A Fashion Benefit Show Honoring Pride Month 2025 in the RGV
Story by Nina Alegre
Edited by Abigail Vela
- June 30, 2025
Early this Pride Month, MaryJane Padrón (she/they/ella), Co-Lead for Texas Youth Activist Alliance (TXYAA), organized “Fashion4ReproPassion,” a fashion benefit show in support of TXYAA, South Texans for Reproductive Justice (STRJ) and Frontera Fund.
Padrón answered some questions about the Fashion4ReproPassion event, herself and her community!
Q: Could you explain your vision behind hosting a fashion benefit show for reproductive organizations in the RGV?
Padrón: “I love Pride Month, I love […] rainbows […], and seeing LGBTQIA+ couples around my city. I also love makeup, clothing and music. I was [discussing ideas] with my partner for a new event. […] We first thought of a music benefit show—I was almost sold, but I wanted something new. The one thing that came [into] my thoughts was a disco ball and the Barbie movie where Barbie comes out in the pink suit. It could have been anything else, I understood it as “A FASHION SHOW!” I just thought it felt so fitting, especially knowing how creative and colorful Pride Month gets.”
Q: How does TXYAA fight for reproductive justice and abortion rights, and how does an event like Fashion4ReproPassion empower young people in Texas to advocate for bodily autonomy?
Padrón: “Usually, we host events around the City of Brownsville to discuss anti-abortion laws/bills being introduced to the state or nationally, or give out information on the current anti-abortion laws/bills that have made their way into effect. We also create safe spaces for people who are being targeted by the hardcore and deadly political moves our politicians have brought upon us. We try to table on campus and in [the] community and give folks free resources such as emergency contraceptives, condoms, information on safe-sex, etc.”
Q: How do you celebrate Pride Month in the RGV?
Padrón: “I try to attend Pride Month events, if I have time! Usually, I do my makeup based on the rainbow flag or lesbian flag.”
Q: What types of reproductive justice issues intersect with LGBTQIA+ issues?
Padrón: “The most enraging and heartbreaking of all, as a reproductive justice organizer, politicians trying to restrict or control gender affirming care access to [the] transgender community by also “removing” them from existence, taking away people’s right to choose when creating families is the right timing, letting pregnant people die before or while giving birth, just to see the birth rate go up. We see it constantly happen, and see how much politicians don’t care about their constituents.”
Q: What does collaboration with STRJ and Frontera Fund mean for the strength and unity of the reproductive rights movement in the RGV?
Padrón: “To us, as TXYAA, it always leaves us with the constant reminder of learning new and creative ways to be able to contribute to the fight for reproductive rights. Seeing all the hard work STRJ and Frontera Fund have done for us in the RGV, and seeing how much they are known outside of the Valley, is beyond incredible. Me, as MJ, I see them as “sisters,” being able to learn personally from them as fellow reproductive justice orgs, and seeing how much dedication both STRJ and Frontera Fund put into the RGV to ensure [that] us South Texans have options regardless of what State or National politicians say.”
On this last day of Pride Month, Padrón left some kind words: “To all my queer siblings, I adore each and every one of you. I see you and I hear you. I’m honored to be part of an amazing community [that] allows me to live my full self. Thank you for being there and accepting me when I was scared to come out. I will continue to celebrate my Pride for those who are no longer able to, are not ready, and anyone who lets me. Los amo mucho! Also, shoutout to “Can’t Remember to Forget You” by Shakira ft. Rihanna for letting me know I was definitely gay!”
