NEWS EDITOR – ASHTON JEFFERS
ORIGINALLY PRINTED ON APRIL 6, 2023
Creating and leading an organization is never a simple task. Hours and days spent planning, preparing, and getting the word out while also going about one’s daily routine show that taking on a leadership role comes from a place where one is passionate about an idea. This is is the case for Tanya Brouse, a junior english major and president of Fangs Out, Reproductive Rights In (FORRI). Pronounced “four-ee”, FORRI is an unofficial student-led group, originating on the Westside of San Antonio and started by two students who attend St. Mary’s University.
The organization’s mission statement is “fangs Out, Reproductive Rights In (FORRI) is steadfast in its mission to destigmatize and champion sexual heath and reproductive rights for San Antonio college students. FORRI strives to use the power of education and science to create a safe and welcoming environment to promote holistic and comprehensive sex education”. FORRI is not an officially recognized student organization on St. Mary’s University campus. Two weeks ago, the San Antonio chapter formally joined with the national charter, Student Coalition FORRI’s mission. With SCRJ, Brouse and Cordero underwent a series of training led by Lauren Morrisey, Co-Executive Director and Co-Founder of SCRJ. They would meet with with Morrisey over Zoom, where she would provide the two training and consultation on leadership, organizing power-mapping, communication, record-keeping, club-design, and how to distribute resources through one’s club. Once these three pieces of training were complete, Brouse and Cordero agreed to abide by three rules established by SCRJ where they became officially associated with the national charter. “We found SCRJ, and we reached out to them,” state Brouse “They were very quick about responding. They were very welcoming and accepting, ready to take us on from the moment we contacted them.”
Education and providing resources are a significant part of what these two co-presidents intend to deliver to the San Antonio area from forming this club. Brouse and Cordero often used their free time to research how to best set up a club like this and what paths they could take to adhere to their mission. Cordero was able to do summer research about reproductive rights and found her passion in that particular research topic. “Just seeing my mom as a young adult who could have benefited from so many resources that weren’t available to her… that’s really what propels me forward,” Cordero stated about why she wanted to personally start FORRI along with Brouse. Similarly, Brouse shared her passion and interest in creating space to provide resources about reproductive rights around San Antonio. “I was blessed with a dual perspective,” Brouse said. “Just having that dual perspective from California to Texas really showed me that depending on your geographical location is how much access and knowledge you have about your own body and your sexual health.”
Brouse and Cordero have seen support for their efforts in some areas. “I started talking with my sister a lot. My sister was a public health major and does administrative work in public health,” Brouse stated. “She educated me a lot on the topic of reproductive health. ” Other efforts of support came from being involved with other groups and organizations. At nineteen years old, Brouse was interviewed for The Texas Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and received support from her sister about her research in reproductive rights. This personal research led by Brouse and Cordero helps them continue finding ways to connect with other organizations and interested parties. “We rely on each other for a certain aspect,” Brouse stated about her colleagues at FORRI. Brouse and Cordero are excited to continue and see growing support for FORRI and organize events off-campus for students so they [don’t] feel pressure and can feel invited to come to us,” Cordero stated about the future projects of FORRI.
“As president, FORRI is my flower child formed from the culmination of hours about hours of scientific research, hard work, and dedication,” Brouse stated. “As women in the state of Texas, we are done wearing our scarlet letters. It is now time for us to advocate because reproductive rights are human rights.”
If interested in seeing more of FORRI’s work, follow their official Instagram handle @officialforri.