When I was in middle school learning to play the clarinet, the only song I knew how to play well was “I’ll be home for Christmas.” I played it all the time. For a whole year. Perhaps this was one of the motivating factors for my parents to invest in clarinet lessons. Growing up, I loved the holidays and Christmas music. I still love the holidays, but over time, some of that childhood wonder has faded. This holiday season, we wanted to bring some of the magic back and share some inspiring stories of people making a difference. It’s like an Outlawed-Hallmark channel collaboration. These interviews of helpers gave us a tremendous amount of hope.
Like Mr. Rogers says - in times of catastrophe look for the helpers - “the helpers always give you hope.” There is no doubt that Dobbs has created a chaotic catastrophe for abortion care. In the face of catastrophe, everyday people have come out of the woodwork to create a network of support. These folks are making important impacts through acts of service and kindness.
The next two episodes of Outlawed showcase some of the best of humanity. We share stories of people supporting those traveling for abortion care. In 2024, almost 200,000 people traveled across state lines for care. North Carolina was one of the states receiving the most travelers and we have heard many stories of the challenges they faced along the way. It’s not uncommon to care for someone who has driven through the night to a clinic, only to turn around right after their visit for a long drive home. Having a bed to rest your weary head can make all the difference in the world.
On this week’s episode we talk with Toshiko - one of the founders of with Gloria - an organization that matches unused AirBNB rentals with folks traveling to seek care. We also talk to one of the AirBNB hosts - Persephone - about her very rad house in New Mexico and what it means to her to help create a community of care and to be a sidekick in someone’s abortion journey.
If you are planning end-of-year donations, please consider giving to with Gloria. They are helping the travelers who need assistance and enabling their community to support the abortion care network.
If you need an unconventional holiday mix - here are a few of my favorite songs:
The most applicable holiday song that relates to Outlawed is from Dar Williams - ‘The Christians and the Pagan’s - you can find a live performance here. It’s all about having conversations across the political divide.
From the chorus:
So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table, Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able, And where does magic come from? I think magic’s in the learning, ‘Cause now when Christians sit with Pagans only pumpkin pies are burning.
Happy holidays, y’all!
Need some holiday Outlawed merch? Check it out here.
Thanks for reading Outlawed’s Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.