PRISM aims to provide LGBTQ+ youth in South Florida and beyond with the education and support they need. It is our goal to make sure everyone feels included in their community, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. For every color, For everyone Our Mission PRISM works to expand access to LGBTQ-inclusive education and sexual health resources for youth in South Florida. It's our goal to make sure everyone feels included in their community, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Resources Learn Get Tested Student Ambassador Program School Policy Hub Upcoming Events Coming Out Day Tabling Fair Oct 9, 2026 Lakeside Canopy, University of Miami Learn More PRISM Tabletop Role-Playing Experience Oct 9, 2026 Guildhall Anime Game Lounge Learn More I've Been Meaning to Read That! Oct 11, 2026 Location changes weekly with hybrid options Learn More 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ... 9 Our Partners PRISM prides itself in being a collaborative member of the LGBT community in South Florida. See some of our partners below! These organizations, businesses, and individuals have shown their steadfast commitment to our motto: "For Every Color, For Everyone" through partnered events, fundraising initiatives, grants, sponsorships, and other collaborations.

Do you have an LGBT-oriented club or organization on your school's campus? Read more below! < Return to Resources PRISM Student Ambassador Program With attacks against LGBTQ+ youth across the state, extracurricular programs and clubs will be even more of a safe haven for queer students. As the school year approaches, consider becoming part of PRISM’s Student Ambassador Program! A Proud Affiliate Of What is the PRISM Student Ambassador Program? The PRISM Student Ambassador Program (P-SAP) is a network of GSAs (Gender and Sexuality Alliances) and other LGBTQ+ student organizations empowering the next generation of leaders. By joining P-SAP, you get: Individual support to start, sustain, or grow your club Access to guest speakers for your club meetings The opportunity to actively connect with other LGBTQ+ student leaders through monthly meetings and an exclusive P-SAP chat Guidance on laws and policies that might affect your clubs and club members Workshops and trainings on topics like community organizing, LGBTQ+ history, and more Cash stipend for your club (yes, real money ) Volunteer opportunities with PRISM and other community organizations Be enrolled in a high school or university in Palm Beach County, Miami-Dade County, or Broward County Be a member of your school’s GSA or LGBTQ+ student organization! Requirements to Join You'll also have to meet one of these requirements: Have a leadership position in an LGBTQ-focused club or student organization at your school Intend to start an LGBTQ-focused club or student organization at your school by the end of the school year; Be designated as a PRISM Student Ambassador by someone with such a leadership position * High school students must also receive written permission from your staff sponsor to participate in P-SAP as a representative of your club or student organization Want to join? You can fill out an application here: APPLY TODAY

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< Back to School Policy Hub Why LGBTQ+ History Matters October is LGBTQ+ History Month, which is meant to recognize and honor the historical impacts, achievements, and contributions of queer people. As a queer person, I was never much of a history buff. Sure, I learned about it in class, I passed most of my tests, but then I went home and forgot every single detail. It wasn’t until I started learning about LGBT history, about the storied struggle for the rights of people like me that spans decades, that I became a history buff. And it was that, it was learning of all the LGBT civil rights leaders, the persecution, the hate, the joy, the love, the hope of LGBTQ Americans, the textbook pages and educational videos and quotes from those that came well before me, that drove me to the work I do today. The history and beauty of my community, the LGBT community, goes well beyond discussions of sex and should be welcomed and cherished in schools, in media, and everywhere else. Eighty years ago, I would’ve been forced to wear a pink triangle. Thirty years ago, I might’ve worn it on purpose, a reclamation in my fight for survival in the AIDS epidemic. Up until 1998, I could’ve been fired in Miami-Dade for just being gay, much less doing anything close to that. And until the Supreme Court ruling in Bostock v Clayton County, which was a mere two years ago, I could’ve been fired, evicted, even denied service at a restaurant for being gay in 55 out of Florida’s 67 counties along with so many other Americans. We shouldn’t be depriving our students of foundational chapters of our nation’s story. LGBT History is American history because LGBT Americans are Americans. In solidarity, Maxx Fenning President, PRISM FL, Inc

< Back to School Policy Hub Diaphragms A diaphragm is a latex or silicone dome that covers the cervix to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. There are four types of diaphragms: Arching spring diaphragm Coil spring diaphragm Flat spring diaphragm Wide seal rim diaphragm The last type is made of silicone and is meant for people allergic or sensitive to latex. Your doctor can help you decide which diaphragm type is best for you. Diaphragms do not protect against STIs. Condoms and dental dams are the only forms of contraception that can prevent STIs. How to Use a Diaphragm Diaphragms must be used with spermicide to prevent pregnancy. Spermicide is a foam, gel, or cream that kills sperm. Diagram of how to use a diaphragm (Image Source: PRISM FL, Inc / Amelia St. Peter) Apply 1 teaspoon of spermicide to the inside of the diaphragm, as well as around the rim. Fold the diaphragm with the dome pointing down. Insert the diaphragm into the vagina and aim for the tailbone. Push the diaphragm as far back as it will go. Push the front rim of the diaphragm behind the pubic bone. If you have sex more than once, apply more spermicide to the vagina without removing the diaphragm. After sex, leave the diaphragm in for at least 6 hours. Hook your finger on the front rim, then pull down and out. Safety Practices Do not use a diaphragm during your period. A diaphragm can be inserted up to 18 hours before sex Do not leave a diaphragm in for more than 24 hours, as this can cause toxic shock syndrome or infection

