On Thursday evening, Planned Parenthood hosted its annual Spring Into Action gala in Manhattan, this year honoring musician Olivia Rodrigo and activist Amanda Zurawski.
The temperature was touching 70 degrees in New York, an alarm for gala attendees to break out their spring wardrobes. Floral and bright-colored dresses were most popular as the warm cocktail hour spilled out onto the balcony of Cipriani South Street. Controversial New York Attorney General Letitia James made the rounds, shaking hands through the room. Actress Tala Ashe from the play “English” was all smiles as she was led through the space toward the step and repeat.
In the hallway en route, a table was set up offering T-shirts that read “we’re in it for the long run” and “don’t f—k with us, don’t f–k without us.”
Guests included Lily Allen, Debbie Harry, Marilyn Minter, Laverne Cox, Busy Phillips, Ella Emhoff, Amber Ruffin, Iris Apatow, Laurie Simmons, Sarah Sophie Flicker and more.
Rodrigo was honored with the Catalyst of Change award, presented by Allen.
“Listen, when I started out, being outspoken as a young woman in music meant you were difficult, a troublemaker. God forbid you had an opinion about reproductive rights or bodily autonomy,” Allen said. “But that’s changing now, and it’s because of artists like Olivia.”
“We live in a world that politicizes our bodies and uses harmful ideologies to deny us safety and health care. And it breaks my heart to think that, because of oppressive laws and outdated policies, some of those girls may not get to follow their dreams the way I’ve been able to follow mine,” Rodrigo told the room while accepting the award.
“Just over a year ago, fueled by heartbreak and anger over what’s happening in our world, I launched my Fund 4 Good — a global initiative that supports local nonprofits championing reproductive freedom, girls’ education, and prevention of gender-based violence,” Rodrigo added. “A portion of my tour proceeds went to the fund, and I’m proud to share that we’ve raised and donated over $2 million to organizations around the world.”
Zurawski became a reproductive rights activist after the abortion laws in Texas prevented her from having the medically needed abortion she required after severe complications with her 18-week pregnancy. She went on to sue the state of Texas and for her fight for reproductive rights, was named a Champion of Change.
“Access to reproductive care should not be contingent on your ZIP code. It is a basic human right, and I thank you, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, for helping to provide this critical care while so many are trying to take it away from us,” she said. “Reproductive care is health care, and with your help, we can continue to ensure access for New Yorkers and so many others. And in a country that sometimes feels so dark, we can continue to shine a beacon of hope to so many who desperately need it.”
