This week, Javaria Akbar explained how her childhood mosque was her safe space. Read that and other essays from OutHistory, Vulture, The Toast, and more.
"The Difference Between Porn And Sex" — BuzzFeed Ideas
As a porn performer, Kitty Stryker has found that there are some major differences between the sex she has onscreen and the sex she has at home. For BuzzFeed Ideas, she explained what it's like dating a man who's also a porn star, how exhausting shoots are, and whether or not she gets off on the job. Read it here.
Monique Steel for BuzzFeed
"The Homophobia Problem in Women’s Tennis Is Its Race and Gender Problem Too" — OutHistory
Last week, The New York Times published a problematic article about female tennis players and body image. In response to that piece, Claire Potter wrote about the homophobia problem in women's tennis, how it goes way back, and how it affects all women. Read it at OutHistory.
"My Childhood Mosque Was My Safe Space" — BuzzFeed Ideas
For Javaria Akbar, meeting with her Muslim "girl gang" at mosque every week meant never having to explain herself. With her fellow British, brown, and Muslim girl friends, "there was no delay in their assent and no need for explanation when it came to talking about abstaining from alcohol, dressing modestly, fasting, and not having a boyfriend," she explained in an essay for BuzzFeed Ideas. "Those women were like me; British, brown, and Muslim. They got me." Read it here.
Sian Butcher / BuzzFeed
"Dancing Through Grief: My Years as a Lyrical Dancer" — The Toast
After Kristen Martin lost both of her parents, she poured most of her time and energy into dancing. In an essay for The Toast, she reflects on her years in competitive lyrical dance and how it helped her cope with grief. Read it at The Toast.
Kristen Martin / Via the-toast.net
