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Planned Parenthood fights back with Shirley Temples: Cocktails for a Causebrings together old and new supporters
The backlash against Texas’ war on women’s health is in full swing, and it’s getting really, really fun. A few weeks ago, Black Widow Burlesque organized a pan-Texan burlesque benefit for Planned Parenthood that was a blast and raised a few thousand dollars for Austin’s PP locations. Yesterday, Planned Parenthood hosted the absolutely packed Cocktails for a Cause fundraiser at Six Lounge.
PP’s big idea for the cocktails and appies was to unite their tried and true supporters, the good people who have been donating and supporting for years, with those of us who have always supported family planning, contraception, STI testing, cervical cancer screening and women’s AND men’s health in spirit, but hadn’t really gotten motivated or organized yet.
This event and others like it are encouraging in the face of stupid idiot Judge Jerry Smith messing with Planned Parenthood’s money and women’s health.
The event was a huge success. The place was packed, it stayed fun all evening, the food was great, actually, and their signature cocktail was a Shirley Temple with vodka (the internet has reached no consensus over whether it is called a Dirty Shirley, a Naughty Shirley or a Lucille Ball, but I have my favorite).
This event and others like it are encouraging in the face of stupid idiot Judge Jerry Smith messing with Planned Parenthood’s money and women’s health. You heard about our stupid idiot Governor taking money away from Planned Parenthood last year. A few days ago a federal judge ordered an injunction against taking their funding away. Then, stupid idiot Jerry Smith put a stay on that injunction, and the funds are gone again.
Austin has done a great job financially supporting our open PP clinics, but they still need our help. Despite what you may have heard, the east side location is still open and they are accepting new clients. After our embarrassment of a Governor took their funds away, individual donors and organizations have done well to keep the clinics open and helping people.
The fight isn’t over, and the fun part is just about to get started. Something about burlesque, vodka with grenadine and affordable health care and contraception just makes you sure you picked the right side.