< Back to School Policy Hub The Importance of Being Out & Proud DISCLAIMER : This article is not meant to shame those who are in the closet or those who haven’t chosen to ‘come out’ in any regard. Nor is this article meant to force anyone to come out in any way. This is simply meant to shine a light on the importance of the representation of queer pride and queer joy. Pride has always been a protest. LGBTQ+ people have always had to fight to earn the equal rights and equal treatment they deserve. The fight isn’t easy, it never has been, and it affects people in many different ways. Some people are motivated, fired up, and want to do more to represent their community; some want to do more for their community but are just tired. Both are valid. It’s normal to feel tired when observing mass amounts of hate being displayed toward your community. It can be demotivating and draining. It can even instill fear. Observing so much hate and negativity can affect LGBTQ+ people mentally and may lead to feelings of anxiety regarding their sexual orientation or identity. According to The Trevor Project: 60% of LGBTQ young people felt discriminated against for their sexual orientation and/or gender identity 1 in 3 said their mental health was poor due to anti-LGBTQ policies and legislation 67% reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety How to help? In these situations, queer people tend to look for any positivity they can. These positive displays are shown through well-written media representation, pride parades, something as small as seeing a rainbow flag in a window or watching other LGBTQ+ individuals just staying true to themselves. Seeing people publicly embracing their identity and fighting for their rights can be a beacon for LGBTQ+ people, young and old. Think about it, events like the Stonewall Riots were not only inspired by unjust LGBTQ+ treatment but also through the observation of protests that occurred prior, like the Black Cat Protests in 1967. Change only ignites more change. Seeing others show up in numbers for queer happiness encourages others to not only want to do the same but also to support them from the sidelines. To those who can’t publicly express themselves, seeing these movements ignite a sense of hope and inspiration within. It allows them to feel comfort and pride in their identity. According to the same study from The Trevor Project: LGBTQ young people who had access to affirming spaces reported lower rates of attempting suicide compared to those who did not. Affirming gender identity among transgender and nonbinary young people is consistently associated with lower rates of attempting suicide Overall The fight is exhausting. Having to fight constantly for basic human rights can often be disheartening, and in times like these, it’s important for LGBTQ+ people to take care of themselves. It’s important to commend every single queer person for staying true to themselves and to commend those that are ‘out’ for inspiring so many others that observe their representation of queer pride, joy, and resistance. To those that aren’t ‘out’, you are not any less loved — we see you, we hear you, and you are loved. Reference The Trevor Project. (2023). 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People Dominguez, L. (2017). The Black Cat: Harbinger of LGBTQ Civil Rights

< Back to School Policy Hub Florida LGBTQ+ Organizations Launch #StayGay Campaign With the adoption of the infamous "Don't Say Gay" law on July 1st and other anti-LGBT bills sweeping across the country, PRISM FL, Inc. and several LGBTQ+ organizations throughout Florida have launched a new social media campaign and movement called "#SayGay" to place public pressure on companies to support LGBTQ+ organizations year-round. Rainbow capitalism or pink capitalism is a marketing tactic used by companies to embed LGBTQ+ topics into advertising and merchandise in order to make a profit, most commonly seen during Pride Month. Generally, LGBTQ+ marketing is seen as rainbow capitalism when companies also make contributions to anti-LGBT causes or political campaigns or when they do little to provide tangible support to the LGBTQ+ community. "Rainbow capitalism negatively impacts the entirety of the community worldwide," said CJ Walden, Vice-President of PRISM. "Corporations who gain profit from pride-related merchandise without giving back to the LGBTQ+ community only do us harm." #StayGay, which launches on June 20th, not only makes it known just how much companies contribute to anti-LGBT campaigns and the LGBT community, but it also shows companies how they can connect with LGBT nonprofits in the state. "With the Don’t Say Gay bill going into effect the day after pride month, it is so important that companies put their money where their mouth is," said Maxx Fenning, President of PRISM. "In June, they #SayGay. The other eleven months, they should #StayGay." Those interested in learning more are encouraged to visit www.staygay.org or contact PRISM FL, Inc. at staygay@prismfl.org .

