LaGuardia Performing Arts Center Presents “My Body, My Voice” on Saturday, October 25
A benefit concert and performance series centered on reproductive justice and abortion access.
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (October 23, 2025) — LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC) at LaGuardia Community College/CUNY invites the Queens and broader NYC community to My Body, My Voice: A Night of Performance and Activism, Saturday, October 25, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Little Theater. Presented in partnership Bechdel Project, the evening will feature original songs by singer-songwriters and musical theatre artists, the New York City premiere of The Pavement Kingdom: a clinic escort play, and a panel discussion on reproductive justice. Proceeds will benefit The Brigid Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to abortion care.
Written by Courtney Bailey, The Pavement Kingdom: a clinic escort play explores the vital and often challenging work of clinic escorts. Based on Bailey’s volunteer experience at Planned Parenthood, the play follows “Charon,” a clinic escort in the Midwest who helps patients safely navigate past protestors while using her solitary time in the “pavement kingdom” to work on her comedy routine.
“We are thrilled to bring The Pavement Kingdom to New York for the first time,” said Bailey. “The play aims to foster empathy and understanding for the often-unseen heroes of reproductive access and to spark meaningful conversations about the challenges and triumphs within this space.”
The production features the original team, including direction by Rachel Tibbetts, a performance by Marcy Wiegert as “Charon,” stage management by Celeste Genevieve Gardner, and production management by Jim Bernatowicz. It is presented as part of Bechdel Project’s Interstate Initiative.
Handan Ozbilgin, Artistic Director of LPAC, emphasized the importance of the collaboration: “LPAC is proud to co-present My Body, My Voice alongside Bechdel Project. Presenting The Pavement Kingdom together with the surrounding performances and conversations reflects our commitment to championing art that advances equity and fuels activism.”
Maria Aparo, co-creative director of Bechdel Project, added, “My Body, My Voice is more than just an event; it’s a testament to the power of collective action and artistic expression in the fight for bodily autonomy. In a time when reproductive rights are under attack, we aim to create a space for education, empowerment, and solidarity, reminding everyone that access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare is a fundamental human right.”
The event is presented by Alara Magritte and Daniel Rosen, the creative duo behind Magritte & Rosen, who first launched My Body, My Voice in 2023 as part of their mission to cultivate creative work that ignites social change.
The evening will begin with Songs for Safe Access, featuring original songs by singer-songwriters and musical theatre artists curated by Magritte & Rosen.
Following the performance of The Pavement Kingdom, the event conclude with a panel discussion featuring experts and activists, offering insights into the current landscape of reproductive rights and pathways for advocacy. Panelists include: Sarah Moeller, senior director of external relations at The Brigid Alliance; Dr. Rickie Solinger, historian, curator, and author of Pregnancy and Power: A History of Reproductive Politics in the United States; Michi Cardenas, regional organizer with Planned Parenthood of Greater New York; Veronica Bayetti Flores, co-president of the Board of Directors of the National Network of Abortion Funds; Vicki Bloom, The Doula Project; and Zoe Collins, a Social Work Intern in LaGuardia’s Women’s Center & LGBTQ+ Hub.
Advocacy organizations will also be tabling throughout the evening. Tickets are available on a sliding scale and can be reserved at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/my-body-my-voice-day-of-performance-and-activism.
Event Details:
What: My Body, My Voice: A Night of Performance and Activism to Benefit The Brigid Alliance
When: Saturday October 25, 2025, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Little Theater at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center, 45-50 Van Dam St, Long Island City, NY 11101
Tickets: Sliding scale available
Featuring:
- Songs for Safe Access, original songs by singer-songwriters and musical theatre artists, curated by Magritte & Rosen
- NYC premiere performance of The Pavement Kingdom: a clinic escort play by Courtney Bailey
- Panel discussion with reproductive rights experts and activists
- Sarah Moeller, The Brigid Alliance
- Dr. Rickie Solinger, Historian and Author
- Michi Cardenas, Planned Parenthood of Greater NY
- Veronica Bayetti Flores, National Network of Abortion Funds
- Vicki Bloom, The Doula Project
- Zoe Collins, LaGuardia Women’s Center & LGBTQ+ Hub
- Tabling by advocacy organizations
• • • •
LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC), located at LaGuardia Community College/CUNY, is a cultural hub that fosters artistic excellence, education, and community engagement. LPAC is dedicated to providing a platform for dynamic artists and storytellers to create, collaborate, and inspire. Through diverse programming, LPAC continues to support its mission of making the arts accessible to all. It is the stage for productions of the award-winning Theater and Music Performance programs of LaGuardia Community College, as well as works from partner institutions, including Carnegie Hall, Joffrey Ballet School, and the Drama League of New York.
LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.
####