The Female-Led Platform Took To The Streets Of Downtown Los Angeles In Response To The Overturn Of Roe v. Wade
On June 25th, the female-led platform Gritty In Pink took the fight to the streets of downtown Los Angeles, California (US), in response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Teaming up with Rise Up 4 Abortion Rights LA, Gritty In Pink mobilized a protest in the heart of LA with a “Rock For Abortion Rights” concert and rally, 12 hours after the horrific decision that rocked the nation.
Gritty In Pink and Rise Up 4 Abortion Rights LA gathered at the US Federal Courthouse with protesters and artists alike, letting their voices be heard in the wake of this historic decision, with a flatbed truck concert. Artists rallied the crowd with resistance anthems such as Rage Against The Machine’s “Killing In the Name” as well as Meredith Brooks’ “Bitch” and Melissa Etheridge’s “All-American Girl.” Most of the music performed was the artists’ original music, themed for the protest, including some brand-new songs written just for the occasion. Fat Mike of NOFX premiered a brand-new tune he wrote right before the protest, singing “US A-holes… get the f*** outta our holes!” BabyGhost performed their catchy new tune “My Body My Choice,” and Dani Hagan was inspired to write and perform her acoustic manifesto “Get a Vasectomy.” Other artists that performed were emerging new band Tangerine featuring frontwoman Diani Greene (daughter of rap legend Talib Kweli) and Ase (daughter of Norwood Fisher from Fishbone), Plasmic, VK Lynne (The Spider Accomplice), Jules and The Howl, Marijke Worra, Mia FluxXx, Kym Priess (Stuntdriver), and Shiragirl, who hosted the concert backed by musicians Raine Palladino, Jules Quass and Lex Wolfe.
A platform that prides itself on championing and empowering women in music, Gritty In Pink is ready and will continue to fight for abortion rights for women across the US. The company recently issued a statement: “As a platform that prides itself on uplifting women’s voices within music, we are saddened and angered by the overturn of Roe v Wade. This ruling will and is already affecting women across this country, especially women of marginalized backgrounds who already have trouble having access to healthcare in this country. We want to make this very clear, we will not back down. We will not go back. No one in this country should have to fight for their basic human rights.” Founder Shira Yevin adds, “The concert and rally was empowering and inspiring. It was radical to see so many artists mobilize quickly to not only come together to perform for the cause, but also write original songs. And to have the support of Fat Mike was important, because he has such a big platform, which he is using for good- by helping to amplify our message. Although Gritty In Pink is a platform for female artists, male allies are so crucial to this fight. This ruling must not stand!” Shira also joined Fat Mike on stage, to sing NOFX classic “Lori Meyers” – another tune about women taking agency over their bodies and their choices.
Gritty In Pink was asked to throw the concert by Rise Up 4 Abortion Rights LA chapter, which has been tabling at Gritty’s shows since March. The parent organization has previously released a statement, “We refuse to let the U.S. Supreme Court deny women’s humanity and decimate their rights! Join us in fighting for Abortion On Demand and Without Apology!… The violent subjugation of half of society must not be accommodated, excused, downplayed, or surrendered to. IT MUST BE STOPPED!” For more information visit: Rise Up 4 Abortion Rights.
