Support Anja Schütz's 'Pro Roe' Photo Project

Anja Schütz is a prolific photographer local to Western, MA. Her creative works have moved us to action, provided outlets for our collective anger, grief, and reflection, and have brought us closer together with the resounding sentiment that we are not alone.

 

In the wake of the Supreme Court ruling, Anja has created a project called 'Pro Roe.' In her words:

 

"In enraging political times when rights are being stripped, or body parts are up for grabbing (2016) or whom you love or the body you live in is again increasingly considered to be lawfully sinful by the Christian Right, I find it helpful to share space with other enraged individuals to process the atmosphere we’re living in. Not being terribly eloquent speaking or writing-wise, I do this through my art and allow my subjects to represent themselves in their own words.

 

This latest project comes on the heels of the Supreme Court Roe V Wade decision leak and now, sadly, in the postmortem days of this civil right. I’ve been spending time with people who are affected by the cruel in-process attempt to force this country to bar abortions for anyone with a uterus. This project, however, is not limited to people capable of giving birth; this law affects us all, and it is clear that the Supreme Court has further plans to limit the civil rights of anyone not white/cis-male/Christian. We are finding ourselves in a fascist state.

 

My subjects pose for me wearing T-shirts with slogans such as My Choice Reigns Supreme, Abort the Court, and Abortion Saves Lives. Subjects choose the shirt that aligns most closely with their feelings about the current political climate. I take their portrait after spending some time listening to their opinions and experiences. After the shoot, I pair their portrait with a statement they have written about their position. My great joy within this sadly-necessary project is the wide range of experiences people choose to share about their own human rights, their own dignity, their own anger, their own hopes—our viable human experience threatened by a Supreme Court out of touch with the majority of opinion in this country."

 

This fundraiser is an opportunity to ensure the sustainability of this project so Anja can continue to amplify our voices in solidarity. Please consider donating these artistic, journalistic, political, and community-building efforts. We must co-create the infrastructure to preserve our rights.

 

Take a moment to check out her project: PRO ROE

 

DONATIONS WILL COVER:

 

1. The cost of t-shirts, which are central to the project and read either 'Abort The Court' or 'My Choice Reigns Supreme.'

 

2. Cover the cost of gas for Anja's transportation so she can broaden her reach beyond the immediate locale and make this project accessible to all who want to participate.

 

3. Help cover the cost of time associated with the organizing and administrative aspects of this project.

 

If you cannot donate at this time, please consider sharing this link with your community: https://gofund.me/e8675876 

 

Thank you for joining me in supporting the artistry and efforts of Anja Schütz.

 

-Emma Ayres

(They/She)