We the People is a blog series that features the stories of members, supporters, volunteers, and allies of the American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota. Together we are accomplishing critical work in our state to protect and advance civil liberties across the Midwest and beyond.
Name: Anna Bottesini
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Hometown: Vermillion
College students have sex. That’s just a fact. But how much does the average college student really know about sex?
Anna Bottesini wanted to find out.
Bottesini, a senior political science major with a minor in women, gender, and sexuality studies at the University of South Dakota, has helped plan and organize an annual sex trivia night for the last couple of years.
Hosting a sex trivia night is a spicy way for the USD Student Activists for Equality, a student-led organization dedicated to promoting intersectional feminism and advocating for equality for all, to raise funds for its menstrual product drive, Bottesini said. But more than that, it is a fun space to promote comprehensive sex education and reproductive rights.
Events like this are one of Bottesini’s favorite ways to get involved in her community. “Adding the aspect of fun to advocacy makes it more palatable to people who otherwise may not participate,” she said. “Additionally, it allows for people’s creativity to shine and builds relationships.”
Of course, it’s not all advocacy and no play for Bottesini, who will be graduating in December. She loves watching horror movies, reading, spending time with her family, and doting on her “cat son” named Harry.
When did you first hear about the ACLU?
As a sophomore in high school, I first heard about the ACLU as I began becoming interested in activism.
Which of the ACLU’s issue areas are you particularly passionate about and why?
While I’m passionate about many of the ACLU’s issue areas, I am particularly passionate about reproductive justice. Reproductive justice is incredibly important because it protects the safety, health, autonomy, and validity of people. People who cannot access quality reproductive health care because of who they are or where they live do not have their safety protected. People who cannot access certain aspects of reproductive health care, such as abortion, do not have their health protected. People should be able to make decisions alongside medical professionals about what is best for them, like contraception, gender-affirming care, or pregnancy care, and when they cannot, their autonomy is not protected. The validity of people’s identities cannot be protected without reproductive justice because people cannot access care that allows them to be themselves otherwise. Reproductive justice is essential to protecting the rights and wellbeing of everyone.
Why do you think it’s important to be involved in their communities?
It is important to be involved in your community because your involvement shows others that you are a safe person that they can trust. It allows you to encourage others to also participate. It brings to light issues that others ignore. It allows you to give back to those in your community who have given to you. It gives you the chance to improve your skills set through teamwork, outreach, and leadership.
Do you consider yourself a change maker? Why?
I would like to be considered a change maker because my goal in life is to make a positive difference in the world, but that is really up to others to decide.
Do you have any advice for someone who might be interested in getting more politically involved in their community?
The advice I would give is to listen to those impacted most by what areas interest you, make sure to do plenty of research and read as much as you can, and to not be afraid to say that you don’t know something.
Which of the Constitution’s amendments are most important to you and why?
The First Amendment is most important to me because it protects the most basic of freedoms. The freedom to practice whatever religion or spiritual framework you believe is important to protecting people’s diversity. Freedoms of speech and the press are critical to protecting the right for people to know multiple perspectives and to share their own. The freedom of assembly and to petition are essential to protecting democracy and the people’s will.
What issues do you think are most important for South Dakotans to pay attention to?
The banning and strict regulation of medical care is one of the most important issues for South Dakotans to pay attention to. Politicians aren’t medical experts. They shouldn’t be restricting access to gender-affirming care or banning abortion. When safe procedures are being regulated, it’s important to call out the disinformation and dangers of restrictions.