Participation Type
Workshop
Session Title
The Abortion Monologues: Storytelling As a Tool for Reproductive Justice
Session Abstract or Summary
Kentucky is one of seven states with only one remaining abortion clinic. But as reproductive freedoms continue to be challenged on a national stage, our state is positioned to become the very first without a clinic. In response to increased political pressure, local organizing remains as a critical component in the fight for bodily autonomy. The Abortion Monologues is a grassroots theater project dedicated to lifting up the voices of those with abortion-related experiences. Our objective of normalizing open discourse about abortion is achieved through community-based storytelling and exploration of reproductive justice issues that affect diverse populations across the state of Kentucky. We have successfully organized, written, and presented six unique stories that highlight the struggles of obtaining an abortion from Kentuckians who have endured the process of obtaining safe, legal healthcare. Many of our stories come from those who have direct ties to Appalachian Kentucky and their stories reflect the unique struggles that come with intersections of class, identity, and gender. This workshop will examine the process of building community around the project with special emphasis on stories from rural Kentucky and barriers to participation. We’ll also examine reproductive justice as a framework for storytelling, explore foundational pathways in grassroots theater, and exchange ideas for organizing around abortion in greater Appalachia.
Presentation #1 Title
The Abortion Monologues: Storytelling As a Tool for Reproductive Justice
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Kentucky is one of seven states with only one remaining abortion clinic. But as reproductive freedoms continue to be challenged on a national stage, our state is positioned to become the very first without a clinic. In response to increased political pressure, local organizing remains as a critical component in the fight for bodily autonomy. The Abortion Monologues is a grassroots theater project dedicated to lifting up the voices of those with abortion-related experiences. Our objective of normalizing open discourse about abortion is achieved through community-based storytelling and exploration of reproductive justice issues that affect diverse populations across the state of Kentucky. We have successfully organized, written, and presented six unique stories that highlight the struggles of obtaining an abortion from Kentuckians who have endured the process of obtaining safe, legal healthcare. Many of our stories come from those who have direct ties to Appalachian Kentucky and their stories reflect the unique struggles that come with intersections of class, identity, and gender. This workshop will examine the process of building community around the project with special emphasis on stories from rural Kentucky and barriers to participation. We’ll also examine reproductive justice as a framework for storytelling, explore foundational pathways in grassroots theater, and exchange ideas for organizing around abortion in greater Appalachia.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Stacie Sexton is a native of the Appalachian coalfields and was raised in Whitesburg, KY. She graduated from UNC Asheville with a BA in gender and sexuality studies. Over the past decade, she has worked with many regional organizations including Appalshop, Lexington Fairness, and serves as the Artist Director of The Abortion Monologues of Lexington. She currently works with Kentucky Health Justice Network as the Director of All Access EKY, a reproductive health project focused on promoting comprehensive access to full spectrum contraception in Eastern Kentucky.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Kacy Johnson has called Kentucky home for the last decade. She graduated from Purdue University with a BA in Theatre and worked professionally as a production stage manager for 10 years prior to setting down roots with her husband in Kentucky. During that time she worked with such companies as Lexington Children’s Theatre, Festival56, The November Ten, and The 24 Hour Playhouse among others. Much of her later work in the arts, including the Abortion Monologues of Lexington, has focused on art and live performance as a tool for education and change.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
David Austin is an artist, musician and promoter living in Lexington, KY. He has a BA in Electronic Visual Communication from the University of Kentucky. His primary interests include improving the world through foundational social change and dance parties.
Conference Subthemes
Diversity and Inclusion
The Abortion Monologues: Storytelling As a Tool for Reproductive Justice
Kentucky is one of seven states with only one remaining abortion clinic. But as reproductive freedoms continue to be challenged on a national stage, our state is positioned to become the very first without a clinic. In response to increased political pressure, local organizing remains as a critical component in the fight for bodily autonomy. The Abortion Monologues is a grassroots theater project dedicated to lifting up the voices of those with abortion-related experiences. Our objective of normalizing open discourse about abortion is achieved through community-based storytelling and exploration of reproductive justice issues that affect diverse populations across the state of Kentucky. We have successfully organized, written, and presented six unique stories that highlight the struggles of obtaining an abortion from Kentuckians who have endured the process of obtaining safe, legal healthcare. Many of our stories come from those who have direct ties to Appalachian Kentucky and their stories reflect the unique struggles that come with intersections of class, identity, and gender. This workshop will examine the process of building community around the project with special emphasis on stories from rural Kentucky and barriers to participation. We’ll also examine reproductive justice as a framework for storytelling, explore foundational pathways in grassroots theater, and exchange ideas for organizing around abortion in greater Appalachia.
