The Purity Myth’s Jessica Valenti Talks Virginity, Weddings & Miss California

Click here for an interview with Jessica Valenti, author of The Purity Myth, which discusses (among other things) traditions of fathers and daughters taking part in a “virginity movement,” which focuses on daughters pledging themselves to their fathers to stay “pure” by not engaging in sexual encounters until marriage.  This movement could be discussed as part of issues related to parenting practices and what gendered norms of femininity are produced through these practices.

Iowa Student Zach Wahls: Why I’m Defending My Two Moms

As discussed in the audio lecture, after IA college student Zach Wahls testified about being raised by lesbian mothers before the IA judiciary about a proposed new law, the video of his testimony went viral.  Here is his response to this event and a discussion of his upbringing.