< Back to School Policy Hub LGBTQ+ History Month LGBTQ+ History Month: What’s Allowed and What Still Works Each October, schools across the country observe LGBTQ+ History Month to honor the people, events, and movements that have shaped LGBTQ+ history. For students in Florida, this month can be a powerful opportunity to feel seen, connected, and included in the broader story of civil rights and progress. But in recent years, growing restrictions on identity-based instruction have caused confusion. Some schools have canceled planned events, removed displays, or discouraged student groups from participating at all. Others simply do not know what is legally allowed. Despite these challenges, LGBTQ+ History Month is still legal in Florida schools. The key is understanding what the law says and how schools can act in ways that are affirming, creative, and compliant. What the Law Says Florida law currently prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K through 8. In grades 9 through 12, instruction is permitted only if it aligns with specific state academic standards. These limits come from the Parental Rights in Education Act and House Bill 1069, now codified in Florida Statutes 1001.42 and 1003.42. However, these laws restrict classroom instruction, not cultural or historical recognition. LGBTQ+ History Month is not banned. Schools are still allowed to recognize historical figures, highlight community contributions, and create opportunities for student-led learning and expression. In other words, how the month is celebrated matters more than whether it is celebrated at all. What Schools Can Still Do There are many fully legal and student-centered ways to observe LGBTQ+ History Month in Florida. These include: Bulletin boards, posters, or book displays honoring LGBTQ+ historical figures Morning announcements that feature LGBTQ+ authors, artists, or activists GSA-sponsored events, trivia games, or art projects QR codes linking to LGBTQ+ history timelines or community stories Optional classroom writing or research assignments that connect to broader social studies or English Language Arts standards These activities are not considered direct instruction on identity. They are cultural recognitions, student-driven programs, and public celebrations of civil rights history—none of which are prohibited by law. What Broward County Shows Is Still Possible Broward County Public Schools continues to be a statewide leader in affirming students. In recent years, the Broward School Board has passed multiple pro-LGBTQ+ resolutions, including one specifically supporting LGBTQ+ History Month. These resolutions publicly commit the district to recognizing the month, supporting inclusive programming, and making space for LGBTQ+ students and staff to feel seen. Even under state pressure, Broward has demonstrated that school districts still have local authority to affirm community values and recognize marginalized groups in lawful, student-centered ways. If it is possible in Broward, it can be possible elsewhere too. What to Do If Your School Pushes Back If your school blocks a poster, cancels a GSA event, or removes LGBTQ+ displays: Ask for a written explanation of the decision Request a copy of your school’s policies on free expression and student clubs Document what was removed and who made the decision Contact a school board member or file a public comment Reach out to PRISM for help understanding your rights Often, pushback is based on fear, not law. Students still have the right to free speech, and school clubs cannot be treated differently based on their viewpoint. Why It Matters LGBTQ+ History Month helps students see that they are not alone and that LGBTQ+ people have always been part of the American story. It provides an opportunity to celebrate resilience, honor contributions, and build community in schools where students too often feel invisible. Even in a restrictive legal climate, the month still belongs to students, teachers, and families who care about equity, truth, and belonging. PRISM is here to help you celebrate safely, speak up when your rights are challenged, and make sure LGBTQ+ students are never erased.

< Back to School Policy Hub What is Racism? What is Racism? Racism in America Against: Indigenous Tribes Asian Americans Black Americans Hispanic Americans Fighting Racism Racism can be defined in a variety of ways relating to both individual actions and societal institutions. Merriam-Webster defines racism as “a belief that race is a fundamental determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race, and the behaviors and attitudes that foster this belief.” However, these definitions refer to racism as a racial attitude. Racism can also be defined in a systemic sense. Two such examples are the excerpts following which define systemic racism as “the systemic oppression of a racial group to the social, economic, and political advantage of another” and “a political or social system founded on racism and designed to execute its principles.” As seen, the term racism does not simply fall under one definition or one circumstance. Instead, it is a multifaceted term to describe the vast experiences of minority groups facing inequality due to their racial identity. History of Racism in America Racism has been present in society from the start, and it is still deeply rooted in our society today. In 1607, white British colonizers came over to America, quickly dominated, and took over the land. From that moment, rhetoric claiming white individuals as the “superior” race spread and was used to tragically oppress others. Here are examples of the roots of racist attitudes towards minority groups, where they stem from, and how they became widespread: Indigenous Tribes The cultural genocide of indigenous tribes: Colonizers forced the children into schools where they learned about Christianity and European values. They were stripped of their tribal clothing and were only allowed to speak English. The education system greatly idolizes the relation between the Natives and Colonizers as one of friendship, however the Europeans took advantage of their power to suppress the indigenous tribes. Before the British colonized the Americas, Indigenous tribes lived peacefully on the land in harmony with their tribes and nature. Their sacred customs and beliefs were practiced and displayed. However, white colonizers saw strong Indigenous cultural identity as a threat to their own power and success and responded with violence. Colonizers stole their lands and forced Indigenous people into smaller and smaller reservation areas that were insufficient for survival and hindered the continuance of their tribal practices. Over time, they continued to whittle down the land belonging to Indigenous groups leaving them with even less land and resources. As Europeans continued to take over new land and gain power, they resorted to genocide to tragically kill an estimated 8 million Indigenous people. Many of these deaths occurred