New year, new schedule, new... school policies to decode? The start of the school year is stressful enough without deciphering confusing district policy. At PRISM, we believe every student deserves to be seen as their authentic self, and it starts with navigating name and pronoun changes smoothly. We’ve put together a guide for Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach schools, with all the forms, policies, and even a ready-to-send email template – because supporting students shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle.   What’s the same in all districts?   According to state law, schools cannot force teachers or students to use someone’s affirmed pronouns. However, teachers still have the option to use a student’s affirmed pronouns. Parents must give permission for a student to use a different name at school (except Miami-Dade students over the age of 18). Affirmed names can be used in school systems and non-legal documents after written consent is given by a parent or legal guardian. Legal names and gender stay the same unless changed by a court order or updated birth certificate.  What’s different between districts?   Miami-Dade County Teachers don't need parental permission to use a student's affirmed pronouns. Sharing a student’s birth name/sex without permission could break FERPA laws. Students over 18 can request changes without parent permission. Fill out Form FM5626 for a student’s affirmed name to be used in non-legal documents. Broward County Teachers can use a student’s affirmed name and pronouns, but only if a parent or legal guardian gives written permission. Unlike other districts, there’s no explicitly stated extra FERPA protection. Even if a student is 18+, parents must still give permission. For names: Broward Emergency Contact Card  (Must be completed annually) For pronouns:   PreK-12 Preferred Title Title and Pronoun Request Form   Palm Beach County Teachers don't need parental permission to use a student's affirmed pronouns. Sharing a student’s birth name/sex without permission could break FERPA laws.   Even if a student is 18+, parents must still give permission. Fill out Palm Beach Form PBSD 2688 - Student Registration  for a student’s affirmed name to be used in non-legal documents. Email Template Under state law, teachers can't ask students for their pronouns – but students can still provide them to affirming teachers. Below are template emails students can use to inform their teachers or submit name/pronoun forms. To Teachers Subject: Introducing Myself Dear [Professor/Teacher name]: My name is [preferred name], and I will be attending your [name of course] class this year. I am contacting you to let you know that my name will show up on your roster as [legal name], but I would prefer to go by [preferred name] and [your pronouns] pronouns. I identify as [your gender identity] and do not identify with my legal name. I will be putting [preferred name] on my assignments and would appreciate it if you called me by this name and used the pronouns [your pronouns] to refer to me in class. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. You can contact me at [your email address]. Thank you so much for your understanding. I am looking forward to starting your class next week. Sincerely, [Your name] To Principal/School Staff Subject: Request for Affirmed Name/Pronoun Update  Hi [Principal/Counselor’s Name], Hope you’re doing well! My [child/teen/self], [Legal Name], goes by [Affirmed Name] and uses [pronouns, if applicable] in daily life. We’d love for this to be reflected in school systems where possible! I’ve attached the completed [Form Name]—let me know if anything else is needed. Also, just checking: Has it been processed? How will this update be shared (or kept private)? Are there any other steps we should take? Thanks so much for your help in making [Student’s Name]’s school experience a little more affirming! Best, [Your Name][Your Contact Info] Pro Tip: CC a guidance counselor or trusted teacher if you’re not getting a response. A little persistence goes a long way! More Information & Resources    For details on Florida's law:    Florida Senate F.S. 1000.071 For district-specific LGBTQ+ support guides:   Miami-Dade Guidelines for Promoting Safe and Inclusive Schools Broward County Inclusive Schools Guide Palm Beach LGBTQ+ Support Guide

Bathroom access has become one of the most personal and politicized issues facing transgender and nonbinary students in Florida. At its core, this is not about politics—it is about safety, dignity, and whether students can get through the school day without fear or disruption. What Florida Law Requires In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed HB 1521, the Safety in Private Spaces Act . It applies to: K–12 public and many private schools Public colleges and universities Certain private colleges and universities  (through a Department of Education rule for institutions licensed by the Commission for Independent Education or exempt under s. 1005.06(1)(b)–(f), F.S.) Under HB 1521  and related DOE rules : Restrooms and changing facilities must be designated for exclusive use by males or females, as defined by sex assigned at birth, or  be a single-occupancy unisex  facility that meets privacy standards (floor-to-ceiling walls, locking door). Students, staff, and others can be disciplined only  if they willfully  enter a facility for the “opposite sex” and  refuse to leave when asked by authorized personnel. Exceptions exist for emergencies, maintenance, accompanying certain people (such as children under 12 or someone with a disability), or when a designated facility is out of order. For private postsecondary institutions, policies must be updated in student and employee handbooks, disciplinary procedures must be in