< Back to School Policy Hub The Fight for Marriage Equality Before Marriage Equality Major Court Cases Taking it to the Supreme Court Legacy In the United States, the LGBTQ+ community has fought long and hard for equal rights. While the Stonewall Uprising is known as the spark for LGBTQ+ civil rights, legalizing marriage equality in the United States gave couples the rights they deserved. Activists long took to the streets to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and now it was time to take it to court. Before Marriage Equality Marriage is a civil right towards the freedom of happiness. For years, same-sex couples were denied this right and the benefits of marriage, which gave couples legal rights such as tax benefits, immigration rights, social security income, and employer benefits. Same-sex couples were also unable to receive other vital resources given to married couples, like health insurance benefits, welfare, domestic violence protections, and housing. In some states, domestic partnerships were an option for same-sex couples who lived together and wanted to recognize their relationships legally. These domestic partnerships allowed couples to seek some benefits (for instance, federal taxes), but not many. Domestic partnership’s rights, recognition, and benefits still vary significantly between states, agencies, and other individual companies. Marriage equality was essential for same-sex couples to ensure their rights and protections across the nation. Major Court Cases Baehr v. Miike was the first major same-sex marriage court case. Three same-sex couples filed a lawsuit against Hawaii in 1990, arguing that prohibiting same-sex marriage was a violation of Hawaii’s state constitution. The lawsuit sparked the conversation regarding legitimate interest in same-sex marriage from the LGBT community. The case was initially dismissed but then had a trial with the Hawaii Supreme Court. Before this trial, President Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in 1996. It defined federal marriage only for heterosexual couples, but states had the freedom to define it differently. In 1996, Hawaii gave benefits to couples who were ineligible to get married. Two years later, an amendment to “grant the legislature the power to restrict marriage to opposite-sex couples” was placed on the ballot and passed. Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage in 2004, following the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court case Goodridge v. Department of Public Health . Taking it to the Supreme Court In 2009, Edith Windsor received a federal tax bill after the death of her wife, Thea Clara Spyer, because Windsor was not recognized as a surviving spouse. After being denied federal tax benefits, Windsor challenged the Supreme Court on recognizing same-sex couples married in legal states. In 2013, United States v. Windsor challenged section three of DOMA, which recognized marriage as a union between a man and a woman. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled section three of DOMA was “…unconstitutional and that the federal government cannot discriminate against married lesbian and gay couples to determine federal benefits and protection.” Jim Obergfell after the ruling. (Image Source: Elvert Barnes /Wikimedia Commons, CC BY SA ) Obergefell v. Hodges: An Iconic Case Jim Obergefell and John Arthur quickly heard the news of Windor’s success. Obergefell and Arthur decided to get married before Arthur passed away due to his health struggle. The couple lived in Ohio and traveled to Maryland for their wedding. After returning home, they went to an Ohio judge who ruled for Obergefell to be listed as the surviving spouse upon Arthur’s death. John Arthur passed away three months after their marriage. With the Judge’s ruling, Obergefell was listed on the death certificate. However, the state of Ohio appealed the Judge’s decision and reissued the certificate to exclude his name. Obergefell filed an appeal to the Supreme Court in 2014. On June 26th, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 on Obergefell v. Hodges in favor of federal same-sex marriage. Legacy The decision on Obergefell v. Hodges gave civil rights to millions of LGBTQ+ Americans. The White House was lit in rainbow lights, and the nation celebrated after years of protesting, boycotting, Queer politicism, and hardships. Legalizing marriage equality would not have been possible without Edith Windsor and Jim Obergefell’s perseverance and the hard work of the activists who came before us. References Andersen, E. A. (2017). Transformative Events in the LGBTQ Rights Movement. Indiana Journal of Law and Social Equality , 5 (2), 36. https://www.repository.law.indiana.edu/ijlse/vol5/iss2/10 ACLU. (n.d.). Windsor v. United States . American Civil Liberties Union. Retrieved March 26, 2021, from https://www.aclu.org/cases/lesbian-and-gay-rights/windsor-v-united-states Defense of Marriage Act: Update to Prior Report . (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2021, from https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-04-353r.pdf Domestic Partner Benefit Eligibility: Defining Domestic Partners and Dependents—HRC Foundation . (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2021, from https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/professional-resources/domestic-partner-benefit-eligibility-defining-domestic-partners-and-dependents Domestic Partnership Benefits . (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2021, from https://www.glad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/domestic-partnership-overview.pdf Domestic Partnership vs. Marriage: What’s the Difference? (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2021, from https://www.rocketlawyer.com/family-and-personal/family-matters/marriage/legal-guide/domestic-partnership-vs-marriage-whats-the-difference Liptak, A. (2013, June 26). Supreme Court Bolsters Gay Marriage With Two Major Rulings. The New York Times . https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/27/us/politics/supreme-court-gay-marriage.html Rosenwald, M. S. (2015, April 6). How Jim Obergefell became the face of the Supreme Court gay marriage case. Washington Post . https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/how-jim-obergefell-became-the-face-of-the-supreme-court-gay-marriage-case/2015/04/06/3740433c-d958-11e4-b3f2-607bd612aeac_story.html