through the spread of European disease to which the Indigenous people had no immunity. Asian Americans Throughout the early 1940’s, 10 Japanese Internment Camps were opened. They were located in California, Arizona, Utah, Arkansas, Wyoming, and Colorado. Nearly 120,000 Japanese Americans, some being second or third generation, were gathered up and placed into these camps by the government as a means to prevent espionage during World War II. Throughout America’s history, Asian Americans have faced racism, especially in terms of immigration. In the 19th century, the United States promoted a “white-only” immigration policy. Asian Americans were seen as dirty and uncivilized to white Americans. Along with the promulgation of these xenophobic notions came the passing of the Chinese Exclusion Act, which prohibited the immigration of Chinese individuals. This was the first race-based act of immigration legislation to exist in the Americas. During World War II, those of Japanese descent faced mass incarceration into internment camps under Franklin Roosevelt's executive order due to unsupported suspicions of espionage for the enemy following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Racism against Asian Americans was once again highlighted in 2020 with the Covid-19 outbreak. Many faced discrimination and prejudice due to the virus having origins in China, despite the fact that AAPI individuals do not have any responsibility for the tragic illness. Black Americans In the Supreme Court case, Plessy v Ferguson, the Supreme Court determined that the practice of “separate but equal” was constitutional as segregation alone did not violate the constitution. However, later on, the case of Brown v Board of Education abolished this practice when the Supreme Court ruled that segregation in schools was unconstitutional. (Library of Congress) The history of racism towards Black individuals in America began in 1619 with the start of the slave trade. Nearly 7 million Africans were enslaved and sent to America. White colonizers took advantage of African Americans and used them as a source of free labor. They would work the slaves in horrible conditions and provide severe consequences if they stepped out of line. Like what was done to the Indigenous people, slave owners also stripped African slaves of their culture and heritage by prohibiting communication and the use of their native languages. They also kept them in captivity by prohibiting slaves from learning to read or write which made escaping nearly impossible. This serves as one of the first examples of systemic discrimination that kept oppressed groups in a subordinate position through unequal accessibility. Following the American Revolution, Black Americans still faced great discrimination and segregation as the White majority did not accept them as members of their society. Every resource, from schools to water fountains, was segregated, reinforcing the American idea that White Americans were superior to Black Americans. It was during this time the discriminatory dictum “separate but equal” was coined. Despite the inclusion of the word “equal”, resources Black individuals received were nowhere near equal to those of White individuals. For example, they received used schoolbooks and had no funding. Fast forward to present-day America and we still see racism against the Black population through police brutality and systemic oppression. Black individuals are nearly three times more likely to be killed by a police officer than white people. This is due to systematic prejudice within the police force, as well as society, that still views Black individuals as being inherently more violent without any evidence. Hispanic Americans Hispanic Americans, though not often at the forefront of conversations surrounding racism, still faced discrimination in the U.S. due to their roots. Anti-Hispanic attitudes began to take hold in the mid-to-late 1800s. Scholars often point the beginnings of these oppressive beliefs to the Mexican-American war that provided the U.S. 55% of the Mexican territory. This was a tumultuous time for many Mexican individuals whose identity was suddenly thrown into uncertainty as they were no longer considered citizens of Mexico and instead were citizens of the U.S. Pictured is Olvera street, a Mexican market popular during the early 1900s. This market served as the location for a raid in which around 400 people were arrested and deported to Mexico. (Wikimedia Commons) As time passed and political contention increased in Mexican politics, many Mexican citizens found themselves emigrating to the U.S., where attitudes regarded Mexican Americans as “lazy, stupid, and undeserving”. It’s because of these attitudes that many Americans began to have deep-rooted anti-Hispanic beliefs, and some even turned to mob violence. This outbreak of mob violence became widespread in the late 1800s and early 1900s targeting Mexican Americans from all gender and age groups. The great depression became a time of extreme anti-Hispanic beliefs. As unemployment rates increased, the belief that those of Hispanic backgrounds were “stealing jobs” became prominent. States began to pass immigration legislation targeting Hispanic individuals. One such example is Colorado, which forced anyone who spoke Spanish or even “looked” Hispanic to leave. Fighting Racism Fighting against racism is a difficult uphill battle as it is deeply rooted in our society. However, we have seen a general increase in tolerability and equality, especially with younger generations fighting for social change. Here are some important steps individuals can take to reshape how our society views other races: Education . Learning about other races and cultures and the history of their fight against racism can promote acceptance. Acceptance can also be promoted by studying and conversing about how discriminatory notions took hold and became widespread. Recognizing and accepting one's privilege and utilizing that privilege to promote the voices and ideas of oppressed populations. This doesn’t only apply to White people. Colorism is also a problem in race relations, and it’s imperative we come to understand our conceptions of skin tone and the effect they have on perceptions. Find your own implicit biases . While we may not initially realize some of the prejudices we hold, by acknowledging them rather than denying them, we can actively work to reduce them. Being antiracist through actions. Many of us are likely to come across racist statements at some point, and it’s important to not ignore these statements but to speak about them. Talk about the negative effects they have and how they proliferate into acts of extreme xenophobia. Racist statements are breeding grounds for extremism, so we must stop the problem at the root. Fighting against racism may be a new and uncomfortable topic that many are just now facing, but it is important to remember that some people have been directly facing the consequences of racism for centuries, and it will take not only personal but also great systemic changes in order to overcome racism in America. References Blakemore, E. (2017, September 27). The long history of anti‑Latino Discrimination in America . History. https://www.history.com/news/the-brutal-history-of-anti-latino-discrimination-in-america Christina Marie Noel. (2020, June 3). 