During my fourth semester as an intern for Geaux Girl!, a local non-profit magazine created with and for New Orleans teen girls, I have had the privilege of engaging with the community through meaningful events, furthering my knowledge of running a non-profit, and acquiring new skills. In 2018, Heide Winston founded the magazine to combat the significant lack of sex education resources in New Orleans. Working for a magazine that includes comprehensive reproductive health information in each issue has been extremely impactful.
Given Louisiana’s restrictive reproductive health and sex education laws, many groups across the state work towards change. This semester, I had the privilege to join the Louisiana Coalition for Reproductive Freedom (LCRF) meetings, which bring like-minded individuals together to brainstorm, share resources, and collaborate on initiatives. In addition to the general Coalition meetings, I have attended committee meetings focused on improving and expanding sex ed as well as a joint meeting of the LCRF and NOLA Maternal and Child Health Coalition. Not only have I learned more about reproductive rights and health, but these meetings have also demonstrated the importance of collective impact.
Additionally, I enjoyed completing several projects, notably research about sex ed policy in the state. Since the law is confusing and complex, teachers often question what they can teach. Therefore, I explained existing policies and what they mean for school curriculum. Last year, the legislature passed “The Given Name Act,” which restricts public school employees from using students’ preferred pronouns, as well as the “Louisiana Don’t Say Gay Bill,” prohibiting public schools from teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity.
These harmful acts highlight the needed work of sex ed advocates, such as Geaux Girl!. I was honored to meet with the Newcomb Institute Director’s Advisory Council, alongside Heide, to speak about my experience as a Geaux Girl! intern. I valued sharing Geaux Girl!’s mission and the professional opportunity to improve my public speaking. I am incredibly grateful to the Council and Newcomb donors who support the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Internship Program and look forward to continuing my work this summer!
