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The VUU welcomes Erin Walter, a UU minister and one of the Texas Handmaids. They have been protesting unconscionable restrictions on reproductive freedoms at the Texas State Capitol during the 2017 legislative session. This use of the arts in public witness and activism has spread nationwide.

Show notes:

• NARAL Pro-Choice Texas
• Follow Heather Busby’s writings and interviews
• Margaret Atwood’s, The Handmaid’s Tale (Goodreads)
• SisterSong
• Facebook videos shown in episode: overview from Ladies 1st (via George Takei) and Texas handmaids chanting shame
• Our Whole Lives (OWL): a lifespan sexuality education curricula
• Rev. Joanna Fontaine Crawford on Twitter (@TheMissionalist)

Additional links:

• “For Black Women, The Handmaid’s Tale’s Dystopia is Real—and telling” – Maclean’s
• “Women Wore ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Robes to the Texas Senate to Protest Anti-Abortion Legislation” – Teen Vogue
• “Activists Nod to ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ to Protest Anti-Abortion Bills” – The Austin Chronicle
• “Women Wear ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ Costumes During Protest Against Texas Anti-abortion Bills” – The Hill

The VUU is hosted by Meg Riley (currently on sabbatical), Michael Tino, Joanna Fontaine Crawford, Aisha Hauser, Hank Peirce, and Alicia Forde, with production support provided by Terri Burnor. The VUU streams live on Thursdays at 11 am ET.

Note: This audio has been slightly edited for a better listening experience. View the live original recording on YouTube.