4 Steps That I and Other White People Can Take to Fight Racism . Medium; B The Change. https://bthechange.com/4-steps-we-can-take-as-white-people-to-fight-racism-a582e826eb92 History.com Editors. (2018, November 16). Black History Milestones: Timeline . HISTORY; HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-milestones Merriam-Webster Dictionary . (2019). Merriam-Webster.com. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/racism PBS NewsHour. (2020, April 9). The long history of racism against Asian Americans in the U.S. PBS NewsHour. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/the-long-history-of-racism-against-asian-americans-in-the-u-s The Legacy of Injustices Against Native Americans - NETWORK Advocates . (2019, March 29). NETWORK Advocates. https://networkadvocates.org/recommittoracialjustice/legacy/

< Back to School Policy Hub DEI Rollbacks: What They Mean for Schools What DEI Rollbacks Really Mean for Florida Schools Across Florida, school districts are quietly repealing or rewriting their policies around diversity, equity, and inclusion, often without public discussion and sometimes without clear justification. These rollbacks are part of a broader political campaign to eliminate DEI programs in public education, but the impacts are deeply personal. They affect who gets hired, how students are supported, and whether schools are equipped to address inequality when they see it. At first glance, DEI might sound like a buzzword. But for many students, it has real meaning. DEI policies are often what ensure schools collect data on discipline disparities, offer cultural competency training to staff, or create advisory groups that include LGBTQ+ students and students of color. Removing these policies does not erase inequity. It just makes it harder to address. What’s Driving the Rollbacks In February 2025, the U.S. Department of Education issued a “Dear Colleague” letter that significantly changed how districts understand their responsibilities under federal law. The letter responded to the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and warned that many DEI initiatives could violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. It stated that schools using race directly or through proxies in any part of their operations might be at risk of losing federal funding. Although the letter is framed as guidance and does not create new law, its forceful language and threat of enforcement led to widespread alarm. Across Florida, school districts began scaling back DEI programs, disbanding equity advisory committees, canceling staff trainings, and removing references to inclusion from their policies. These changes were not driven by local concerns, but by fear of federal consequences. The result is that schools are less prepared to meet the needs of all students. Stripping away the tools that help educators recognize and respond to inequality sends a clear message that equity is no longer a priority. For students who have long relied on these protections, the rollback of DEI is not abstract. It is a loss of safety, support, and visibility in the very places that should be helping them succeed. What This Looks Like in Practice In Miami-Dade County, the school board recently approved first readings of two revised policies that reflect a broader rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. In G-5, which amends School Board Policy 9142 titled "Diversity Equity and Excellence Advisory Committee," the board voted to rename the committee to the "Educational Opportunity and Access Advisory Committee." The amended policy also adds a new requirement that all committee recommendations must comply with state and federal law. Although compliance with the law has always been expected, writing it into the policy text for the first time signals a shift. Advocates are concerned that this change may be used to restrict bold or forward-thinking proposals. Separately, in G-4, the board moved to repeal Policy 6320.06 titled "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Business Operations and Practices." The stated purpose of this action is to eliminate duplication and consolidate related content under other procurement policies such as Policy 6320.02 and Policy 6465. In Palm Beach County, the school board repealed five DEI policies in a single vote, despite months of public outcry. These included protections for inclusive hiring, supplier diversity, and culturally responsive instruction. Students, educators, and community leaders testified about the importance of these programs, but the board moved forward anyway. These changes may seem procedural, but they send a clear message about whose needs matter and whose don’t. What You Can Do Request transparency. Ask your school board whether they are considering changes to DEI policies. Demand public input and clear explanations before any vote. Review agendas and track changes. Look at how policies are labeled or renamed. Many rollbacks are presented as “updates” or “clarifications,” even when they remove critical language. Speak up at meetings. Florida law allows you to speak on any item up for vote. Bring your story and show why DEI matters in practice, not just on paper. Connect with educators and staff. Even if policies are repealed, many educators still want to support inclusive classrooms. Partner with them to find ways forward. Why This Matters DEI policies do not guarantee equity on their own. But they are a starting point—a public commitment to fairness, data-informed decision making, and shared responsibility for inclusion. When schools roll them back, they are not just changing words on a page. They are walking away from students who need support the most. These rollbacks are not just political moves. They affect who feels seen in the classroom, who gets resources when problems arise, and whether students can trust their schools to stand up for them. PRISM is committed to helping students, teachers, and parents push back against these changes. We believe every student deserves a school that recognizes their full identity and meets their needs with dignity, equity, and care.

