By Leaders of Sueños Sin Fronteras de Tejas, San Antonio, USA
Sueños Sin Fronteras de Tejas (SSFTX), a women-of-color-led collective based in San Antonio, TX, has embarked upon an impactful project titled "Building BIPOC power in San Antonio, TX: Justice, Healing, and Resistance," thanks to funding made possible by IWC via a UU Funding Program grant.
In spring of 2023, SSFTX hosted three participatory workshops focused on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) for the immigrant community in San Antonio, TX.
We began with a virtual gathering, where we explored our feelings around discussing our bodies and sexual and reproductive health topics. Participants were invited to share where they learned about their bodies, menstruation, and sexual relationships; their responses highlighted sources such as schools and homes (usually mothers). We then introduced the concept of SRH, breaking it down to menstrual cycle, infertility, pregnancies, healthy relationships, access to contraceptives, and information on infections. We emphasized the importance of healthy relationships, access to contraception and clinics, HIV treatment, hygiene, menstrual products, body education, consent, and pleasure.
The topics were acknowledged as sometimes challenging to discuss, but the participants were reminded that everyone is learning together. After our first gathering, we distributed Reproductive Health Kits to participants and encouraged them to be curious about the items.
During our second virtual gathering, we reviewed each item from the Reproductive Health Kit and allowed the participants to guide the conversation. After naming each item, participants shared their experience with the item and were encouraged to ask questions if they didn't know its purpose. The Kit included items like menstruation tea, basal thermometer, heating patches, condoms, lube, massage balls, pregnancy tests, emergency contraception pills, pads, and others.
We brought the participants together for our third gathering, where participants were guided through identifying local health clinics and scheduling health appointments. Participants received information on the process of visiting a clinic and receiving medical care, as well as tips for mental and emotional preparation before the appointment.
Participants used their lived experience with medical complexes to give recommendations and tips to other community members on making appointments. Positive feedback regarding sharing space together was voiced by many, highlighting a desire to continue building community in this way.
We are enthusiastic about the progress made thus far, and we look forward to continuing our work to create a more just and equitable San Antonio community.
We are grateful to the ICUUW leaders for their support and collaboration in this project. ICUUW’s commitment to promoting the unique needs of pregnant and birthing undocumented and immigrant individuals has been instrumental to our efforts.
Thank you for your continued support, and we invite you to stay connected with us as we share further updates on the project's achievements.