The Intersection of Pride and Repro Rights
During the month of June, we celebrate Pride and honor the generations of LGBTQIA+ people who fought—and continue to fight—for the freedom to live openly, safely, and authentically. While Pride is a celebration, it is also a reminder that, much like reproductive justice, those rights must continue to be expanded, protected, and defended.
It is important to acknowledge that reproductive rights are often framed solely as “women’s issues.” It is vital to understand the importance of reframing that thinking and understanding that true reproductive justice encompasses the root of both movements. At their root, both are driven by the idea that every person deserves to make decisions about their body, health care, relationships, and future without government interference, discrimination, or stigma. Inclusive reproductive advocacy recognizes that people of many genders seek abortion care, use contraception, become pregnant, access fertility services, and build families.
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community face additional barriers to accessing reproductive health care. Restrictions on abortion and other reproductive health services often intersect with efforts to limit LGBTQIA+ rights by restricting gender-affirming care, limiting family-building options, destroying sexual education opportunities, and creating barriers or stigma around seeking essential health services.
These attacks are all connected to a common thread: the idea that some people should have less control over their lives, bodies, and futures than others. The response to these attacks must, therefore, be equally connected. Audre Lorde said, “There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.” Supporting and protecting reproductive freedom means that we must advocate for health care that is accessible, evidence-based, and inclusive of all the people who need it. Supporting the LGBTQIA+ community means ensuring that every person can access care, form families, and live openly without fear. The fight for reproductive justice cannot and will not succeed if parts of our communities are left behind.