< Back to School Policy Hub Gay Being Gay Being a Lesbian Being Queer History Issues Symbols What Does it Mean to be Gay? The word gay is a broad, inclusive term that encompasses people who experience same-gender attraction. Gay is most commonly used by men who are exclusively attracted to other men. As the LGBTQ+ community grew and diversified, gay has become an umbrella term used by people who experience same-gender attraction but are not exclusively homosexual. For example, a bisexual woman may conversationally refer to herself as "gay" because of her attraction to women. Likewise, a non-binary person might call themselves "gay" even though they are not only attracted to other non-binary folx. What Does it Mean to be a Lesbian? The term lesbian is commonly used by women who are exclusively attracted to other women. However, in recent years, the definition of lesbian identity has undergone a transformation, reflecting a broader understanding of gender and inclusivity within the LGBTQIA+ community. To learn more about lesbian history and the ever-evolving term, check out our Lesbian article . What Does it Mean to be Queer? Similar to gay, queer is an inclusive umbrella term that is widely used by many different members of the LGBTQ+ community. Generally speaking, it's a term for anyone who isn't cisgender, heterosexual, or allosexual. However, queer has more specific uses too, such as describing sexuality and/or gender for people who find that other labels don't authentically represent them. Reclamation The origins of the word queer stretch back to the 15oos, meaning “peculiar, odd, eccentric.” In the more intolerant past, homosexuality was seen as “unnatural,” so “queer” would become a derogatory term for anyone who wasn’t cisgender or straight. Today, the word is being reclaimed by the LGBTQ+ community and is proudly used by many people. Gay History Gayness, or homosexuality, is not something new. Fragment of an Attic cup showing same-sex intercourse, 550-525 BCE (Image Source: Collection the Louvre Museum) Records of homosexuality date back to even before ancient Roman times. Mesolithic rock art in Sicily from 9,700 B.C. depicts phallic male and female figures in pairs. Around the same period, drawings from the Neolithic and Bronze Age featuring sexual depictions were found in the Mediterranean area. These portrayals are shown to represent a human figure having breasts and male genitals or without sex-distinguishing characteristics. According to the novel Female Homosexuality in Ancient Greece and Rome , same-sex relationships and intercourse were also well-documented in both ancient Rome and ancient Greece. Men were often expected to be attracted to other men and women. However, the evidence about female homosexuality is limited, with its mention in Greek and Roman literature being scarce. Looking for more gay history? Try our other posts: Homosexuality in Ancient Europe Homosexuality in the Pre-Colonial Americas Homosexuality in Ancient China Homosexuality in Medieval Europe Homosexuality in Latin America Gay Issues Even though homosexuality has been around for a very, very long time, there are sadly still problems gays and lesbians have to face. Homophobia Homophobia refers to prejudice, discrimination, or hatred towards people who experience same-gender attraction. It encompasses various forms of bigotry, ranging from verbal harassment and social exclusion to physical violence and legal discrimination. Lesbophobia is a kind of homophobia that specifically targets lesbians. Unlike homophobia, lesbophobia frequently comes from both outside and inside the LGBTQ+ community. Oftentimes, lesbophobia within the community stems from misogyny (prejudice against women). Heteronormativity This is the belief that heterosexuality, or the attraction to the opposite sex on the gender binary, is the normal or default sexual orientation. It assumes that sexual and marital relations are most fitting between people of the opposite sex. Heterosexism This is a system of attitudes, bias, and discrimination in favor of opposite-sex sexuality and relationships. It includes the presumption that other people are heterosexual or that opposite-sex attractions and relationships are the only norm and, therefore, superior. While all members of the LGBTQ+ community face homophobia, gays and lesbians deal with heteronormativity and heterosexism to a different extent. Other members of the LGBTQ+ community can face these problems, but they are most prevalent with gays and lesbians. Gay Symbols Triangle Badges The first symbols of homosexuality were forced upon gay and lesbian individuals in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Homosexual men were required to wear an inverted pink triangle, while those who were homosexual and Jewish had to wear an inverted pink triangle overlapping a yellow triangle. While lesbian women were not recognized by the Nazi regime, many were denoted with an inverted black triangle given to those considered “asocial”: Rainbow Flag In 1978, Gilbert Baker designed the original rainbow pride flag for San Francisco Gay Freedom Day as a more optimistic alternative to the pink triangle that many gay men had reclaimed in the decades since the Holocaust. It was meant to capture the diversity of the global gay and lesbian community. In this original version, pink represented sexuality, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for the sun, green for nature, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony, and violet for spirit. Other variations include a 7-stripe version with the pink removed to save fabric. Another version of the rainbow flag removed the turquoise and changed the indigo to royal blue, which has remained the popular symbol for the gay community (and the LGBTQ+ community overall) since 1979. References Oxford University. (n.d.). Homosexuality Meaning . Lexico Dictionaries. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/homosexuality . Jones, J. M. (2021, February 24). LGBT Identification Rises to 5.6% in Latest U.S. Estimate . Gallup.com. https://news.gallup.com/poll/329708/lgbt-identification-rises-latest-estimate.aspx . The Rainbow Chronicles . Thoughtworks. (n.d.). https://www.thoughtworks.com/rainbow-chronicles . Boehringer, S. (2021, September 7). Female Homosexuality in Ancient Greece and Rome (1st ed.). Routledge. Oxford University. (n.d.). Heteronormative Meaning . Lexico Dictionaries. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/heteronormative . Oxford University. (n.d.). Heterosexism Meaning . Lexico Dictionaries. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/heterosexism . United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. (n.d.). CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM IN NAZI CONCENTRATION CAMPS . Holocaust Encyclopedia. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/classification-system-in-nazi-concentration-camps . Gonzalez, N. (n.d.). How Did the Rainbow Flag Become a Symbol of LGBTQ Pride? Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/story/how-did-the-rainbow-flag-become-a-symbol-of-lgbt-pride . Siclait, A. (2021, June 15). What The Lesbian Pride Flag Means And Where It Comes From . Women's Health. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a36523338/lesbian-pride-flag-meaning/ .

