Society + Culture

Valedictorian Calls Out U.S. School System, Brainwashed Students, Herself

Erica Goldson, valedictorian of Coxsackie-Athens High School, used her graduation speech to deconstruct the institution rewarding her. Must read & process: “Now, I have successfully shown that I was the best slave. I did what I was told to the extreme. While others sat in class and doodled to later become great artists, I sat in class to take notes and become a great test-taker.”

TV News & Trailers

Sofia Black D’Elia Will Play Lesbian “Tea” in MTV’s Skins US, is a Shoo-In for AfterEllen’s 2011 Hot 100

MTV’s Skins US announced its cast and Sofia Black D’Elia will be playing the lesbian charcter, Tea. Also, weird lesbo hugs for Queen Latifah and her girlfriend I MEAN ‘trainer’, bizarre lesbian advice in the Daily Star, Lady Gaga’s stage dive at Lolla, Judge Walker’s post-trial party, Jane Lynch’s SNL hosting gig and NOM’s sucky summer.

Politics + Activism

Judge Walker and the Comeback Kids: How the Gays Beat Prop 8

By now you’ve probably heard about Prop 8, right? You’ve probably raised a glass or shed a tear or hugged a puppy, maybe you even told your mom. Wondering what it really means and what’s next? Well good news! Everyone’s favorite resident law expert, Autostraddle Legal Correspondent Jessica is here to explain the ins and outs of the ruling so you can know exactly what to say when you’re gloating to your smack-talking relatives on facebook.

Food and Drink

Laura’s Team Pick: 17 and Baking

I’ve got a dozen or so food sites in my Google Reader, but this one is my newest favorite. Elissa, the now-18 author of 17 and baking, has a couple things that I wish I would’ve had in high school–self-confidence, a kitchenaid mixer, proximity to a farmers’ market, and a well-developed writer’s voice.. Her blog […]