the closure of the local family planning clinic. The organization is actively involved in petitioning efforts for Yes on 4, a non-partisan, citizen-led ballot amendment set for a vote this November. This amendment protects abortion access up to viability and secures the right for individuals and physicians—not politicians—to make personal decisions about reproductive care. It has garnered nearly a million signatures, emphasizing strong public support across party lines. The amendment now requires a 61% approval rating to pass, which is higher than similar measures in other states.
We also discuss Lauren's documentary "Pensacola Struggle for Abortion Rights," which outlines the historical context of Pensacola's fight for reproductive rights over the past 50 years. This struggle has endured decades of violence from extreme anti-abortion activists, including the first killing of an abortion doctor in 1993, which garnered national attention and inspired the Rock for Choice concert in Pensacola by Pearl Jam and L7 the following year. The clinic that experienced this violence operated for nearly 50 years before its closure in 2022, serving as a critical resource for those seeking abortion care in the region. Lauren's documentary, which premiered for Women's History month, aims to connect current activists with the stories of those who fought for these rights in the past.
For our comprehensive show notes and resources for how to get involved, use the following link—https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GaFb9TG1FteiW-hJ8r-02UVNeufaK3E6ANr0RQ6TdNE/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.fx116pkqr7g
22 Apr 2024
EP 4.2 Let's Talk About Sex: Defending Books & Librarians Against Attacks
In this gripping episode, we delve into the heart of the battle for intellectual freedom with Angie Hayden, the visionary founder of Read Freely Alabama, and Elizabeth Williams, a passionate member of FemmSouth and organizer for Read Freely Alabama's Baldwin County chapter. Join us as Angie sheds light on the harrowing frontlines in Alabama, where the public library in Prattville stands as ground zero. Amidst the fallout from clashes with right-wing groups, Angie reveals the shocking dismissal of four dedicated library workers and the replacement of key positions with members of Clean Up Alabama and their allies. We also uncover the latest developments in Fairhope, Alabama, where groups like Moms For Liberty are pushing for a statewide implementation of Prattville's restrictive policies, limiting access to vital literature for young readers. Despite the challenges, Elizabeth shares inspiring accounts of Fairhope's resilient community rallying together to defend LGBTQ+ representation in their library and safeguard the livelihoods of their cherished librarians. Tune in as we explore the ongoing struggle to preserve freedom of expression in the heart of the Deep South.
6 Mar 2024
Episode 4.1: Let's Talk About Sex Education
In this episode, Lindsay, Mette, and Leigh meet with two guests from the Alabama Campaign for Adolescent Sexual Health (ACASH) to hear how the the overturn of Roe continues to shape Sex Education policy in Alabama.
Christina Clark Okarmus, the Executive Director of ACASH, and ShaKaya Darrington, member of the Youth Advocacy Group, explain how sex education is a critical component to Reproductive Justice as children and teens deserve age appropriate, medically accurate, comprehensive education about their bodies, how to recognize sexual abuse, how to prevent unwanted sexual advances, how to negotiate safe sex, how to prevent unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and a host of important information that can save their lives.
We discuss the history of sex education in Alabama, and the current attempt by Alabama lawmakers to require an “abstinence only until marriage” policy as the only safe option while also prohibiting demonstrations or conversations around contraception. Once again Alabama lawmakers are ignoring expert data that proves just what parents want for their kids and what students need. They are ignoring data and expert medical opinions that prove abstinence only policies are ineffective. They particularly ignore students that have been forced into early sexual encounters against their will, and instead espouse the unrealistic idea that marriage will somehow protect them.
Parents and experts agree that our kids deserve better.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
35 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
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