Hi john, 

My name is Alyssa Al-Dookhi (you can call me “Dooks”), comedian and Head Writer here at Abortion Access Front (AAF). If some of our material makes you LOL, that may be my doing! I’m writing to you today to tell you a bit about me and how I ended up writing abortion jokes, but more importantly to ask for your continued support so we can push even harder during another surreal election year where the anti-abortion ideologues are resurrecting over 150-year-old laws (and that’s no joke) in order to ban abortion at the federal level.

My journey with AAF began as a volunteer during the pandemic. Like so many of us, we needed to stay busy, to stay productive, and to not take our eyes off abortion – even during a pandemic. It was then that I got a firsthand look at the power of storytelling and activism intertwined. As an up-and-coming comedian, the opportunity to combine my passion with making a difference for a cause I deeply believed in was exhilarating! 

In the years leading up to the Dobbs decision, AAF grew out of necessity and began to expand its reach across the country. Lucky for me, I was offered a part-time staff role and eventually became the head writer in January 2023. It’s been an amazing ride so far. Working with Lizz and this team of folks who are so committed and so compassionate has truly been the high point of my career. 

This wouldn't have been possible without your support, so I want to thank you for allowing AAF to carry out its mission of protecting and expanding access to abortion, and for allowing me to pursue my creative and personal aspirations.

For me, AAF is more than just an organization — it is my gateway into the world of reproductive justice activism. Even though I considered myself pro-choice from an early age due to my mother's candid discussions about her own abortion, it wasn't until my time with AAF that I fully grasped the importance of being pro-abortion. The intersectionality of reproductive rights became increasingly apparent, particularly as someone who identifies as Arab, Muslim, nonbinary, biracial, and queer.

AAF has provided me with opportunities to engage in activism on the ground, from protecting clinics in Atlanta to creating videos that reach millions with humor and sincerity. The impact of this work cannot be overstated, as it not only defends individuals' rights but also challenges societal norms and stigma – which are still issues that keep us from openly talking about ABORTION.

As I reflect on my journey with AAF, I'm reminded of the transformative power of grassroots activism and community support. And this is where you come in. Your support enables AAF to continue advocating for abortion access, uplifting providers, and amplifying the voices of those often marginalized in conversations about reproductive rights.

I’m so grateful for your belief in this work and how we do it. Yes, I get to write funny things and we share a lot of laughs here at AAF, but we all understand the gravity that remains. There’s so much work ahead of us this election year. I hope you’ll continue to stand by us and contribute to this worthy cause – and the amazing group of fierce and funny people I work with.

With appreciation,

Alyssa “Dooks” Al-Dookhi (they/them/theirs)
AAF Head Writer

P.S. If you would like to learn more about the 150-year-old zombie laws I referenced above and how you can fight back to save our reproductive rights, please check out our weekly Feminist Buzzkills podcast, and go to our Instagram page to get all the daily headlines.