In a compelling dialogue with Dr Connie Kerali on this week's episode of Speak Shame, Gabby Long, a devoted advocate for reproductive rights, shares an intimate and inspiring story of her journey from her upbringing to becoming a pivotal figure in the realm of healthcare advocacy.

The Journey to Advocacy

Gabby's story unfolds with a rich tapestry of familial influences and geographical complexities. Raised in central Florida, a place renowned for its equestrian culture, Gabby was exposed early on to a blend of activism and equine health that shaped her worldview. Her grandparents were spirited activists and horse trainers, influencing her path toward advocacy. Growing up as a mixed child in a military family presented its own challenges, shaping Gabby into the resilient leader she is today.

Discovering her Path

Gabby's pivotal moment occurred during a personal crisis as she navigated a challenging pregnancy at the age of 18. With a family deeply rooted in Southern Baptist and Catholic beliefs, the notion of abortion was shrouded in silence and stigma. Supported by her nana, who had a clandestine history in the pre-Roe v. Wade Jane Movement, Gabby found the courage to make informed decisions for her own life.

From volunteering at animal shelters and VA centres, Gabby honed her commitment to service and community engagement. These formative experiences fuelled her passion for supporting others and advocating for accessible and compassionate healthcare, leading her to A Woman's Choice, where she discovered a sense of belonging and purpose she had always sought.

Navigating Through Complexities

Gabby's journey is marked by significant personal and professional challenges, including battling hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a severe form of morning sickness that influenced her decision-making regarding family planning. Her firsthand experiences with varied abortion procedures give her a unique perspective in guiding others facing similar decisions.

In her conversation with Dr Connie Kerali, Gabby underscores the importance of empathy, understanding, and the freedom to make choices that align with one’s circumstances and values. She is a staunch advocate for the availability of choice in reproductive healthcare and underscores the profound impact of supportive communities, such as We Testify, in dismantling stigma and fostering healing.

The Power of Community and Mutual Aid

Gabby is not just a voice for choice; she’s a pioneer in advocating for mutual aid and community building as primary tools for societal change. She shares her efforts to combat period poverty through initiatives like launching period pantries, highlighting the intersecting barriers to basic healthcare and the urgency of collective action. Gabby emphasises that voting and participating in mutual aid are critical to fostering systemic change in today's socio-political environment.

A Message of Strength and Solidarity

Through her powerful narrative, Gabby seeks to convey that no one is alone in their struggles. She inspires listeners to seek support, build communities, and take active roles in shaping their futures. Advocacy, she argues, is about more than individual stories; it is about connecting those stories to drive transformative change.

Gabby Long’s story is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the transformative power of choice. Her journey from personal adversity to becoming a pillar of support for others underscores the importance of advocacy, community, and the unwavering pursuit of accessible healthcare for all. By sharing her experiences, Gabby hopes to empower others to seek the support they need, advocate for their rights, and foster a community grounded in empathy and understanding.

Join Gabby in her mission to create an inclusive and supportive world where reproductive choices are respected and healthcare is a universal right. Her journey is a beacon of hope for anyone striving to overcome adversity and effectuate positive change.

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Your Journey Begins Here

If you or someone you know is grappling with similar experiences, know that you are not alone. Speak up, seek help, and embrace vulnerability as the beginning of your healing journey. Whether through trusted friends, professionals, or community resources, finding someone you can confide in can be life changing. I know this to be true firsthand.

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