< Back to School Policy Hub Bisexuality What is Bisexuality? History Issues Symbols What is Bisexuality? Bisexuality is the attraction to two or more genders. Although bisexuality is commonly misunderstood as an attraction to "men and women," in reality, the term is far more inclusive! The Bi+ Umbrella Many sexualities are often considered subgroups of bisexuality. That's why we refer to bisexuality as an "umbrella term." Sexualities that fall under the umbrella include: Pansexuality - Attraction all gender, or attraction regardless of gender Omnisexuality - Attraction to all genders Polysexuality - Attraction to multiple genders While these may sound confusingly similar to bisexuality, it’s important to remember that the term(s) a person chooses to use is something personal to them, and that no one term is more valid than the other. Ultimately, all of these terms signify attraction to more than one gender. To learn more about these various identities in-depth, check out our Bi+ Umbrella post . Bisexual History Bisexuality has been documented in humans—and animals!—throughout history. In 1859, the word bisexual was first used, and its original meaning had nothing to do with sexual orientation. Anatomist Robert Bentley Todd was the first to use the word in its original definition: someone with male and female sex characteristics, which we now know as intersex. It wasn’t until 1892 that the modern use of the word was found in the book Psychopathia Sexualis . Of course, bisexuality didn’t just pop up when the term was first coined. Forms of bisexuality have been apparent across cultures throughout history. In both ancient Japanese and Greek culture, there were several contexts where relationships between men were not only encouraged but expected. The admittedly problematic ideal was for a young man to be mentored and trained by an older man, eventually leading to a relationship. This bond and wisdom would be lifelong, but the relationship would eventually end when the young man found a wife later on. People who experienced attraction to more than one gender typically didn’t label themselves, primarily because there was no word to describe this specific experience. Ancient texts didn’t differentiate bisexuality from homosexuality. In Western culture, bisexuality was just as condemned as homosexuality. The before-mentioned book, Psychopathia Sexualis , was one of the first works on homosexuality/bisexuality in men. It concluded that these were "mental disorders" caused by degenerate heredity. The U.S. treated bisexuality as a disorder until the declassification of homosexuality as a disorder in the 1970s. Treatment for this “disorder” would include castration, shock therapy, and other means to make patients heterosexual. One influential researcher was biologist Alfred Kinsley. Kinsley was the first to create a scale that measured the nuance of sexuality. The self-named Kinsley scale categorized sexuality from the numbers 0-6, 0 being exclusively heterosexual and 6 being exclusively homosexual. He found that a large group of people experienced a mix of both types of attraction. He also criticized other researchers for believing you can only be straight or gay. His research was immense towards the recognition of nuanced sexuality. Unfortunately, much of history is doused in misogynistic and male-focused perspectives. This is the same case for bisexual history, which makes the search for female queer experiences difficult to find. Bisexual Issues Even though bisexuality has been around for a very, very long time, there are still problems bisexual people face. Misconceptions Bisexuals are really either gay or straight and just need to figure things out Bisexual women are just straight girls looking for attention Bisexual guys are just confused gay men Bisexuality is just a phase — a transition between straight and gay Bisexuals are only attracted to men and women and do not feel attracted to non-binary, transgender, or gender-non-confirming individuals Bisexuals are more likely to cheat or sleep around because they are attracted to multiple genders Bisexuals stop being bisexual once they engage romantically or sexually with someone of the opposite/a different gender Bierasure Also known as bisexual erasure or bisexual invisibility, this is the tendency to ignore, remove, falsify, or reexplain evidence of bisexuality in history, academia, news media, and other primary sources. In its most extreme form, bierasure can include the belief that bisexuality itself does not exist. Our post about Bisexual Stereotypes goes into some of the myths and misconceptions, then busts them. According to the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, the lack of acceptance towards bisexuality plagues not only straight individuals but also lesbian women and gay men. Their study found that participants often used the words “confused,” “different,” and “experimental” to describe bisexual people. Biphobia Bisexuality has historically struggled to be taken seriously in queer and heterosexual spaces. In the 1970s, there were times when The Gay Liberation Front treated bisexual people as straight, which led them to edge bi+ people out of the organization and associate them with regressive politics. While this was happening, bi people were still being prosecuted nearly the same as homosexual people and were viewed as promiscuous by the general public. While bi acceptance has progressed in the past decades, many of these ideas that invalidate bisexuality are still around. It's commonly heard from both straight and gay people that bisexuality is just a phase. Many bi+ people feel they need to prove their bisexuality for fear of not being seen as queer enough. There are concepts such as “straight passing” that increase this anxiety. Straight passing is a privilege some