Rebel with a cause: Somerville’s Rebel Rebel Wine Bar donates 100% of rose sales to abortion fund
This weekend,
They've been raising money this week, and already hit
After 17 years in the industry, Friel knew when she opened her own business, she was going to make it exactly, 100 percent what she wanted. No compromises.
"What bothered me about the industry was that you couldn't be vocal or you'd be seen as political," she said. "You couldn't rethink the way industry is structured and how we treat our staff."
Friel knew she wanted to be supporting women in every way, which meant reasonable hours to ensure a good night's sleep, making sure no one works more than four (grueling) shifts in a week, and paying for people's health insurance."
"It's also creating an environment where conversations about sexual harassment, ableism, racism, and misogyny happen frequently and openly," Friel said. "It's a safe space for women to come and drink and not get hit on because we're not going to allow that to happen. Queer people and trans people can come and be treated equally and with respect."
Friel also has a close connection with this kind of activism. She worked as a hotline volunteer for
"Reproductive rights near and dear to my heart," she said. "It's not just about a woman's right to abortion; it's about freedom with our body. It's about racism and classism and things we don't want to talk about. It's about
Friel picked
"When the governor signed it into law -- our nation's leaders are making that they intend to bring this before the Supreme Court, which is now conservative court, to challenge Roe [v. Wade] and threaten all of our rights," she said. "I've never been person who can sit back and be silent. I felt like it was important. I can't have an all female staff, advocate for their rights in the industry, and not do this. Women come with uteruses."
She emphasized that there are many funds to choose from, and that if someone felt inclined to donate somewhere else, to do so.
So, why rose?
"I picked rose not because it's pink, but it's the thing people already want to drink this time of year, so I thought it would be the easiest way to get folks to give me their money," she said.
The response has been overwhelming. They've had over 20 cases of wine donated from various importers and distributers. Friel has heard from winemakers in
Friel's friend and fellow lady business owner,
Collectively, these businesses hope to raise
Stay involved with an upcoming bake sale to benefit
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