This Week's Best Feminist News

For the first time in a long time, we managed to go a few days without any politicians making horribly sexist comments or anyone trying to defund women's health, but there are still a lot of feminist news stories from this week that are stirring headlines. Just because Donald Trump didn't insult a high-profile woman recently (that we know of) doesn't mean the feminist think pieces all dried up and went home. There's plenty of feminist news to go around, from introspective personal narratives to uplifting stories.

While there's much to be said on the Miley Cyrus versus Nicki Minaj debate, and even more to be said on Taylor Swift's African-themed video without Africans, the articles below focus on the stories that you probably missed. None of these stories were trending on Twitter or making the big headlines, but that doesn't mean they're not as important. Instead, these thought-provoking feminist reads focus on angles or people whose stories offer just as much (or more) to feminist conversations.

So whether you're looking for personal discussions on sexual assault, awesome interviews with Serena Williams, or investigative pieces on porn, here are some great articles you should read this week.

Vox: "Serena Williams Has Too Many Grand Slams To Win To Care About Racist And Sexist Attacks"

If tennis champion Serena Williams does well in the U.S. Open, she could potentially break a major record in the sport. But as German Lopez points out, she's been plagued by sexist and racist criticism from the start. The article focuses on Williams' impending victory, and her recent remarks about the haters. "I love that I am a full woman and I'm strong and I'm powerful and I'm beautiful at the same time," Williams is quoted as saying. "And there's nothing wrong with that."

The Courier-Journal: "Student With Down Syndrome Joins MSU sorority"

This article by Lexy Gross focuses on Alexis Cain, the first girl with Down Syndrome to be accepted into the Greek system at her school, Murray State University (she'll be joining Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority). It follows Cain's decision to rush and discusses how individuals with disabilities find their place on college campuses. It's been awhile since a sorority has made headlines for doing something great, and Cain's story is a winning combination of heartwarming and empowering.

Salon: "How This Mom Is Raising Her 7-Year-Old Transgender Girl — With A Little Help From Laverne Cox, Janet Mock And Jazz Jennings"

Salon's Rachel Kramer Bussel interviewed Marlo Mack, whose podcast "How To Be A Girl" focuses on the realities of raising a transgender daughter. While the article is kind of a plug for the podcast, Mack's insight is extremely interesting. She doesn't shy away from admitting that she struggled with her daughter's identity for awhile, but she also shares how she came to understand her daughter better. Mack's frankness is what makes the interview truly inspiring.

The Guardian: "The Suffragettes Of Saudi Arabia"

In Saudi Arabia, women are finally able to run for office and vote. Fariha Róisín takes a look at the upcoming elections and interviews some of the women who are pushing for the change. These newfound rights are a crucial and extraordinary first step for Saudi women, as it slowly opens the door for further rights and access. It's not only a huge victory for Saudi women, but women everywhere.

The Huffington Post: "Meet The Powerful Women Directors Working In Porn"

In this in-depth piece, Catherine Pearson follows several women working in the porn industry as directors and producers and shows that it's not exactly the male-dominated field that many people assume it is. The article acts not only as a fascinating insight into the field, but also seeks to highlight the women who often work as the driving force of the industry.

Broadly: "Telling My Campus Rape Stories"

Another wonderful and very different piece from Broadly. In this personal narrative, Haley Potiker discusses her experiences with campus rape, including her own. The article is not only beautifully written, but also a candid discussion of what happens when victims remain silent. Though it's a long read, it will definitely stay with you.