< Back to School Policy Hub Cultural Appropriation What is Appropriation? Identity Pollution Identity Piracy Forms of Cultural Appropriation Appropriation vs Appreciation Avoiding Cultural Appropriation Conclusion What Is Appropriation? Cultural appropriation is the adoption of desirable aspects from a minority culture by a dominant culture, often rebranding them as a product of popular culture and done in ways that can be exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical. This separates the customs from their roots, which often leads to cultural erasure. Rooted in an imbalance of power, appropriation mostly exists as a tool of colonization, whether or not it is intended. Anthropologist Simon Harrison identifies two important threats to any culture: identity pollution and identity piracy . Both can lead to identity erasure, which is the removal of a group’s or individual’s culture. Identity Pollution This is the influx of outside cultures into a space, suppressing the local customs. When we assess maps of European empires over the last several centuries, we see how much colonization has smothered the world. An anachronistic map of British colonization. (Image Source: Wikimedia) An anachronistic map of French colonization. (Image Source: Wikimedia) An anachronistic map of Spanish colonization. (Image Source: Wikimedia) Identity Piracy This is the act of an outside culture depleting another of their privacy and customs by taking them and re-appropriating them. While Simon Harrison describes these threats as asynchronous, considering the areas of the world that have been colonized (identity pollution) and evaluating what peoples seem to experience cultural appropriation in the most harmful ways (identity piracy), we find that these operate more as a two-step attack on indigenous or culturally distinct groups. Because the cultures of the European empires were so heavily enforced via global colonization, the descendants of those conquerors didn’t experience the harm of appropriation. Rather, we even learn to expect to see aspects of European culture worldwide. Forms of Cultural Appropriation Cultural appropriation manifests in diverse ways, often involving ignorance or apathy on the part of appropriators. A common form is when members of a dominant group face no consequences for adopting elements of a minority culture, while members of the minority group may face backlash for the same cultural expressions. An example is the phenomenon known as "blackfishing," where white individuals adopt elements of African American culture without facing the same societal repercussions as their Black counterparts. Kim Kardashian wearing her hair in cornrows at the MTV Awards. (Image Source: Wikimedia) Kim Kardashian The reality star has faced criticism for appropriating black hairstyles, such as cornrows, while simultaneously receiving praise for popularizing them. This highlights the disparity in how certain cultural elements are perceived based on the cultural background of the appropriator. Katy Perry Perry has been accused of cultural appropriation for various instances, including her geisha performance at the 2013 AMAs and the "This Is How We Do" music video, which featured cornrows and caricatured baby hairs. Her actions reinforce the practice of tapping into Asian and black aesthetics for entertainment purposes without understanding the complexity of these cultures. Iggy Azalea at the ACL Music Festival (Source: Wikimedia) Other white artists try to lay claim to their cultural exploits. For instance, in 2013, Iggy Azalea once stated that Miley Cyrus copied her by twerking. Not only is this entirely inaccurate and misguided, but Iggy Azalea later tried to announce that twerking, which she appropriated from Black culture and which has existed for several decades in Black spaces, was “dead.” This shows us the expansive harm of cultural appropriation, particularly of the pop culture pipeline. Cultural appropriation not only submits slices of culture for mass uninformed consumption but also attaches these artifacts with an expiration date. So, when the “trendsetters” (appropriators) decide that something is dead, the people to whom that practice is significant are expected to abandon it and are ridiculed in public spaces if they don’t. Appropriation vs Appreciation Appreciation involves seeking to understand and learn about another culture to broaden one's perspective and connect with others cross-culturally. Appropriation, on the other hand, is the act of taking cultural elements without fully understanding or respecting their significance. Where appropriation is largely theft and easy to do unwittingly, appreciation is intensive and involved. Tips for Avoiding Cultural Appropriation Examine Your Own Culture Reflect on the aspects of your own cultural background that are essential to your identity. Consider how you would feel if someone used these elements without understanding their significance. Listen First Understand and appreciate another culture by actively listening to those who are a part of it. Learn about the cultural implications of the elements that interest you. Consider Context Be aware of the meanings attached to cultural symbols and understand when and where it is appropriate to use them. Share Your Own Culture Engage in mutual cultural exchange, sharing aspects of your own language, food, customs, and traditions while learning from others. TED Talk This powerful talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse narratives and avoiding generalizations. Conclusion With the rise of connectivity on social media, we see explicit clashes between members of cultures and those who seek to invalidate them by attempting to rob them of cultural significance. This exposes how useful appropriation is as a tool for colonization and how it is deteriorating space for cultural coexistence. Navigating the complex terrain of cultural appropriation requires awareness, empathy, and a commitment to mutual understanding. By fostering a culture of respect and genuine interest in different cultures, individuals can contribute to a world where cultural exchange is enriching and inclusive rather than exploitative and harmful. References Acquaye, A. (2018, August 23). Madonna’s VMAs 2018 Outfit Is the Latest Example of Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation | Teen Vogue. Teen Vogue; Teen Vogue. https://www.teenvogue.com/story/cultural-appropriation-appreciation-kim-kardashian Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story | TED. (2009, October 7). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg Clifton, Derrick. (2014, August 5th) 5 things white people need to learn about cultural appropriation. Daily Dot. https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/5-things-white-people-cultural-appropriation/ Cultural Appreciation vs. Cultural Appropriation: Why it Matters | Greenheart International. (n.d.). Greenheart International | Connecting People and Planet. Retrieved February 14, 2024, from https://greenheart.org/blog/greenheart-international/cultural-appreciation-vs-cultural-appropriation-why-it-matters/ cultural appropriation. (n.d.). Encyclopædia Britannica; Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved February 14, 2024, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/cultural-appropriation Harrison, S. (1999). Cultural Boundaries. Anthropology Today, 15(5), 10-13. doi:10.2307/2678369 Raypole, Crystal. (2020, September 16th). There’s a Big Difference Between Cultural Appreciation and Appropriation — Here’s Why It Matters. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/cultural-appreciation#appreciation-defined

