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.

May 9- May 15

Good news on Health Care Reform…Dependent Coverage Update!- by AFY_Sarah

Why I chose this post:

This is good news for a lot of us. Sarah shares some info on health insurance coverage for people under age 26. As she says, “Young people are the most uninsured of any age group (30%), fewer of us have coverage by our employers and many of us have a hard time paying medical bills.” During the long process of debate over health reform, issues concerning young people didn’t get a lot of coverage, but here’s an update on something that directly concerns us.

What Should Have Been Common Sense- by Stan_TFN

Why I chose this post:

This post conveys the power and necessity of honest, comprehensive education. Stan shares an experience that made him realize how much queer students are being put in danger because they are denied important sexual health information. As he says, “The time to stop shaming and silencing queer issues in school is over. We need comprehensive sex education for everyone, so everyone is safe.”

“A Lot of Fathers Do”- by uncstudent88

Why I chose this post:

This clip from Glee shows a great scene with Kurt, a young gay man, and his father.
It shows the often difficult process that parents go through in accepting that their child is gay, and what effect that has on their child.

Laura Bush: Pro Choice AND Pro-Gay Marriage?!- by MidwestGenderQueer

Why I chose this post:

In a recent interview with Larry King, former First Lady Laura Bush talks about her positive views on choice and equal marriage rights. Watch the interview, then share your thoughts on how the past 10 years may have been different is Mrs. Bush has voiced these views during her husband’s presidency.

The Cost of Her Integrity?- by AFY_Nikki

Why I chose this post:

Nikki shares the story of Sara Isaacson, an ROTC student at UNC-Chapel Hill. When she came out as a lesbian to her commander, she was kicked out, and told that she would have to pay back the $80,000 she had been given in scholarship money. Anyone out there still think that DADT is helping anyone?

PSU Safe Sex Representatives- by strawberryrock

Why I chose this post:

Another inspiring story from the Great American Condom Campaign!

 Finally, it occurred to us. People could put whatever they wanted on their doors.  Why not, instead of favorite comic strips, a display about safe sex, with free  materials and condoms? Perhaps a rotating theme? Maybe some construction  paper and glitter glue?

A Protest that was Personal to Me- by Lklouise

Why I chose this post:

Lklouise writes about her experience at “Provo Canyon School” an institution for youth with emotional and/or behavioral issues. She sheds light on the abuses that this “school” and those like it inflict on their charges.

 These schools and boot camps have very few restrictions about how they're  allowed to exist- many of them are essentially self-certified and allowed to  practice therapy in any manner they choose. This includes strict behavior  modification treatments, levels of isolation that would be illegal if these kids were  in the state corrective systems, and a complete lack of licensed schooling.

Despite her experience, she has found the strength to fight back for those who have not yet discovered the power of their own voices.

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

~ Samantha