Alex Paquin.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
EASTHAMPTON — In an evening of laughter on the longest day of the year, Comic Relief: Solstice Edition, an evening of comedy, community and collective action benefiting Tides for Reproductive Freedom, will be live at CitySpace on Friday, June 20.
Tides for Reproductive Freedom is a nonprofit organization based in Western Mass. that provides direct funding and support for abortion access and reproductive care across the state. The group is dedicated to providing financial and practical support for all people, especially those most marginalized, to ensure they can access the care they need.
This special solstice gathering brings together local comedians, performers and activists for a night designed to uplift spirits while advancing reproductive justice. Proceeds from the event will directly support Tides for Reproductive Freedom.
The evening will also feature food, drinks, a raffle and silent auction, music, a crafting table and opportunities to connect with local community members all during a night with a jam-packed lineup of comedy.
The event will run from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and will feature comedians Alex Paquin, Abby Sullivan, Achol Dau, Jasmine Mills and Paul Kilmer. Tickets are $25 and are available at shorturl.at/NJRIO.
Tides for Reproductive Freedom Director of Development Dale Gaddes told Reminder Publishing the event was born from the organization looking to expand its fundraising efforts. The organization eventually crossed paths with Paquin, a local comedian, who spoke about why she is now back for Tides’ big fundraiser later this month.
“Back in December, Tides for Reproductive Freedom hired me for a show — ‘Humor is Healthcare’ — at Femme Bar in Worcester. This was our second time working together and I quickly realized that I wanted to deepen my relationship with this organization,” said Paquin. “As a standup comedian, I am always looking for my next opportunity for stage time. But working with Tides felt different, it felt more meaningful. Surrounded by typical laughter and good drinks, I got to meet people who all believed the same thing I do: Reproductive and sexual health are fundamental human rights.”
Gaddes explained quickly after meeting Paquin, a natural partnership was born.
“It was this idea of combining comedy with getting the word out about our work which is to provide financial and transportation support for people seeking abortion care in Massachusetts,” Gaddes said.
Paquin added she reached out to the team at Tides for Reproductive Freedom because she wants to help bring in a new kind of comedy fundraiser to the current model.
“The goal of combining that with comedy is to show our people that although abortion is a very serious topic that deserves dignity and respect, levity and joy go hand in hand with that same bodily autonomy we fight for today,” she said.
Tides officially became a nonprofit in 2021 and has since worked to fill gaps in funding and practical support across the state by working directly with frontline communities. As members of the communities, they find themselves equipped to do the necessary work of centering and working with people in their communities and building collective power by investing in their leadership.
Gaddes said the group’s efforts also focus on destigmatizing the conversation around abortion and reproductive rights and having more community events will help them spread their message amongst the people.
“This type of event was a natural progression of that. Having something that’s a fun event, something that’s in the community and connecting folks and also raising awareness and funding for the work that we’re doing, brining those pieces together,” Gaddes added. “It was really in line with our mission, not only raising funds, but also working with a volunteer [Paquin] who’s really enthusiastic about our work, and also just an opportunity to connect more with the community and really get our name out there and what we’re doing.”
Gaddes said in a post Roe world, work and efforts from groups like Tides for Reproductive Freedom are more important than ever, as they attempt to help people access safe medical care if needed.
“Thankfully, Massachusetts is a more friendly state and abortion rights are being upheld, however that doesn’t mean that everyone in Massachusetts automatically has access to those services even if they are available,” Gaddes explained. “They might not have health insurance, the process can be cumbersome, it could be something they don’t want to use because they don’t want their family members to know. There are so many reasons why even if the services are available to people, there would be barriers to access them, financially and logistically. And there’s still a lot of stigma in a lot of communities around abortion care so it might be a matter of ‘I don’t know how I’ll get there,’ or ‘I don’t want to ask my family member for a ride.’ So, we’re just really trying to have that resource out there, be able to help bridge that financial gap somebody might have. Just trying to think of the different barriers that people still face.”
Gaddes continued, “We’re trying to make the service accessible and trying to get the word out there that there’s no qualifications for being served. If you call and you say you need the assistance, as long as we have the funding that week, we will provide it. We’re just trying to make it as accessible as possible to as many people who need it.”
Gaddes shouted out two other state bodies doing similar work in the Abortion Rights Fund of Western Massachusetts and the Eastern Massachusetts chapter, and that they have helped establish a network of organizations helping eliminate barriers to abortion care in the state.
Gaddes said the June 20 fundraiser will be a unique and fun experience with comedy and the various other entertainment options during the evening. She hopes people come out and enjoy the night all while learning more about the work of Tides for Reproductive Freedom.
“We’re really looking forward to connecting to more people locally and getting the word out,” Gaddes added.
Paquin also shared excitement for the night, touting a packed comedic lineup all in support, continuing to rise the tide of Tides for Reproductive Freedom.
“I curated an incredible lineup of local performers that will bring the house down. It’s time that Tides for Reproductive Freedom becomes a household name around here. My hope is to see a diverse crowd in age, ethnicity, gender and religion,” Paquin said. “I want to bridge the gap and come together to not only raise funds for abortion, but to show the world that we only get one body, we should spend every day caring for it and protecting it. Uplifting those around us and knowing when its time to shut up, mind one’s own damn business and let people live.”
