Typically, one doesn't make much of an association between “reproductive health” and “comedy.” Maybe a sarcastic stand-up bit about seeing an OB/GYN, or maybe an ironic and nihilistic remark about a recently passed law. Yet, Sexy Beast proves there can be (and is) a valuable relationship between the two. This was proven last Saturday, during an evening of comedy and art uplifting Planned Parenthood Los Angeles (PPLA)’s efforts to enhance sexual wellness in LA. 

Returning again after four years, the fundraising initiative Sexy Beast, exclusively benefiting PPLA, held their eponymous event, raising awareness for bodily autonomy and reproductive rights through art, comedy, and community. With tickets available to the general public and a clear dedication to protecting abortion access, Sexy Beast joined the creative communities of LA to provide an evening honoring the work of PPLA, “to help keep compassionate, affordable sexual and reproductive health care available in LA.” Sexy Beast turned Night Gallery into a backdrop for conversations about healthcare access and a clear message of support from the LA art scene to PPLA’s goals.

As guests mingled and donated, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater provided entertainment outside, including a puppeteered frog. Inside, LA-based artists Raffi Kalenderian and Alberto Cuadros displayed their “Basket Bar,” a space equally dedicated to drinks and art. The Basket Bar art pieces primarily centered around basketball, complete with a Planned Parenthood basketball jersey. Night Galley also curated their own exhibition, with sales from both directly supporting PPLA’s fight for bodily autonomy. Headlining the evening, comedian Robby Hoffman performed a stand-up routine.

Through these performances, Sexy Beast invoked greater discussion about the current state of healthcare in America. More importantly, it centered the conversation on celebration of what has been done and what progress could be made, rather than focusing on the problems PPLA currently faces. At Night Gallery, reproductive freedom became an essential issue in the LA art community, transforming healthcare into a universal necessity and demonstrating the reach of PPLA beyond politics. Sexy Beast demonstrated the massive community support PPLA has garnered, proof that, as Night Gallery owner Davida Nemeroff puts it: “Sexy Beast is possible because people believe in the cause.” Although donations are still being calculated, currently, the event raised over $300,000 in support of PPLA’s mission.