Some people might wish to diversify the range of blog authors they read.

Contrary to the implicit assertion you make, nothing -- not even programming (and writing about programming especially) -- is inseparable from identity. Consider, for example, that where someone grew up is likely to influence how they think and write about programming. Why would gender not also have an influence?

It's now been 2 days since this was posted to hacker news. Here's the gender breakdown for the recommended posts:

209 unique males were mentioned 280 times

21 unique females were mentioned 26 times

Excluding GP's comment 14 unique females were mentioned 18 times

That ratio of 209 male voices to 21 female is the reason the genitals of a programming blog author is relevant.

*There were 11 mentions where I was unable to definitively determine gender.

Such a collection in one place might be inspiring for some non-male developers ? Some role models to emulate ;) Probably assurance that gender doesn't matter to be accepted and well-regarded?

The fact you felt compelled enough to pose such a question shows a certain bias in the community that warrants efforts to empower and amplify minorities within the community.

I had the same reaction.

Women in IT talk about how hard it is for them not to be judged by their gender but by their skills and yet many of them promote their gender as if it's more important than the skills.