queer people believe bi+ people have. It’s usually referred to when a bisexual person is in a relationship with someone of the opposite gender. The term assumes it’s a positive thing to be seen as straight, but it can be the opposite. Bi+ people don’t want to hide their identities; they want to take pride in them. Invisibility or passing as straight is not something openly queer people desire. Bisexual Symbols Bisexual Flag A more common symbol of bisexuality today is the bisexual pride flag, first designed by Michael Page in 1998. It has a large magenta stripe at the top, a large blue stripe at the bottom, and a thinner lavender stripe in the middle. The original interpretation of these colors was based on the gender binary, or the assumption that bisexuals are attracted to just men and women. Today, most people interpret these colors as: Pink - Same-gender attraction Blue - Attraction to other genders Purple - Blend of both same- and other-gender attraction Some might argue that even this updated perspective is less inclusive than it should be. That's why there are no "rules" for interpreting these colors; each person can decide the meaning for themselves according to their own truth. Triangle Badges Some people who identify as bisexual use a derivative of the pink triangle, one of the first symbols of homosexuality, which were forced upon gay and lesbian individuals in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Homosexual men were required to wear an inverted pink triangle, while those who were homosexual and Jewish had to wear an inverted pink triangle overlapping a yellow triangle. When these symbols were reclaimed by some gay men in the decades that followed, some bisexual men and women began using a variation that added a blue triangle, forming purple where the two overlap. Pride Symbol The bi pride symbol consists of interlocking female, male, and infinity symbols, with a circle linking them together in the middle. References Anderson, L., File, T., Marshall, J., Mcelrath, K., & Scherer, Z. (2021, November 4). New Household Pulse Survey data reveal differences between LGBT and Non-LGBT respondents during COVID-19 pandemic . Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/11/census-bureau-survey-explores-sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity.html Boehringer, S. (2021, September 7). Female Homosexuality in Ancient Greece and Rome (1st ed.). Routledge. Considerable gender, racial and sexuality differences exist in attitudes toward bisexuality . Graduate School of Public Health. (2013, November 5). https://www.publichealth.pitt.edu/news/details/articleid/1568/considerable-gender-racial-and-sexuality-differences-exist-in-attitudes-toward-bisexuality. Erasure of bisexuality . GLAAD. (2014, September 21). https://www.glaad.org/bisexual/bierasure . GSS data Explorer: NORC at the University of Chicago . GSS Data Explorer | NORC at the University of Chicago. (2018). https://gssdataexplorer.norc.org/trends/Gender%20&%20Marriage?measure=sexornt . Hydzik, A., McGrath, C., & Zellner, W. (2013, November 5). Considerable gender, racial and sexuality differences in attitudes toward bisexuality . EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/461313 Jones, J. M. (2021, February 24). LGBT Identification Rises to 5.6% in Latest U.S. Estimate. Gallup.com. https://news.gallup.com/poll/329708/lgbt-identification-rises-latest-estimate.aspx. Oxford University. (n.d.). Bisexual Meaning . Lexico Dictionaries. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/bisexual . Page, M. (1999, December 5). The History of the Bi Pride Flag. Retrieved from https://web.archive.org/web/20010801185547/http://biflag.com/Activism.asp Thorpe, J. R. (2014, September 23). A Brief History Of Bisexuality, From Ancient Greece and The Kinsey Scale To Lindsay Lohan. Bustle. https://www.bustle.com/articles/40282-a-brief-history-of-bisexuality-from-ancient-greece-and-the-kinsey-scale-to-lindsay-lohan United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. (n.d.). CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM IN NAZI CONCENTRATION CAMPS . Holocaust Encyclopedia. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/classification-system-in-nazi-concentration-camps Zane, Z. (2021, June 15). 6 facts you never knew about the BISEXUAL FLAG . Gay Pride - LGBT & Queer Voices. https://www.pride.com/bisexual/2015/5/15/6-facts-you-never-knew-about-bisexual-flag-yes-there-one

< Back to School Policy Hub Homosexuality in Latin America Homosexuality in Latin America The Pre-Colonial Period The Colonial Period The Post-Colonial Period Conclusion Map of Latin America (Source: Davi Garner) One thing about history is it is tainted by those who rule. The mix of influences that create history is told from the leading perspective, sometimes missing important individuals, groups, or events. One group that has been significantly underrepresented in Latin American history is that of the LGBTQ+ community. In particular, this article will explore the history of gay individuals and perceptions of them throughout Latin America’s pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial periods. The Pre-Colonial Period As for the public’s perception, ancient Latin America is relatively accepting of homosexual relationships. Certain tribes used non-binary social structures and did not have strict gender roles like those we see today. (Check out our article for more information on perceptions on homosexuality in pre-colonial America). Serge Gruzinski (Source: Ministerio de Defensa, Flickr) Of course, that does not mean that it was acceptable to be gay during this time. Still, given the existing literature of the colonial period (most of the literature available from this period is from inquisitors), it is safe to assume it was more commonplace in certain