Each week, I’ll be posting a list of the most news-worthy and/or inspirational, informative, well-written, thought-provoking, and/or unique posts of the week. While every post and every contributor is valuable to our community, these are the blogs that I feel are must-reads.

April 18- April 24

What I Want My Silence to Do to You- by tsefer

Why I chose this post:

Tsefer talks about her experience with the National Day of Silence in Chicago, followed by the Night of Noise rally. From what she describes as “easily the best night of [her] entire senior year,” she shares her excitement for being an activist for the LGBTQ community and shares her hope that, “one day soon, everyone, no matter who they are, will have the opportunity to live life with acceptance and happiness.”

Dear Misogynist College Newspaper Columnists: - by Yes_Means_Yes

Why I chose this post:

Jaclyn calls out three college newspaper columnists for the dogs they are. The words of these three columnists are deplorable, and act as example for why feminism still matters. How is it that these college-educated men still don’t know that rape is never acceptable or excusable, and that sex without enthusiastic consent is not what anyone should be aiming for? These boys act like they know why sex is “fun.” They have no idea.

The more things change the more they stay the same- by AFY_EmilyB

Why I chose this post:

Emily talks about sexual consent, and how the concept of it has become “laughable, impossible, the height of politically correct mumbo-jumbo.” But why? When did the idea of consent become objectionable? What does it mean when saying “No” is ignored for the sake of having sex with someone who isn’t all that interested, if at all? And, why are we willing to have sex with people who aren’t enthusiastic about having sex with us? Read, and share your thoughts.

Spring 2010 comes to a close- by livelovelearn

Why I chose this post:

Michele shares her amazing experience being a SafeSite for the Great American Condom Campaign (GACC). Many people have shared their stories of being SafeSites, but I think this is the best one yet! It involves over 600 condoms being distributed in 4 hours, her campus student TV station doing a segment on the distribution, and an internship with a local advocacy organization. Way to go, Michele!

Imagine!!!- by mareeez

Why I chose this post:

Mareeez writes about Senator Sani Yerima of Nigeria, who has recently married a 13-year-old girl. She shares her distress about the fact that this man is supposed to be a leader, yet is perpetuating such a harmful custom. From a position of power, he is reinforcing the practice of child-marriage in Nigeria, instead of taking a stand against it.

New Global Sexual and Reproductive Health Act Introduced in the House: A Vision Worth Fighting For- by AFY_Janine

Why I chose this post:

 Rep. Clarke’s bill would change the way the U.S. does business abroad by calling  for the implementation of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health  programs, including voluntary family planning, education and outreach, reduction  of unsafe abortion, STI and HIV prevention, integration of services, training for  health professionals, abandonment of harmful traditional practices, and provision  of sexual and reproductive health services during emergencies. As such, it  envisions a continuum of care that is responsive to the range of sexual and  reproductive needs of individuals in the developing world.

Janine talks about a bill recently introduced in the House by Representative Yvette Clarke (D-11th NY) that would radically improve sexual and reproductive health and rights across the globe. She also shares some of her experience working as a health volunteer with the Peace Corps in West Africa, and explains very well why this bill is so important and the great impact that it could have.

My Response to Dr. Gates’ Op-Ed-Ending the Slavery Blame Game- by AFY_Durryle

Why I chose this post:

 It appears that Dr. Gates is blaming the victim and not addressing the system that  has maintained those "excuses". It appears that he is operating under the  assumption that African-Americans should be beyond those "excuses", but how  can that be when the majority of public k-12 schools don't teach critical  engagement and reflection around race?

Durryle shares some well-thought-out points on discussions of the history of racism and how it effects racial issues we encounter today.

Thank you to everyone who posted a blog this week! You are part of what makes this community great!

~ Samantha