We're tired of queer censorship. Are you? We're tired of queer censorship. Are you? Learn more about what's happening, why it's important, and how you can #SavePRISM . What's happening? On January 6th, 2022, PRISM's Instagram account (@prism.fl) was deactivated without warning due to "suspicious activity." After exhausting all automated support options (there is no direct support line for Instagram, Facebook, or their parent company, Meta), we have been unsuccessful in restoring our account thus far. Even after attempting to make a second account (@prism.lgbt ), it was flagged and deactivated within 30 minutes . Instagram has always been our home for educating, networking, and fundraising. PRISM receives almost half of its individual donations through Instagram, a platform that we use to reach tens of thousands of youth every day . As an LGBTQ-led organization, our staff and volunteers have personally been no stranger to online bigotry and censorship from overzealous algorithms. Queer people have long been the target of homophobic and racially motivated attacks, and now we face something much more dangerous: Big data and AI have made social media algorithms homophobic and racially motivated, too. Now PRISM, an organization that has never had a community guidelines violation on Instagram before, has been forcefully removed from a platform that we use to create a lifeline for thousands of young people. Update (2/16/2022): After much persistence, we were able to get our original account (@prism.fl) restored! Thank you so much to Frederick from OutYouth for getting in touch with a Meta team member on our behalf and working to restore our account. However, our fight doesn't end here. Queer censorship is a global problem and it happens every day. We'll be using #SavePRISM until March 29th to continue raising awareness. Please keep sharing the hashtag #SavePRISM to support this fight. How can I help? We cannot sit by and allow the vital work we do to be snuffed out by automated systems and corporate apathy. That's why we're reaching out to you for help. Use the hashtag #SavePRISM on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok to share a story about: How PRISM has impacted you A social media platform refusing to put a stop to homophobia towards you or someone you know, or Content you've made being taken down simply because you discussed queer topics For every story you share between February 1st and March 29th (PRISM's birthday), these organizations, individuals, and businesses will donate $1 to support our work to make South Florida for every color and for everyone: Lombucket Ltd Sarah Bruso Maxx Fenning CJ Walden And more! In all, our current donation pledges total $1,200... and we're only three weeks into our campaign! Not only does your participation support the work that we do, but it also sheds light on just how important that work is. How do I join the pledge? Do you, your organization, or your business want to join the pledge to #SavePRISM? To join the pledge and have your name featured on our "I Support Queer Youth" list, send an email to info@prismfl.org with the subject "#SavePRISM Pledge" and the following: The name of you, your business, or your organization Your maximum total donation pledge (optional) Whether you'd like to be featured publicly on our "I S upport Queer Youth" list A picture of you or a logo for your business or organization (optional) For every story shared with the hashtag #SavePRISM , you'll donate $1 to PRISM (up to your maximum pledge amount). We'll tally up the total number of posts on Tuesday, March 29th. Resources Here are some sources that discuss just how harmful AI and big data can be to LGBTQ+ and nonwhite people: McCluskey, M. (2020, July 22). Black Tiktok creators say their content is being suppressed . Time. https://time.com/5863350/tiktok-black-creators/ Tomasev, N., McKee, K. R., Kay, J., & Mohamed, S. (2021). Fairness for unobserved characteristics: Insights from technological impacts on queer communities . Proceedings of the 2021 AAAI/ACM Conference on AI, Ethics, and Society. https://doi.org/10.1145/3461702.3462540 York, J. C. (2021, September 21). How LGBTQ+ content is censored under the guise of "sexually explicit" . Electronic Frontier Foundation. https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2021/08/how-lgbtq-content-censored-under-guise-sexually-explicit Nouri, S. (2021, December 10). Council post: The role of bias in Artificial Intelligence. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/02/04/the-role-of-bias-in-artificial-intelligence/?sh=437ac67d579d

