Autonomy Is My Joy
Learning Guide & Social Media Toolkit
About
"Autonomy is My Joy” is a transformative video project that delves into the intersectional themes of gender justice through the lens of artistic storytelling. Our mission is to elevate marginalized and intergenerational voices, igniting the movement for gender autonomy and broader social change.In collaboration with BIPOC artists, community leaders, and storytellers, we curate a collection of authentic narratives that capture the diverse experiences and aspirations of our community. By showcasing these compelling stories, we aim to foster meaningful dialogue and inspire action toward achieving gender autonomy, social justice, and civic engagement.These stories will explore critical, intersectional topics like: Criminalization, Immigration, Voting empowerment, Land movements, Intergenerational care, Workplace equity, Cultural heritage, Tech, Environmental Justice, and Gender Autonomy.We would like to offer gratitude to our production partners, We Rise Production, our movement partners, Caring Across Generations and Moms Rising, as well as our videography and editing team without whom these videos would not have been possible.
Campaign Goals
- Amplify Narratives of Joy and Autonomy
- Foster Meaningful Dialogues on Reproductive Rights and Intersectional Activism
- Civic Engagement & Election Mobilization
- Connect personal stories to the importance of civic engagement
- Empower BIPOC Artists and Communities
- Share Intersectional Gender and Autonomy Narratives
How to Use This Resource
Utilize the learning guide as you watch these videos to encourage meaningful discussions in your classrooms, film clubs, and on your own as a reflection point to better understand the relationship between autonomy and social justice issues.
Go to Learning GuideWe encourage you to share these videos on your social media feeds, in your newsletters, and among your solidarity networks using the links and captions below. Please ensure you tag @culturestrike and @engagementlab as creators of the Autonomy Is My Joy campaign. Captions are suggestions and may be edited, however, please make sure credits are always included as listed to honor the creators of these videos.
Go to VideosLearning Guide
Presented by The Center for Cultural Power
Some questions for reflection and consideration as you enjoy the storytelling series.
1. Autonomy
What does autonomy mean to you, and how do you see it reflected in the lives of BIPOC femmes around you?
2. Care & Aging
How do you want to grow older? What’s your vision for your future, and the future of your community and those you care for?
3. Criminalization
What are some common dominant narratives around criminalization? How can we combat them and what actions can we take to resist systemic oppression?
4. Intergenerational Politics
In this current civic moment, how do you think the political experiences of older generations influence the activism of younger ones? How is that showing up in 2024?
5. Workplace Equity
How does workplace equity for everyone contribute to a richer, more diverse work environment?
6. Cultural Heritage
Do you have a story of how your cultural heritage has influenced your relationship to your career or gender?
7. Immigration
Why must immigration justice be a central feature in our larger pursuit of gender autonomy and joy?
8. Land Movements
Why is BIPOC connection to land important for building intergenerational power?
9. Climate
How can we foster joy and resilience among BIPOC gender-marginalized people in the face of climate challenges?
10. Intergenerational Politics
What intergenerational collaborations do you believe are essential for advancing gender autonomy today?
11. Autonomy
How can we use culture and storytelling to celebrate and support BIPOC gender autonomy especially in this civic moment?
Storytelling Videos
Immigration in Arizona
Maria
Suggested Caption
Latinas, it’s time to make our voices heard! Your vote is the key to securing fair wages, creating better opportunities for our families, and building a future where we can all thrive. Let’s show up and demand the change we deserve!
Why must immigration justice be a central feature in our larger pursuit of gender autonomy and joy? Share in the comments!
Credits:
Creative Director: @victoriapannell
Producer: @weinspirejustice
Editor: @camilo_mandela
@momsrising
Climate
Arielle
Suggested Caption
We are responsible for protecting our climate and nurturing our communities. Voting is not just a right—it’s an obligation to push for progressive reform and ensure a sustainable, just future for all. Our actions today shape the world of tomorrow
This video is a part of the Autonomy Is My Joy Storytelling PSA series, created by the @culturestrike Gender Justice program.
We invite you to reflect in our comments: How can we foster joy and resilience among BIPOC gender-marginalized people in the face of climate challenges?
Credits:
Featuring: @ariellevking
Director: @jlovecalderon
Producer: @weinspirejustice
DP, Editor: @camilo_mandela
B Cam: @luzcervantesa
Sound Engineer: @ilikeallyourshenanigans
Land Movement
Brea Baker
Suggested Caption
Sustainability and land sovereignty are powerful paths to generational wealth and deep connection with our ancestors. By protecting our resources and voting for our future, we exercise our bodily autonomy and ensure the right to thrive for ourselves and future generations
This video is a part of the Autonomy Is My Joy Storytelling PSA series, created by the @culturestrike Gender Justice program.
We want to know your thoughts! Why is BIPOC connection to land important for building intergenerational power?
Credits:
Featuring: @freckledwhileblack
Director: @jlovecalderon
DP: @drewshankweiler
Producers: @weinspirejustice @itstreshonda
Workplace Culture & Heritage
Quanaisia and Family
Suggested Caption
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are key to honoring bodily autonomy and valuing every individual. By advocating for each other and speaking up, we create spaces where everyone can thrive and pursue their dreams, driving meaningful change together.
This video is a part of the Autonomy Is My Joy Storytelling PSA series, created by the @culturestrike Gender Justice program.
How does workplace equity for everyone contribute to a richer, more diverse work environment? Let the world know, by leaving a comment below.
