Feeling an all too familiar uneasiness this week? Me too — and it's exactly like the stressful AF one I felt in early November. But I bet I'm not the only one with Inauguration Day stress. An October 2016 American Psychological Association survey found that 52 percent of Americans (and 56 Millennials) experienced 2016 election anxiety — and this was a month before we knew Donald Trump would win the presidential election. Can you imagine how much higher these numbers probably are now?
Since Donald Trump became president-elect, we've seen hate crimes rise, the country divided, women rush to their doctors in a panic, and Americans freaking out over the fate of their healthcare. And we've also seen our reproductive rights threatened.
Not only will our rights be affected once Obamacare is repealed by a man who once said women who have abortions should be "punished", a few weeks ago, House Speaker Paul Ryan said that the GOP plans to defund Planned Parenthood under Trump's presidency. What does that mean exactly? According to Planned Parenthood: "'Defunding' Planned Parenthood is part of a larger agenda to shut down Planned Parenthood health centers and make it impossible to access safe, legal abortion in America." Ugh.
"So many aspects of [an Obamacare repeal] are so frightening, and horrifying, and potentially detrimental to women," Dr. Lauren Streicher M.D., Associate Clinical Professor Of Obstetrics And Gynecology Feinberg School Of Medicine At Northwestern University and author of The Essential Guide to Hysterectomy, tells Bustle. "Most of young women's healthcare needs in their twenties involve contraception, STI screenings, and well-woman care, and we have a double whammy of not only losing congress, but with Planned Parenthood likely to become defunded, these women are going to be left with very few options — and certainly very few affordable options. Don't forget that women rely on their insurance and Planned Parenthood for STI screening and for cancer screening, like pap tests. It is no small thing to no longer have those things be accessible to millions of women."
With January 20, 2017 here, there's no better time to defend women's rights and the 2.5 million patients per year who could lose access to care at Planned Parenthood health centers. And luckily, there are so many ways you can lend your support — and a lot of them are things you probably were going to do anyway, like get a drink with a friend or pick up your phone to tweet. Here's how to put your Inauguration Day stress to good use and support Planned Parenthood.
1Grab A Drink At Rochelle's In NYC
Need to release your Inauguration Day stress and dance the night away? Lucky for you, you can do that and support Planned Parenthood at the same time since NYC-based whisky bar Leave Rochelle Out Of It will be featuring an "Anti-Inauguration" cocktail special called "The Golden Shower" on Friday, January 20. 100 percent of the proceeds of the $10 drink will be donated to Planned Parenthood.
"I chose the inauguration because with all the non-stop media coverage on such a highly contested election, when Friday comes most of us are for sure gonna need a drink!" Brett David, Creative Director of Rochelle's, tells Bustle. "I hope my friends and guests at the bar will take away that despite the election outcome, we are still going to have to fight for what we believe in with every part of our lives."
If you're in NYC, head to Rochelle's after work. This is definitely the night to buy someone a drink — or three.
2Buy A New Vibrator
Need a new sex toy? Here's a way to own your sexuality and protect it. After the GOP vowed to defund Planned Parenthood, Vibrant, a new social enterprise shopping and education site for sex toys, launched. Not only do they offer body-safe, inclusive, and sex-positive adult pleasure products, but 100 percent of the proceeds fund Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains.
Plus, they're having an Inauguration sale. You can use the code BEVIBRANT in order to get 25 percent off your order and help support PP.
3Buy A Sports Bra
Naja, the ethical lingerie and activewear company,,,is selling their Active(ist) sports bra for $20 on Inauguration Day. The sports bra is made by single mothers, out of upcycled, recycled, and digitally printed fabric. It'll be selling for $20, where $19 will cover the cost of the bra and $1 will be donated to Planned Parenthood. Support for you — and others!
4Schedule A Doctor's Appointment
Need to make a doctor's appointment? There are over 650 Planned Parenthood health centers across the country. Find the one closest to you and take control of your health, and stand up for rights at the same time.
5Donate Directly
Feel like working from home (and hiding under your covers) on Inauguration Day? Understandable, but minimize Netflix for a sec and donate (however much you can!) to Planned Parenthood — and under Mike Pence's name, while you're at it! So far, Planned Parenthood has received 82,000 donations from "Mike Pence" — let's make it 90k.
6Hit Up An After Party
Headed to the Women's March in D.C.? Check out the Laugh. Dance…then Get to Work! after-party at D.C.'s 9:30 club for a night of music and comedy where all proceeds benefit Planned Parenthood. Check out the lineup here.
While tickets are sold out, a few tickets are being auctioned online. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Planned Parenthood, too. If there was ever a time to splurge on tickets, this is it.
7Sign Up To Volunteer
Strapped on cash but have some time? Make it worthwhile by signing up to volunteer at Planned Parenthood today — and you don't have to do it alone. The day after the election I emailed my friends encouraging everyone to sign up so we can stand up together. With 2.5 million patients per year who could lose access to care, volunteering is time well spent.
8Call Your Senator
Walking home from work on Inauguration Day? Pause your fave murder podcast and give your senator a call and tell them that you oppose defunding care at Planned Parenthood health centers. Planned Parenthood says calling is more effective than emails, letters, and petitions.
Not great on the phone? PP has a script right on their site, along with an easy way to find your senator's number.
9Tweet Paul Ryan
There's probably a lot you'd like to say to him, but instead of tweeting expletives, try this one that Planned Parenthood recommends:
Hey @SpeakerRyan: #IStandwithPP because @PPFA health centers provide crucial healthcare to millions. Don't defund &block patients from care
10Get Brunch With Friends
...or coffee, juice, dinner, or food to-go. On January 21, the day of the Women's March, The Smile, Smile To Go, The Smile Newsstand, Mile End (Downtown, Midtown & Brooklyn), Grand Army, Fedora, Bar Sardine, Perla Cafe, Jeffrey's Grocery, Joseph Leonard, Le Turtle, Acme, Tijuana Picnic, The Happiest Hour, Lovely Day, Ida’s Nearabout, Rucola, and Grass Roots Juicery in New York City will be donating a percentage of their sales to the local chapter of Planned Parenthood.
11Play An Addictive Game
...called Sperm Invaders! The Space Invaders parody, where your eggs are attacked by penises (don't worry, you have an IUD spaceship to destroy them!) asks you to donate to Planned Parenthood or buy merchandise (which goes to Planned Parenthood) once you're done. This is a great way to spend some downtime and defend your eggs.
12Buy A Tote Bag
Who doesn't need another tote bag? And this one, the "We Who Choose to Stay and Fight" tote by Ginger Haus ($18), has a message — and gives back with 100 percent of its proceeds going to Planned Parenthood.
Without Planned Parenthood many women wouldn't have anywhere to turn for healthcare. Make your Inauguration weekend a productive one and support the 100-year-old nonprofit that needs us now more than ever.
