Puro Repro Justice Pachanga

Brick at Blue Star, the iconic Southtown locale, recently became home to Puro Repro Justice Pachanga, a celebration of the historic passage of San Antonio’s first Reproductive Justice Fund. Pachanga’s atmosphere was festive, with lively tunes from local DJ and artist Babi Melodi, complimentary food and snacks provided by Blanca and Adelita’s Tamales and HEB, a mechanical bull from Mama’s party rentals, and live t-shirt screen printing. In the back of the venue sat a long table adorned with free emergency contraception, Narcan, and reproductive justice information for interested individuals to learn more about the fund and its beneficiaries. 

Pachanga was the collaborative effort of several local reproductive justice organizations such as Buckle Bunnies, Suenos Sin Fronteras, Avow Texas, Lilith Fund, and Jane’s Due Process—all of which target different sectors to ensure maximum reproductive care accessibility. They do so by providing helpful resources, promoting and distributing mutual aid, and assisting pregnant individuals in accessing safe abortions. The organizations, however, have not been able to provide this care without legal backlash. Buckle Bunnies, for example, has been the target of several lawsuits from anti-abortion organizations; however, they failed to hinder their drive to provide necessary resources to the community. In fact, Pachanga also served as Buckle Bunnies’ first celebration in light of these lawsuits, wanting to provide a space for fun and community regardless of whatever legal issues they may face. 

The Reproductive Justice Fund passed in September of 2023, promising $500,000 to reproductive justice organizations that provide a community safety net of sexual healthcare. Immediately following its passage, the city of San Antonio was sued by anti-abortion advocates who questioned its legality within state law, even if the funds aren’t being used to assist in out-of-state abortions, subsequently getting the funds involved in the suit subpoenaed for information. As a result, the $500,000 promised to these organizations is currently being held, with the city having yet to plan a meeting about the allocation of these funds.

Editor: Jordyn Blevins

Photography and Video: Bethany Castro