< Back to School Policy Hub Communication How to Communicate Effectively Responding to Pushback Communicating effectively with your partner is one of the most important parts of maintaining your sexual and mental health. If you can't speak openly with your partner on things that are important to you, it can be hard to bring up topics that may be the difference between making a life-altering mistake or not. Whether it's insisting on using protection or expressing what you do (or don't) like during sex, your words are your most powerful asset. How to Communicate Effectively Communication is about having open, honest discussions with your partner (Image Source: PRISM FL, Inc/Nikhil Kanda) Be honest. Maybe your partner does something during sex that you're not into. Maybe your relationship isn't going in the direction you want it to. Maybe you just really can't shake the feeling that the coffee table your significant other picked out for your first apartment together will clash with the sofa and it's eating you alive. Whatever it is, make sure to express your feelings. Accept that you won't agree on everything. Recognize that no matter how much time you spend together or for how long, you'll always have different brains and different opinions. If they really want that coffee table, will the living room burst into flames? They let you pick out the throw pillows and the rug, and you'll always have an "I told you so" moment if it looks that horrendous in the end. Listen. Really, really listen. Many people listen with the intention of responding. Instead, make sure you listen for the sake of understanding your partner’s point of view. While your perspective matters, don’t forget to take your partner’s into consideration, as well. Apologize / Forgive. Like we said, not every disagreement will be resolved by you and your partner coming to the same conclusion. However, the first step to moving forward from an argument is to acknowledge your mistakes and forgive your partner for theirs. Responding to Pusback If your partner won't take your thoughts or feelings into account, it's time to have a serious talk. The key trait of a healthy relationship is that it's mutually beneficial. If only one of you is being heard and the other's views and opinions aren't acknowledged, it may be time to have a talk with your partner about these feelings or cut the relationship short. References Scott, E. (2020, July 13). Communication Skills That Can Strengthen Any Relationship . Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/managing-conflict-in-relationships-communication-tips-3144967.

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. Voting Hub We're here to help you get ready for the polls. Use the links below to navigate through our various tools, with which you can do things like register to vote, request your mail-in ballot, check your status, and more. Register to Vote in Florida Request Mail-In Ballot Check My Voter Status What's on My Ballot? Trans & Non-Binary Voting Guide 2024 in Partnership with Equality Florida

< Return to STI Clinic Search FoundCare - Yolette Bonnet Center Call: (561) 660-5468 Website: https://foundcare.org/who-we-are/locations.html#collection-item-lightbox-14892284 Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 5867 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33417, USA Hours: Today (Thurs): 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Fri: Closed Sat: Closed Sun: Closed Mon: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Tues: Closed Wed: Closed CLOSED NOW Free Testing Walk-Ins Accepted Free Condoms PrEP On-Site PrEP Referral Parking type: Lot Free Parking Tests Offered: HIV (Rapid) : Free Hepatitis C (Lab) : Free

< Return to STI Clinic Search Latinos Salud - Wilton Manors Call: (954) 765-6239 Website: https://www.latinossalud.org Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 1401 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, USA Hours: Today (Thurs): 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Fri: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sat: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Sun: Closed Mon: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Tues: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Wed: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. OPEN Free Testing Walk-Ins Accepted Free Condoms PrEP On-Site PrEP Referral Parking type: Lot Free Parking Tests Offered: HIV (Rapid): Free HIV (Lab): Free Chlamydia : Free Gonorrhea : Free Syphilis (Lab): Free Hepatitis C (Rapid): Free Hepatitis C (Lab): Free

