VAYLA Blog Post Fall 2024
As I am reflecting on my second to last semester with VAYLA, I have a lot of positive things to say. However, it is difficult to mention this previous semester without also mentioning the election that occurred, and what that means for reproductive rights. However, I first would like to explain what I do as a Reproductive Justice Intern at VAYLA New Orleans. I work with Syna Pal and with VAYLA to curate an AAPI focused reproductive justice podcast called Our Bodies, Our Stories (available on all podcast platforms). Our most recent episode is about AAPI representation in the media as well as how reproductive issues are represented in the media, as well as whose voices are centered most often. If you are interested in listening, follow this link!
During this election season, I switched my focus to more civil engagement surrounding reproductive rights. Ahead of the election, I focused on voting information such as political literacy, where I produced an instagram post on @vaylano that discussed the role of government, political system, and what justice means. I also produced a post that discussed why it is important to vote and the many reasons one might choose to vote. This same post also discussed how to have a civil discourse with people within one’s circle that may not share the same political views as you. I also discuss how to exercise civil liberties when one can’t vote, such as writing op-ed pieces, volunteering for campaigns, and giving words of hope to those that can!
Following the results of the presidential election, I also made a post that discussed the seven states that codified abortion into law. Arizona, Missouri, Colorado, Maryland, Montana, Nevada, and New York all codified into law (for more details see the post on @rjvayla on instagram!) A lot of grief came with the election results, and I wanted to turn my grief into something tangible by making these instagram posts, to also remind everyone of the good that came out of this election cycle as well.
Keep following our instagrams and keep up with Syna and mine’s podcast to stay informed!
