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 23- May 29

Christian Masculinity: Wild At Heart - by Lklouise

Why I chose this post:

This is the first of a sure-to-be exciting series of blogs about Christian notions of masculinity. In this installment, Lklouise writes about a book called Wild at Heart by Frank Eldredge, which she describes as:

“the familiar refrain of many Christian self-help books aimed for men: namely, that they need to reclaim the awesome, aggressive masculinity that Jesus totally lived to teach them, and that our culture is so feminine and that’s bad.”

Transphobia at CSU East Bay - by Travelducky21

Why I chose this post:

I am transgender, and I'm willing to come out and say that CSU East Bay has not made me feel safe, and that ASI has done nothing to bring up awareness of LGBT issues on campus, and has given too much responsibility to the Queer/Straight Alliance to educate the rest of the school. When the electoral committee (picked by ASI) and Student Life and Leadership should be much more aware of LGBT issues.

My name is Anibal Hurtado.

I am transgender.

My Voice will not be silenced.

Call to Action! Support Sister McBride in Arizona! - by AFY_Viviana

Why I chose this post:

Viviana writes about Sister Margaret McBride, a hospital administrator at St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. In November, she approved an abortion for a woman who was 11 weeks pregnant because of pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure. If the pregnancy wasn’t aborted, “the probability of death for her and her 11-week fetus was nearly 100%.” But now, Sister Margaret has been excommunicated by Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of Phoenix. Vivian asks several important questions, including: Are Catholic hospitals safe for pregnant women?

CNN’s reporting on “explicit” sex dolls= fail! - by AFY_Urooj

Why I chose this post:

I am saddened to see the labeling of such a refreshing and honest perspective on  sex education as a sexually explicit material and hope that in the future CNN can actually take a lesson from what the folks on the ground are saying about the subject matter (increased understanding of one's body, learning the difference between good touch and bad touch and increased self esteem to name a few.)

Urooj includes the video of the CNN segment. Take a look, and share whether you feel CNN was right to label the footage as “explicit.”

When is it a Man’s Right To Choose? - by kirbygirl87

Why I chose this post:

There may not be an easy answer, but it’s definitely something to think about.

Women have been fighting for years to make sure men are taking full responsibility for the children that they help create, but as you can see many single  households are held by single moms who have little to no support from their male  counterpart. I'm not saying all fathers are deadbeats, but given the statistics and  my experience with my mom being a single mother, men don't have the best track  record to make decisions, especially when it comes to a women's body.

Is there a place to draw a line that would help more than it would hurt? How do we determine who takes responsibility, when, and how much? As many of us will one day be parents, this discussion is one to have now, rather than in the middle of a hard situation.

Venus Williams Rocks My World - by Media_Justice

Why I chose this post:

Venus Williams has gotten a lot of attention for the outfit she wore during the French Open, much of it negative. But why?

What is wrong with a woman choosing to have fun in her sport? What is wrong with a female athlete of Color claiming her femininity and sex appeal that is often  taken away from them? What is wrong with a Black woman who is one of the best  tennis players in the world demonstrating her ability to do other things besides  play tennis?

Condom Campaign - by Karabe20

Why I chose this post:

Over the course of 2 evenings the students dress up and celebrate the achievements of the department. The theme for this year was "Art." So, I decided to create a bit of modern art myself and made a dress completely out of trojan condoms.

A lot of people are shy about condoms, but Kara chose to make a dress out of them! I love how bold and upfront she was! Way to go!

Gay Malawi couple sentences to 14 years in prison with hard labor - by AFY_Viviana

Why I chose this post:

Tiwonge Chimbalanga, 20, and his partner, Steven Monjeza, 26, a gay Malawi couple arrested in December after celebrating a public engagement ceremony, were sentenced to 14 years in prison with hard labor on Thursday for committing "unnatural acts and gross indecency."

Though the Malawi President has since pardoned the couple, it’s an outrage that they were arrested in the first place. It’s a good sign that they were pardoned, but we cannot end our fight for equality here. World leaders, including President Obama, must continue and increase the use of their powerful and influential voices so that such injustices are not allowed to continue.

Missionaries of Hate - by Zetcha

Why I chose this post:

Zetcha shares this behind-the-scenes look at a Vanguard documentary for CurrentTV about the homophobia in Uganda, surrounding the “Kill the Gays Bill.” It’s really astounding to watch people be so blatantly ugly, and proud, about their hatred. It can be hard to hear, but this is what we’re up against.

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

~ Samantha