place, and students and staff must be told they can file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General if the school fails to comply. The Role of Single-Stall and Unisex Bathrooms The law explicitly allows single-stall unisex restrooms  and unisex changing facilities  as alternatives. These are often the safest and most dignified harm-reduction option for transgender and nonbinary students. If your school or campus has one, you can request to use it—this is permitted under state law. What Federal Law Protects Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education, has been interpreted by courts and the U.S. Department of Education to include protections for transgender students. While Florida law is restrictive, Title IX still applies, and related cases are ongoing. This means you may still have legal recourse if you are denied access  in a way that violates your federal rights. What Students and Families Can Do Request a meeting : Discuss accommodations such as access to a single-stall unisex restroom or other privacy measures. Document incidents : If you are denied access or told to leave, write down the date, time, and names of those involved. Seek support : Contact PRISM  for guidance and resources. File a complaint : You may file with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights under Title IX or, in some cases, with the Florida Attorney General if your institution fails to meet state facility requirements. Why It Matters Bathroom access affects health, emotional wellbeing, and the ability to focus on learning. While current Florida law limits options, advocacy can still make a difference. Some schools and campuses continue to support students, and others may be open to change when students, families, and allies speak up. If you or your child is being denied access or made to feel unsafe, you are not alone. PRISM is here to help you understand your rights, navigate your options, and take action when necessary.

Sex education has long been a contested topic in Florida classrooms. But in recent years, what was once basic health instruction has been stripped down, delayed, or blocked entirely. For many students—especially LGBTQ+ youth—this shift has left them without the information they need to navigate relationships, consent, or their own bodies. These changes didn’t happen by accident. They are the result of state-level laws and pressure that restrict what schools can teach, who can say it, and when. What the Law Says Under HB 1069, passed in 2023, schools are prohibited from teaching sexual orientation or gender identity in grades K–8 and must follow “state-approved standards” in grades 9–12. The law also expands parental opt-out rights, requires that all instructional materials be posted online, and opens the door to administrative discipline for teachers who stray from approved content. These rules are now codified in Florida Statutes § 1006.40 and § 1003.42, and they’ve had a chilling effect across the state. Some districts have removed sex education from classrooms altogether, while others have delayed instruction until the very end of the school year—if they offer it at all. What’s Happening in Schools In many schools, sex ed now focuses narrowly on reproduction and abstinence. Lessons about consent, contraception, healthy communication, or LGBTQ+ inclusion have disappeared. Some teachers report being told not to answer student questions if the topic involves gender or sexual orientation. This has left students confused and under-informed. And in some counties, no sex education is being taught at all. But there are exceptions. Broward County: A Case Study in Resistance In May 2025, after months of back-and-forth with the state, Broward County Public Schools received approval to teach sex education in the final week of the school year. The district’s original curriculum was rejected by the Florida Department of Education. Only after requesting to adopt a state-approved version from another district was permission granted. The last-minute approval allowed Broward students to receive sex education before summer break—but only narrowly, and only after significant pressure. The situation highlights how restrictive laws are being used to delay or deny instruction, even when districts try to comply. It also shows that organized, persistent efforts can still lead to limited wins—though they often come late and with strings attached. What Students, Families, and Educators Can Do If you are a student and you feel like you’re not being taught what you need to know, speak up. Ask what curriculum is being used. Find a trusted adult to talk to. You have a right to understand your body and your health. Parents can review materials, opt out, or opt in. But they can also demand more from school districts. If your school is failing to provide basic health education, raise the issue publicly—especially at school board meetings or through local coalitions. Educators are in a difficult position, but you still have the power to advocate for clarity and push back on disinformation. Know what your district has approved. Work with colleagues to defend what is allowed under law, and find ways to keep students informed through whatever channels remain open. Why This Matters When schools erase sex education, students do not stop needing it. They just stop getting it from trusted, evidence-based sources. That gap can lead to harm, confusion, and preventable health risks. Florida’s restrictions are part of a broader campaign to control public education through fear and censorship. But students still have questions. Families still want answers. And teachers still care. PRISM is here to help ensure that all young people have access to honest, inclusive information—no matter what the legislature does next.