< Back to School Policy Hub Anti-Bullying and Non-Discrimination Policies What Protects LGBTQ+ Students from Bullying and What Might Not Every student deserves to feel safe at school. But for many LGBTQ+ students in Florida, bullying and harassment remain an everyday challenge. Whether it shows up in the form of slurs in the hallway, online harassment, or teachers looking the other way, the message to these students is often that they are on their own. That message is wrong. What Florida Law Says Florida Statute 1006.147, known as the Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act, requires every public school district to adopt a policy that prohibits bullying and harassment. These policies must protect all students and employees and must include specific procedures for reporting, investigating, and responding to incidents. The law defines bullying as behavior that inflicts physical harm or substantial emotional distress. Harassment is defined as conduct that creates an intimidating or offensive environment. Importantly, while the statute allows districts to list specific protected characteristics, it does not require them to include sexual orientation or gender identity. That choice is left to local school boards. In places like Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach County, local policies explicitly cover sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. For example: Miami-Dade County includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in its Policy 5517.01 – Bullying and Harassment. Broward County includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression protections in Policy 5900 – Anti-Bullying. Palm Beach County includes sexual orientation, gender identity or expression in Policy 5.002 – Prohibition of Bullying and Harassment. The Gap Between Policy and Reality Even when districts do have inclusive policies, that does not mean they are followed. Students regularly report that their concerns are ignored, minimized, or even blamed on them. One PRISM member in Palm Beach County was told to “lay low” after reporting repeated slurs and threats. The school’s response was to pull them out of activities instead of addressing the harm. At the same time, Florida’s recent laws around instruction on identity have created fear and confusion. Some teachers believe they cannot affirm a student’s identity without violating the law. This misinterpretation has made schools more hesitant to intervene when LGBTQ+ students are targeted, especially if the harassment is tied to name changes or pronoun use. What You Can Do If you are a student being bullied, or if you are a teacher or parent supporting someone who is, there are clear steps you can take. Start by documenting everything. Keep a written log of what happened, when, and who was involved. Save any screenshots or messages. File a formal report. Every school should have a process in place. Submit the report in writing and keep a copy. Check your district’s anti-bullying policy: Miami-Dade Broward Palm Beach Follow up. District policies usually set deadlines for investigating complaints. Ask for updates in writing. Miami-Dade schools must begin responding to a credible bullying report within 24 hours and complete documentation within 30 school days of the incident. Broward schools must start investigating within 5 school days of the report and finish within 10 school days, with a one-time 5-day extension if needed. Palm Beach schools do not publicly list a specific deadline for completing bullying investigations. Go further if necessary. If the school fails to act, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education . If the bullying is connected to gender or perceived identity, you may also be protected under Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools. Why This Matters When schools fail to protect LGBTQ+ students, the impact is serious. Harassment is linked to lower academic achievement, chronic absenteeism, and long-term mental health issues. Policies on paper mean little without action and accountability. Schools have a legal obligation to protect all students. But they also have a moral responsibility to create spaces where every young person can thrive. That only happens when bullying is taken seriously, when policies are enforced, and when LGBTQ+ students are seen and supported. PRISM is here to help you navigate this process and fight for change where it is needed. If your school is not doing enough, we are ready to stand with you. Because your safety is not negotiable.

< Back to School Policy Hub Sylvia Rivera Who was Sylvia Rivera? Early Life Exploring Identity Stonewall Riots and S.T.A.R. Transgender Inclusivity Death and Legacy Who was Sylvia Rivera? Sylvia Rivera was a Latina LGBTQ+ activist, drag queen, and trans activist during the Civil Rights Movement. Rivera is most known for her involvement in the Stonewall Riots and being the co-founder of Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (S.T.A.R.), which she led alongside Marsha P. Johnson . She also was a fixture of demonstrations with the Gay Liberation Front. Early Life Rivera was born to Puerto Rican and Venezuelan parents in New York City on July 2, 1951. Rivera's birth father abandoned her as an infant. She began living with her grandmother at the age of three years after being orphaned when her mother committed suicide. However, her grandmother rejected Rivera's effeminate behavior, forcing her to work on the streets as a child prostitute at 11 years old. With their support, she started identifying as a drag queen and calling herself “Sylvia.” Sylvia Rivera in 1970. (Image Source: New York Public Library/Kay Tobin) Exploring Identity Rivera never firmly confirmed her gender identity, referring to herself as a gay man, gay girl, and drag queen. In her 2002 essay, "Queens In Exile, The Forgotten Ones," Rivera states: "I'm tired of being labeled. I don't even like the label transgender . I'm tired of living with labels. I just want to be who I am." Stonewall Riots and S.T.A.R. A photo of Sylvia Rivera at the STAR Rally. (Image Source: Roseleechs/Wikimedia Commons) In 1969, at 17 years old, Rivera was at the Stonewall Riots , where she’s said to have thrown a molotov cocktail. Alongside Marsha P. Johnson, Rivera founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) organization in 1970. STAR sought to provide housing and other assistance to gay and trans sex workers and homeless youth in New York City. Want to learn more about the Stonewall Riots? Click here. Transgender Inclusivity It was often difficult for Rivera to receive support from other activists in the LGBTQ+ community. Many gay and lesbian activists were cisgender, white, middle-class individuals who didn’t understand the struggles she and many other transgender youth had gone through. This became most clear with the Gay Rights Bill; backroom deals were made between lawmakers and queer activists to exclude transgender rights