January marks the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, and on Monday, a Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast luncheon at the Westin Galleria drew politicians, leading ladies and other champions of women's health to celebrate the occasion.

But despite the momentous milestone, the day's talks had a dark tone: Even as Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast president and CEO Melaney Linton and event co-chairs Andrea Greer and Shannon Langrand welcomed keynote speaker Jessica Valenti to the stage, they all acknowledged full awareness of the continued plight of women across the United States.

Valenti, a feminist author and founder of Feministing, focused her talk around a well-known image of a protest sign that she said most accurately encapsulates the sentiment of the moment — and one that draws questions like "Why are you so angry?" from friends and strangers.

It's a common stereotype of feminists, Valenti said.

"It's not that I'm angry, it's that I'm exhausted. The war on reproductive health and autonomy feels absolutely never ending."

Valenti, recounted all the laws and mandates enacted in recent years, the unnecessary, invasive medical procedures that work to reverse women's rights.

"I am exhausted, and I am shocked, and I am sad, and you know what? I am really fucking angry," she continued — and it was clear from the groans of disbelief and the chorus of sniffles that the audience was in complete agreement.

"We don't do this work because of anger, we do this work because of love and we do this work because of compassion," said Valenti, applauding Planned Parenthood's mission.

"It's not about abortion, it's not about birth control. It's about compassion and community, and the insistence that women be respected and supported."