< Back MariaVictoria “MV” Chacón-Briceño Organizing Director MariaVictoria is a queer, second-generation Venezuelan immigrant, born and raised in Miami, Florida. They earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Double Minor in Public Administration and Anthropology from Florida International University. MV has been advocating and organizing in her community since 2018 on issues such as gun violence prevention, education equity, youth civic engagement, LGBTQ+ rights, and economic justice. He prides himself on being a continuous student to the practice of community organizing and is passionate about building relationships and developing the skills of his peers. When MV isn’t organizing you can find them salsa dancing, reading in a hammock, or having philosophical conversations with anyone who will listen. < Back to Our Team

< Return to Open Positions Fundraising Director We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Fundraising Director Position Title Please select the requested option Want to apply for a different position? Click here to browse what's available. Have a question about open positions? Contact us at: careers@prismfl.org PRISM requires a constant influx of funding to carry out our mission. The Fundraising Director oversees our Fundraising Task Force. Currently, this is an unpaid volunteer position. What you get : An opportunity to make a difference in the LGBT community, improve your leadership skills, a chance to make an impact, and a new experience to add to your resume. Responsibilities : Develop and plan fundraising initiatives (securing venues, coordinating outreach and promotion, organizing volunteers and tasks, etc.) Coordinate grant writing and applications Manage donor relationships and documentation Secure special gifts and endowments Coordinate community service and attendance logs with other Task Force Directors and Volunteer Managers Qualifications : Experience coordinating fundraising events Experience managing record-keeping for donations, special gifts, and endowments Experience writing grant proposals and proven success in securing grant funding Experience with GAAP accounting preferred PRISM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will consider applicants for this position without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, sex, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, HIV and/or STI status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, young people, and members of other historically disenfranchised populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Next

< Return to Open Positions Board Secretary We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Board Secretary Position Title Please select the requested option Want to apply for a different position? Click here to browse what's available. Have a question about open positions? Contact us at: careers@prismfl.org The Secretary of the Board must keep thorough, accurate minutes of our meetings for our records. They also conduct all communication between the Board and outside parties. In accordance with state law and IRS regulations, this is an unpaid position. What you get: An opportunity to make a difference in the LGBTQ+ community, improve your leadership skills, a chance to make an impact, and a new experience to add to your resume. Hours: 10-15/month Responsibilities: Record all votes and minutes of all proceedings in a form accessible to the Board of Directors. Work alongside the Board Chair to make the arrangements for all meetings of the Board of Directors, including the annual meeting of the organization. Send notices of all meetings to the members of the Board of Directors and take reservations for the meetings. Perform all official correspondence from the Board of Directors as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the Chair. Be an ex officio member of all standing committees for the purpose of record-keeping and note-taking In addition, the Secretary serves as a voting member of our Board of Directors, which includes: Attending monthly board and executive committee meetings Developing the overall mission of the organization Maintaining the financial viability of the organization Ensuring the organization follows all applicable laws and regulations Creating and developing large-scale policies and budgets Overseeing the Executive Director and ensuring that they are carrying out the mission of the Board and the organization as a whole Required Qualifications: Strong clerical and organizational skills Proficient with Google Suite (Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Drive, etc) Able to dedicate an average of 10-15 hours per month Preferred Qualifications: Understanding of parliamentary procedure Prior Board experience Nonprofit management experience Understanding of nonprofit law Experience in LGBTQ+ advocacy, public health, or youth services PRISM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will consider applicants for this position without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, sex, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, HIV and/or STI status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, young people, and members of other historically disenfranchised populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Next

< Return to STI Clinic Search FoundCare - Greenwood Call: (561) 848-8701 Website: https://foundcare.org/who-we-are/locations.html#collection-item-lightbox-14892281 Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 5205 Greenwood Ave suite 150, West Palm Beach, FL 33407, USA Hours: Today (Thurs): 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Fri: Closed Sat: Closed Sun: Closed Mon: Closed Tues: Closed Wed: Closed CLOSED NOW Free Testing Walk-Ins Accepted Free Condoms PrEP On-Site PrEP Referral Parking type: Free Parking Tests Offered: HIV (Rapid) : Free Hepatitis C (Lab) : Free