Merfolk Moxie Reproductive Rights Festival

By Jade Jacobo

Web Content Contributor

The Merfolk Moxie Reproductive Rights Festival took place at Private Park on June 24! There were live drag performances, a live musical performance, pop up stands selling all kinds of treats and goods and activists providing more information on why reproductive rights are so essential to our rights as human beings. The event was a fundraiser for both San Marcos Abortion Activists and Red State Access, which provides help to people that are seeking an abortion in a state that has strict abortion laws and/or policies. They are always looking for volunteers and donations, so check out the SMAA website for more information.

Kim Varela-Broxson was there on behalf of The Bridge Collective, an organization that provides and delivers health kits that include emergency contraception and pregnancy tests to residents of Austin, San Marcos and San Antonio. TBC also partners with the Just The Pill organization to provide residents with transportation to clinic appointments. If you are in need of these services or if you are interested in volunteering with the organization, check out The Bridge Collective website for more information.

The first pop-up stand that caught my eye was Jade Risa. The stand was run by Jade Andalon and their partner, Juan. They upcycle second-hand clothes and add their own unique designs, giving the clothes a new and refreshing look. The designs are hand-printed, airbrushed, and/or painted by hand. The Jade Risa pop-up shop is usually located in Austin, but you can find their eccentric pieces on the Jade Risa website.

Market 777 made an appearance displaying their wire wrapped and beaded crystal jewelry. All of their jewelry is hand-made and each item comes with a card explaining the kind of benefits that come with the crystal piece that you have selected. The pop-up shop is run by Morgan Kehrberg and they recently opened a storefront in New Braunfels by the name of Savage Mana. Kehrberg works farmers markets in San Marcos and Wimberly on the weekends, so be sure to stop by and say hi!

Sir Maxim, the iconic drag king based in Austin, opened by performing “Take On Me” by A-ha, and they absolutely stole the show! Sir Maxim had an amazing energy that was definitely carried on by performances from drag kings Beau Elliot, Gender Destruction and Kino Kino. Gender Destruction is currently saving up for gender affirming surgery and they are accepting donations on their GoFundMe page.

The festival came to a close with a performance from Wezmer. The local band performed fan-favorite “Me” and new songs, “Audrey” and “Junie”. The new songs will be featured on their upcoming album that will be released in July. Wezmer announced that they are having an album release show on July 21 at Studio San Martian! Be sure to follow Wezmer on Instagram to stay up-to-date on upcoming shows and song releases.

The festival, and festival-goers, brought out a different kind of peaceful energy that I have not experienced at an event in a long time. The SMAA created a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals to celebrate Pride Month, as well as a safe space to raise awareness for pro-abortion organizations. I hope that SMAA is able to put together another festival/event soon. Their love and energy is just what San Marcos needs. Follow San Marcos Abortion Activists on Instagram to stay informed about upcoming events!