Donate now to support PRISM's mission to make South Florida safe for everyone. < Return to Donate Movement Builders: Yearly Membership Starting at just $60/month, each donorship tier comes with exciting perks and opportunities, as well as a exclusive monthly newsletter featuring an LGBTQ+ advice column and queer culture news. Show your commitment to South Florida's LGBTQ+ youth and sign up today! Membership Benefits Supporter ($60/yr) Friend ($120/yr) Ally ($300/yr) Advocate ($600/yr) Champion ($1200/yr) Legend ($3000/yr) Exclusive Movement Builders Monthly Newsletter Exclusive Movement Builders Monthly Newsletter Access to interactive Newsletter content (Advice Column, Q&A, Interviews, etc..) Handwritten “Thank You” card Exclusive Movement Builders Monthly Newsletter Access to interactive Newsletter content (Advice Column, Q&A, Interviews, etc..) Handwritten “Thank You” card Limited edition, youth-designed T-shirt Pride stickers Exclusive Movement Builders Monthly Newsletter Access to interactive Newsletter content (Advice Column, Q&A, Interviews, etc..) Handwritten “Thank You” card Limited edition, youth-designed T-shirt Pride stickers Exclusive access to Art Prints made by our LGBTQ+ youth Name on our website (optional) Shoutout on our Instagram feed (optional) 15% discount on up to (4) tickets to PRISM Gala Exclusive Movement Builders Monthly Newsletter Access to interactive Newsletter content (Advice Column, Q&A, Interviews, etc..) Handwritten “Thank You” card Limited edition, youth-designed T-shirt Pride stickers Exclusive access to Art Prints by our LGBTQ+ youth Name on our website (optional) Shoutout on our Instagram feed (optional) PRISM Collector's Item 2 Free Tickets to the PRISM Gala Exclusive Movement Builders Monthly Newsletter Access to interactive Newsletter content (Advice Column, Q&A, Interviews, etc..) Handwritten “Thank You” card Limited edition, youth-designed T-shirt Pride stickers Exclusive access to Art Prints by our LGBTQ+ youth Name on our website (optional) Shoutout on our Instagram feed (optional) PRISM Collector's Item 2 Free VIP Tickets to the PRISM Gala Note: Newsletter perks are immediately accessible. Physical prizes and gala-related perks will be received seasonally. Become a Movement Builder Note: Newsletter perks are immediately accessible. Physical prizes and gala-related perks will be received seasonally.

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Join us as we pay homage to the people, organizations, and movements that lit the fire of queer activism and fought for the rights queer people have today. BUY YOUR TICKET A HISTORY OF RESISTANCE As queer youth face mounting attacks across the state, our movement calls for a return to scrappy, grassroots tactics. This year, we're harkening back to the era of Riot Grrrl and feminist punk to celebrate queers who took to the streets to demand change. Join us as we pay homage to the people, organizations, and movements that fought for the rights we have today. Drinks, Drag, Dinner, Awards & Auction There will be: Entertainment Dinner Interactive Exhibits Silent Auction Awards Ceremony An exclusive after party And more! SPONSORS Interested in sponsoring the PRISM Gala? Reach out to Maxx Fenning for more information (maxxfenning@prismfl.org ) Champion Tier Advocate Tier Ally Tier Media Sponsors 2025 AWARDEES Ky Walker Youth Leadership Award Laura Munoz Youth Allyship Award Sofia Hernandez Volunteer Award BUY YOUR TICKET