If you’re featured in a segment on “Last Week Tonight” with John Oliver, then you’ve probably fucked up. In Gov. Matt Bevin’s case, it wasn’t what he had already done at the time, but what he intended to do, and what he has since gotten down to the business of doing: systematically dismantling affordable access to health care in the state of Kentucky with a gleeful vigor typically reserved for Bond villains. In his brief tenure as governor, Bevin has attacked women’s reproductive rights, our environment, education, the LGBTQ community and Planned Parenthood.
Which is the reason why “We’ve got a Bevin Problem: A Kentucky Music Compilation” is so incredibly important to our community. The project is meant to show the state Legislature that these acts of open hostility to the public will be met with resistance, in this case through art. All artists are welcome regardless of genre, and the folks behind the comp want to hear what you’ve got. For those that are motivated, but without recordings, La La Land studios is offering free time on March 19 and 20 for anyone interested in contributing. Contact the studio for more details.
Last month, Bevin stirred yet another controversy when he signed a pro-life bill that requires women to have face-to-face consultations prior to getting an abortion. Almost immediately, the hashtag #AskBevinAboutMyVag popped up to summarize the malaise that many felt over this decision, a statement that effectively illustrated the disconnect between the public officials targeting women’s health rights, and the women that it directly affects.
All proceeds from the compilation will go to Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky, an organization that provides a variety of services to women across the region. Submissions are currently open and the deadline is May 15, 2016. The expected release date is June 15. You can find further details and instructions for submission at the following link: mattbevinproblemsky.wordpress.com