Credits:
Director: @jlovecalderon
Producer: @weinspirejustice
DP, Editor: @camilo_mandela
B Cam: @luzcervantesa
Sound Engineer: @ilikeallyourshenanigans
Intergenerational Politics in North Carolina
Cotton Family
Suggested Caption
Motherhood and family relationships can be pathways to healing generational trauma. Through bodily autonomy, advocacy, and independence, we have the power to break cycles, reclaim our stories, and create a future where love and healing are passed down for generations to come
This video is a part of the Autonomy Is My Joy Storytelling PSA series, created by the @culturestrike Gender Justice program.
In this current civic moment we’d love to know from you: How do you think the political experiences of older generations influence the activism of younger ones? How is that showing up in 2024?
Credits:
Featuring: @jarahkarynn and @mamakdc
Creative Director: @victoriapannell
Producer: @weinspirejustice
Editor: @camilo_mandela
Criminalization
Dr. Jamila
Suggested Caption
Incarcerated women deserve justice, healing, and the right to reclaim their bodies and their lives. Trauma doesn’t define us—our strength to transform does. No walls can take away our freedom to empower ourselves through self-love, healing, and bodily autonomy
This video is a part of the Autonomy Is My Joy Storytelling PSA series, created by the @culturestrike Gender Justice program.
How does Jamila’s story complicate dominant narratives around criminalization? What action does she inspire for you? Drop a comment below ⬇️
Credits:
Featuring: @jamilatdavis
Director: @jlovecalderon
Producer: @weinspirejustice
DP, Editor: @camilo_mandela
B Cam: @tylergurdon
Sound Engineer: @ilikeallyourshenanigans
Care/Aging Gender in Georgia
Dr. Kitchen
Suggested Caption
“Age is one thing. But my heart, attitude, and joy in life have no age.” - Dr. Connie Kitchens, @caringacrossgen Care Fellow.
Getting older is something we should all be able to look forward to. The opportunity to rest, age joyfully, and continue growing as an individual is a privilege. And the freedom to decide to transform personal pain into generational purpose is a gift. Everyone deserves to age with this kind of dignity and choice.
This video is a part of the Autonomy Is My Joy Storytelling PSA series, created by the @culturestrike Gender Justice program and @culturalengagementlab .
How do you want to grow older? What’s your vision for your future, and the future of your community and those you care for? Share your dreams with us in the comments!
Credits:
Featuring: @clk561
Producer: @weinspirejustice
Editor: @camilo_mandela
Partner: @caringacrossgen
Autonomy
Sidney Clifton
Suggested Caption
Your body, your identity, your choice. Bodily autonomy is the freedom to express who you are—without limits. It’s about originality, safety, and the right to be yourself, no matter your gender. Own your story. Celebrate your truth.
This video is a part of the Center for Cultural Power’s Autonomy Is My Joy Storytelling PSA series. Learn more at *link to CEL Resource*
We’d love to hear from you in the comments! What does autonomy mean to you, and how do you see it reflected in the lives of BIPOC femmes around you?
Credits:
Featuring: @sidneyclifton and @cliftonhousebaltimore
Director: @jlovecalderon
Producer: @weinspirejustice
DP: @drewshankweiler
1st AC: @tavodood
Gaffer: @_lawrencele
Editor: @camilo_mandela
Past Videos
Jacqueline
Suggested Caption
Providing equitable birthing options, resources, community care, and autonomy to Black parents sends the message that their village has their back. How can you ensure birth equity in your community?
Video produced by @culturalengagement and @WeInspireJustice
Featuring @jdkennedy86
Production:
@jlovecalderon
@itstreshonda
@urbanbricks
@weinspirejustice
#AutonomyIsMyJoy #MomnibusAct #MaternalMentalHealthMonth #BlackMamasMatter #BirthEquity #WombJustice
Blue
Suggested Caption
Often, attention is paid to pregnant people during their pregnancies and deliveries. But as @brooklynbirth says here, the MOST attention is needed during postpartum.
Birthing people need support advocating for and receiving holistic reproductive care!
Video produced by @culturalengagement and @WeInspireJustice
Featuring @brooklynbirth
Production Team:
@jlovecalderon
@itstreshonda
@urbanbricks
@weinspirejustice
#AutonomyIsMyJoy #MomnibusAct #MaternalMentalHealthMonth #BlackMamasMatter #BirthEquity #WombJustice
Rebel
Suggested Caption
Postpartum aftercare is just as imperative as caring for Black bodies during their pregnancies. How can we show up as a village for not only our newborns but our beloved lifegivers as well?
Video produced by @culturalengagement and @WeInspireJustice
Featuring @rebelwaters_ Production Team@jlovecalderon@itstreshonda@urbanbricks@weinspirejustice#AutonomyIsMyJoy #MomnibusAct #BlackMentalHealth #BlackMamasMatter #BirthEquity #WombJustice
Takeesha
Suggested Caption
Labor support is not only a birthright, it’s a traditional way of knowing for many communities around the world. We must return to widespread, individual care to meet the needs of Black bodies during and after their pregnancies!
Video produced by @culturalengagement and @WeInspireJustice
Featuring @takeesha_white
Production Team:
@jlovecalderon
@camilo_mandela
@elodieplmr
@ilikeallyourshenanigans
@itstreshonda
#AutonomyIsMyJoy #MomnibusAct #BlackMaternalHealth #BlackMamasMatter #BirthEquity #WombJustice
Rachel
Suggested Caption
Black women deserve safety in the choices they make when imagining parenthood.
We’re urging Congress to pass the Momnibus Act to provide critical health equity measures for Black mamas and decrease racial disparities in maternal care.
Video produced by @culturalengagement and @WeInspireJustice
Production Team:
@jlovecalderon
@camilo_mandela
@elodieplmr
@ilikeallyourshenanigans
@itstreshonda
#AutonomyIsMyJoy #MomnibusAct #BlackMentalHealth #BlackMamasMatter #BirthEquity #WombJustice #reproductivejustice
