Cakes
back in town
Just wanted to let you know how well the stall in Bristol went yesterday. We had a good turn out with 9 people coming to help man the stall, including an inspirational person who gave us a rare insight to the realities of abortion before the 1967 act.
Response was overwhelmingly positive. Lots of people stopped to pick up info, have a chat and thank us for being there. Notably three women and a man wanted to share their experiences of abortion and thank us for defending other people in their situation. Passers-by gave us lots of smiles or nods if they didn't stop for a chat, which kept us in good spirits despite the rain. We got lots of thumbs-up and friendly beeps from cars, buses and even an ambulance.
Throughout the 3 1/2 hours we only got two negative reactions. One from a man who walked past until he was almost round the corner before shouting "You shouldn't have abortions!". Another from a fabulously comedy god-botherer, complete with massive crucifix and bible in hand who gave us the finger!
I think there should be some really good repercussions. Most people who stopped wanted to sign our online petition. People were also very disappointed to hear how our local MP voted in the EDM and took a postcard. I was approached by a student who got off his bus after seeing the stall, hopefully this will help with the collaboration I'm trying to do with Bristol NUS.
In short we had a great day and all feel encouraged by the positive feedback. Sometimes, in the face of the media and over-blown anti choice beliefs, it can feel that we are going against the grain. But it was clear today that our campaign is important to most people in the street!
One unusual aspect, that I have never experienced before, was the scale of positive reaction from men. Not saying that men can't be actively Pro-Choice, but they just aren't usually. More men stopped than women - that ballance of reaction has NEVER happened with me before! We were delighted.
So are Bristolian men just much more right-on and pro-choice? Anyone got any ideas why?
More info: http://www.abortionrights.org.uk/
Response was overwhelmingly positive. Lots of people stopped to pick up info, have a chat and thank us for being there. Notably three women and a man wanted to share their experiences of abortion and thank us for defending other people in their situation. Passers-by gave us lots of smiles or nods if they didn't stop for a chat, which kept us in good spirits despite the rain. We got lots of thumbs-up and friendly beeps from cars, buses and even an ambulance.
Throughout the 3 1/2 hours we only got two negative reactions. One from a man who walked past until he was almost round the corner before shouting "You shouldn't have abortions!". Another from a fabulously comedy god-botherer, complete with massive crucifix and bible in hand who gave us the finger!
I think there should be some really good repercussions. Most people who stopped wanted to sign our online petition. People were also very disappointed to hear how our local MP voted in the EDM and took a postcard. I was approached by a student who got off his bus after seeing the stall, hopefully this will help with the collaboration I'm trying to do with Bristol NUS.
In short we had a great day and all feel encouraged by the positive feedback. Sometimes, in the face of the media and over-blown anti choice beliefs, it can feel that we are going against the grain. But it was clear today that our campaign is important to most people in the street!
One unusual aspect, that I have never experienced before, was the scale of positive reaction from men. Not saying that men can't be actively Pro-Choice, but they just aren't usually. More men stopped than women - that ballance of reaction has NEVER happened with me before! We were delighted.
So are Bristolian men just much more right-on and pro-choice? Anyone got any ideas why?
More info: http://www.abortionrights.org.uk/
