Several years ago, when I was doing a lot of advocacy work and not very much Capital-P Political work, I had a coffee meeting with Robin Marty who has become one of my most trusted sources and advisors for the political work that I do today. Robin is a well-known and extremely influential activist and writer working in the reproductive justice space, an issue that has grown into one of my greatest passions. Her book, “Handbook for a Post-Roe America,” has been on my shelf since its release and I often refer to it in preparation for debate. Her book guides readers through various worst-case scenarios of a post-Roe America, and offers ways to fight back. And I asked her three simple questions. [Note: This interview was before Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation.]
What’s something you’re really excited about right now?
I’m actually in the process of moving to Alabama, which is both terrifying and exhilarating. I’ve never lived in the South for more than a few months before, so packing up an entire family to move into a completely different environment is a huge change – especially considering how very cold and liberal Minneapolis is and how very hot and…not progressive is. But things are really starting to change, and I want to be there to help spur some of that change on. Alabama is such an under-resourced state when it comes to any sort of progressive organizing, which makes little sense since the issues of poverty and racism should make it ripe for engagement, and both financial and logistical investment can go so much further down there. Hopefully I can help draw more attention to its needs and possibilities from inside the state.
What’s getting you through your day?
I have become obsessed with Animal Crossing New Horizons over the last few months. I actually requisitioned one of my boys’ Switch so I could have my own island because I wasn’t dealing well under the dictatorship of my daughter’s land. She was very particular about what trees I could cut and where I was allowed to place my tent, so I had to stake out my own territory. Now we can play together, which is nice. And I find terraforming ridiculously soothing – if only I could remake the real world so easily and precisely.
What’s something not enough people are talking about?
Everyone is talking about the probability of Roe being overturned, and sending the decision of whether or not abortion will be legal in the future back to the states. Yes, that’s bad, but I don’t think people have grasped just how dire things could be. If Amy Coney Barrett is placed on the Supreme Court, there are five solid votes for eliminating ALL abortion federally, because that means five justices (Alito, Thomas, Kavanaugh, Gorsuch and Barrett) who believe that the 14th Amendment considers a “person” to include pregnancies at any stage. Would they do that, considering there is no national appetite for a federal abortion ban? I don’t think so. But a lot of things have happened since 2016 that I never would have expected. At the very least, it could open the door for severe restrictions even in states like New York or California, like making abortion illegal after the first trimester. And considering how many people from illegal states may be using clinics in legal states if Roe is gone, that could be a huge problem when it comes to the availability of a termination.
I advise you to stop sharing your dreams with people who try to hold you back, even if they’re your parents. Because, if you’re the kind of person who senses there’s something out there for you beyond whatever it is you’re expected to do – if you want to be EXTRA-ordinary – you will not get there by hanging around a bunch of people who tell you you’re not extraordinary. Instead, you will probably become as ordinary as they expect you to be.
– Kelly Cutrone
What I’m listening to:
This new single just released by my new obsession, Khruangbin
This new single just released by H.E.R., which is such an incredible nod to D’Angelo
This new album just released by Ariana Grande
NPR, like, constantly
Things I Did This Week:
I voted! Did you? I filled out an absentee ballot and dropped it in the dropbox at the County Election Commission.
Uploaded new things to the shop every day - special treasures like pens, notebooks, belts, soft scarves, silk bandanas, unique ceramics…
Got a COVID test - fingers crossed on those results. I’m not sure if I’m symptomatic or if it’s just Standard Changing Season Allergies, but I am very anxious about any of it so I wanted to be sure to get checked for my own peace of mind.
Remote learning filling up 90% of every day in our apartment
Met with some potential partners for a new business in a field I am very excited about
Did an interview with one of my *favorite* authors alongside one of my *favorite* colleagues for an upcoming book
Got a cut and style from my beloved angel Rebecca Forsyth
Hosted last-minute last-check fundraisers for four different local candidates
Spoke to a class at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln about climate change
Things I Will Do Next Week:
I truly have no idea
I am not going to set myself up for disappointment by setting a single intention
We will sure see, won’t we
More to come. If you know someone who would like this in their inbox, forward it to them and tell your friends to subscribe. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter, too. Stay home, and stay safe!
Meg