places like Mexico City, Puebla, and even Brazil. In fact, according to scholar Serge Gruzinski’s book titled Las Cenizas Del Deseo , one of the conclusions that can be made from the literature available from pre-colonial Latin America is that networks of men “who sought out other men for sexual relationships did exist in the [pre]colonial period.” The Colonial Period So, how did homophobia take hold in Latin America? According to Luiz Mott, anthropologist and sexual freedom activist, “Homophobia is a result of machismo and slavery.” Homophobic rhetoric did not begin to take hold until the Spanish Inquisition. There were a few known cases of homophobic laws passed before colonization, but most of these cases were mainly for power purposes and not against the nature of homosexuality. Laws Against Homosexuality With that being said, homophobia began to proliferate during the colonial period. In particular, one can turn to the diary of Gregorio Martin de Guijo for one of the earliest cases of homophobia. De Guijo shares a judicial case from 1658 where 123 men were accused of partaking in homosexual relationships (or as De Guijo states, “the abominable sin”). Despite laws against homosexuality, these relationships did not cease. Luiz Mott, in a study of Inquisition documents, notes that a person’s social status played a large role in the outcome of their judicial cases when they were accused of sodomy. There were multiple cases in which judges imposed more lenient penalties on individuals accused of sodomy. Cover of Aldrich's "Infamous Desire" (Source: University of Chicago Press) Robert Aldrich, who wrote Infamous Desire: Male Homosexuality in Colonial Latin America , also notes many other cases in which offenders of this law “confessed to multiple sexual partners, sometimes over a long period of time, despite the interdiction on sodomy." Despite best efforts to outlaw homosexuality, many people persisted in same-gender sex. Punishments Against Homosexuality Eventually, the laws imposed during the colonial period took hold, and homosexuality was outlawed. With this, homophobic rhetoric took hold and became widespread. Homophobic acts became far more extreme. For years, many individuals accused of committing “the sin of sodomy” were exiled or placed into forced labor. Some were even killed, such as a slave in 1678 who was whipped due to accusations of sodomy. The Post-Colonial Period The Spanish Inquisition continued, and strides in the gay rights movement were not made until the early 19th century. According to Anna Azevedo and Luiz Mott, it was at the end of the Inquisition in 1821 that homosexuality was no longer considered a criminal offense in Brazil. However, that does not mean homophobia was no longer prevalent in the world. Decriminalization does not mean legalization. It’s taken nearly 200 years to go from the decriminalization of homosexuality to the legalization of gay marriage. With that being said, there were still notable events in Latin American queer history. Gay Rights Movement One of the important firsts to note in history is the first gay candidate for public office, Jose Julio Sarria. There were also many other activists during this time, such as Sylvia Rivera , a trans, Puerto Rican activist who helped spark the Stonewall riots. She also helped to create the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries with Marsha P. Johnson . Socially, the first gay pride movement in Latin America was Argentina's Nuestro Mundo in 1967. There were also movements taking place throughout the next decade, in which Chile’s first gay group, Integracion, was created in 1977. In Mexico, the Homosexual Liberation Front was founded in 1971. Nuestros Mundo, 1967 (Source: Mirada H.) Conclusion Despite the many movements made towards gaining rights for the LGBTQ+ community in Latin America, there is still much progress to be made. Even so, we must remember the history of those who came before us and how the homophobic rhetoric that claims our contemporary society came to be. The only way to decolonize the perspective many people have on homosexuality is to speak out and understand how these views came to take hold. References Aldrich, Robert. Review of Infamous Desire: Male Homosexuality in Colonial Latin America. Ethnohistory, vol. 51 no. 1, 2004, p. 216-217. Project MUSE muse.jhu.edu/article/53484 . Azevedo, Anna, et al. “The Colonial Roots of Homophobia.” Goethe, Zeitgeister, July 2021, www.goethe.de/prj/zei/en/art/22303917.html . Foster, David William. “The Homoerotic Diaspora in Latin America.” Latin American Perspectives, vol. 29, no. 2, 2002, pp. 163–89. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/3185132 . Accessed 2 Jan. 2024. Fiorini, Erin. “A Brief History of the LGBTQI+ Movement in Latin America.” teleSUR English, teleSUR, 21 June 2018, www.telesurenglish.net/analysis/A-Brief-History-Of-The-LGBTQI-Movement-In-Latin-America---20180621-0014.html . Reyes, Guillermo de los. “A Brief Social Historiography of Male (Homo) Sexuality in Colonial Spanish America.” Journal of Homosexuality 51 (2006): 249 - 266. Tortorici, Z. (Ed.). (2016). Sexuality and the Unnatural in Colonial Latin America (1st ed.). University of California Press. http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/j.ctt19b9jgt .

< Back Avion Goordeen Outreach Director Avion is a bisexual man and a first-generation immigrant from the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago. He has a Master's in Ocean Engineering from Florida Atlantic University and has been involved in LGBTQ+ activism and leadership since 2018. This includes working with CompassGLCC and being a member of the board of directors of Night Runners WPB. In his free time, Avion enjoys paddleboarding, photography and is currently a fan of the manga, One Piece. < Back to Our Team