What You Need to Know About #PinkOut Day
We’ve heard a lot about Planned Parenthood lately. The House of Representatives voted recently to de-fund the organization, and in light of so much recent negative attention, they decided to launch a day of solidarity to raise awareness for their plight. They’ve dubbed today Pink Out Day and encourage their supporters to take action.
Here are some things to know to stay informed on this whole PP sitch after this day is over.
Free health tests today: The big issue people get salty about in regards to PP is the fact that they perform abortions. What some people are unaware of is that Planned Parenthood also provides a whole host of women’s health services. To showcase this service, PP is offering free STD tests in over 20 cites. If you’re sexually active, regardless of where you stand politically, it is always a good idea to get a checkup, and today you can get one for free.
San Franciscans can also take part in @PPNorCal's #PinkOut event tonight at @VirgilsSF #StandWithPP pic.twitter.com/QzY1ysVisQ
— David Chiu (@DavidChiu) September 29, 2015
You can drink and support at the same time: In honor of the day, some local bars are hosting events. Virgil’s in SF is offering a happy hour where supporters can mingle and talk about their experiences. You can check out Twitter to see if your local bars are celebrating. Giving a real human face to a big issue can help increase understanding. Plus, drinks!
Cant't be there in person to #PinkOut but there in spirit! #StandwithPP pic.twitter.com/iuoiGVI5FG
— Elizabeth Banks (@ElizabethBanks) September 29, 2015
Celebs are down: Obviously you shouldn’t support something just because a celeb does it, BUT how cute does Elizabeth Banks look r/n? She and other celebs like Dan Savage have pledged to donate to the organization, and you can pledge too.
I set up #ShoutYourAbortion because I am not sorry, and I will not whisper. https://t.co/baI7mnKIba
— Lindy West (@thelindywest) September 22, 2015
Read up: In this age of social media, there are a lot of resources at our fingertips to help us understand an issue. Recently a campaign was launched on Twitter called #ShoutYourAbortion encouraging women to share their stories. The narratives are fascinating, ranging from heartbreaking to refreshingly light. On the other end of the spectrum, here’s a story published today about a woman who really regretted her procedure. No matter what side you’re on, reading first-hand accounts can help you form a more nuanced opinion.
Want to help us #BlackOut the #PinkOut? It's easy… pic.twitter.com/nGvrEHxeUx
— THE Foo (@PolitiBunny) September 29, 2015
There’s an alternative to Pink Out: Those who are staunchly anti-PP can show their opposition by participating in #BlackOut. This movement asks followers to make their profile pics black and white and donate to crisis pregnancy centers.
Will you be participating in the #PinkOut movement? Tell us in the comments!
(Image via @ElizabethBanks)
