critical race theory

An outspoken ally to the LGBTQ community, Gloria Jean Watkins, a.k.a. bell hooks, is arguably the most widely published and known black feminist scholar ever, and no Women’s Studies courses here or abroad should be without her. Born and raised in the rural Kentucky, bell hooks uses her great-grandmother's name as her pseudonym to celebrate the female legacy of her family. hooks spells her pseudonym in all lowercase to emphasize her writings rather than her name, because as she says "it is the substance of my books, not who is writing them, that is important."

The American Film Institute has released its lists of the top film and TV series of 2009, and Fox's Glee was among TV selections, while Precious and its lesbian teacher landed a film mention. Glee was joined by lesbian favorites True Blood, Nurse Jackie, Party Down featuring Jane Lynch, Modern Family, Mad Men with hottie January Jones, The No. 1 Ladies' Dective Agency, andBig Love.

Even if you've already gone to the polls to cast your ballot (you're going to vote...right?!) there's so much going on in today's midterm election. Here's our picks for the races to watch.