5 Emily Nokes (she/her)

Emily Nokes is a musical artist, writer, feminist and advocate for abortion rights. She is also the lead vocalist in the pop-punk band Tacocat, which consists of three other members who are instrumentalists. Tacocat originated in Seattle in 2007. The band is primarily feminist, with their discography ranging from topics of reproductive health, and menstruation to pap smears and emergency contraceptives. Their lyrics are written by Nokes and relate to her band’s original experiences.

After the social media campaign #ShoutYourAbortion, Nokes wrote a zine inspired book with the same title. This campaign prompted women to share their abortion stories online in hopes of gaining funding for Planned Parenthood, which provides women access to safe and affordable abortions. Nokes further aids the #ShoutYourAbortion campaign by raising awareness while educating others about systematic abortion issues in order to ensure change. Shout Your Abortion goes in depth on how the fundamental right of abortions is on par with the right to self-autonomy. The stories within the book include testimonies from women of all backgrounds, including providers, about their choices in performing abortions or risk losing their job.

Since then, her work with the #ShoutYourAbortion campaign has focused on giving back to communities with information about abortion access. Her main fight is to express how lack of abortion care affects every person, regardless of whether or not they are able to have an abortion, as well as how abortion is and should be a form of self-care that everyone is able to practice. In 2021, a year prior to Roe V. Wade reversal, Nokes protested in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in order to garner awareness about complications to access abortion procedures and pills. While protesting at the Supreme Court, Nokes took a couple of abortion pills in hand to educate others about the usage and effectiveness of abortion pills. Despite Roe V. Wade being overturned on June 24th, 2022, Nokes continued to advocate for the community and pushed forward in regards to helping gain access to safe abortion procedures.

Through her work in the Pacific Northwest, she inspires feminists transnationally within her works of activism. Caring for the community through activism, to challenging patriarchal systems with her songs and on stage, Nokes provides a safe space for women to share their abortion experiences without any sense of judgment. Her influential impact on society will forever alter the way people see abortion care.