Our Bodies Our Choices

This project was a self-directed type exploration which involved a research paper and the creation of specific deliverables. An embroidered t-shirt and instagram campaign were created.

The central concept for these designs is based on the history of the reproductive rights movement, past and current protests, and the historical use of textiles as protest.

The embroidered t-shirt has the slogan, “Our Bodies, Our Choice,” which was in the Women’s March on October 3, 2021. This slogan was chosen since it references the iconic “My body, my choice” slogan and ties into the community as a whole by using the word “our” instead of “my.”

It is also more inclusive by not limiting the gender identity of those fighting for their body autonomy. The movement should be more gender-inclusive since people who identify as women are not always female, and people who are female are not always women.

For the words “Our,” a dark red yarn and medium red embroidery thread are used to add more texture and make the type bolder.

“Bodies” is done in an irregular running stitch to mimic sutures.

The bottom of the “Choices” is frayed and unravels to represent the unraveling of the laws that protect people’s choices. This fraying also alludes to veins, blood, and the body. It represents the uncertainty of the future.

Red is chosen for its connection to blood, violence, power, and menstruation. The use of a black t-shirt is for mourning the lives lost, and laws lost. It attracts attention and contrasts with the number of white signs used in protests.