specifically. This betrayal led Rivera to disappear from her activism for 20 years until she returned in the mid-1990s to continue fighting for transgender rights. Death and Legacy An illustration of Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson at the 1973 NYC Pride Parade (Image Source: Gary LeGault /Wikimedia Commons After briefly resurrecting STAR (this time changing "Transvestite" to "Transgender"), Sylvia Rivera died on February 12, 2002, from liver cancer. Rivera is credited with being at the forefront of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. She is currently the only transgender person in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, and the Sylvia Rivera Law Project was founded shortly after her death to support transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. She played a pivotal role in providing a space within the broader LGBTQ+ community for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals and drag queens, paving the way for the work that has been done in the decades since her passing. References Rothberg, E. (n.d.). Sylvia Rivera . National Women's History Museum. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/sylvia-rivera . Goodman, E., Americo, L., Riedel, S., Tran, C., & Reign, E. (2019, March 26). Sylvia Rivera changed queer and Trans Activism Forever . them. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://www.them.us/story/sylvia-rivera . Pak, E. (2020, January 7). Sylvia Rivera . Biography.com. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://www.biography.com/activist/sylvia-rivera . Nestle, J., Howell, C., Wilchins, R. A., & Rivera, S. (2002). Queens in Exile, the Forgotten Ones. In Genderqueer: Voices from beyond the sexual binary (pp. 70–88). essay, Alyson Books.

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< Back to School Policy Hub Mental Health Counseling and Parent Notification Mental Health Counseling and Parent Notification Mental Health Counseling and Parent Notification For many LGBTQ+ students, access to school-based mental health support can be life-changing. A trusted counselor can offer a safe place to talk about identity, relationships, family challenges, or the everyday stress of school. But in Florida, recent laws and district policies have created confusion and fear about how private those conversations really are. What the Law Says About Parental Rights Florida’s Parents’ Bill of Rights ( HB 241, 2021 ; Ch. 1014, F.S. ) gives parents broad authority over decisions affecting their child’s upbringing, education, and health care. It requires school districts to promote parental involvement and allows parents to access their child’s educational and health records. The Parental Rights in Education Act ( HB 1557, 2022 ; § 1001.42(8)(c), F.S. )—later expanded by HB 1069, 2023 ; § 1000.071, F.S. —requires that schools notify parents about certain changes in a student’s mental, emotional, or physical well-being and prohibits staff from discouraging parental involvement. HB 1069 also added restrictions on pronoun use and expanded the ban on classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity to additional grade levels. These laws do not require counselors to automatically disclose a student’s sexual orientation or gender identity unless there is a documented safety concern. However, district-level procedures in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach have been shaped by these laws, resulting in more cautious approaches to mental health counseling and disclosure. How District Policies Apply: Miami-Dade County Public Schools Board Policy 2410.01 – Mental Health Services outlines the district’s responsibilities under state law, including offering community referrals and delivering services through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Threat Assessment & Mental Health Services Guide for School Administrators details when and how parental consent is required for referrals, and how confidentiality applies in short-term counseling. Broward County Public Schools Policy 1480 – School Counseling Records and FERPA Protections explains how counseling and psychological records are protected under FERPA and Florida law. Family Counseling Program provides free, confidential short-term counseling for students and families, with parental consent required for ongoing services or outside referrals. Palm Beach County Public Schools Palm Beach’s Mental Health Assistance Allocation Plan outlines a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for student mental health, including school-based mental health professionals, co-located clinicians from community providers, and crisis intervention teams. The plan states that parent or guardian involvement is encouraged, but services may begin with student self-referral and initial confidential support, especially when safety is not an immediate concern. Official record changes, such as legal names, still require parental approval under state law. What the Law Still Allows Across all three counties, there is no statewide or district policy requiring immediate parental notification for every counseling session. A student can speak with a school counselor without automatic disclosure, unless the counselor believes the student is at risk of harm. Both Florida’s School Counseling Framework and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) standards recognize student confidentiality as critical for effective care. What Students and Parents Should Know Students : You have the right to request mental health support at school. Before your session, ask your counselor about confidentiality and what information may be shared. If you feel unsafe at home, make that clear—it may help protect your privacy. Parents : You have the right to be informed about significant changes affecting your child’s well-being, but not every conversation they have. Building trust helps ensure your child seeks help both at school and at home. Educators and Counselors : Know your district’s policies, state laws, and ethical codes. When uncertain, consult your legal department and follow professional counseling standards. Why This Matters Mental health support saves lives. LGBTQ+ students are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts—not because of who they are, but because of the hostility and isolation they face. Limiting confidential support only increases these risks. At a time when public policy is shifting, PRISM believes that Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach schools still have a duty to support students with care, integrity, and adherence to both the law and professional ethics. We are here to help students, parents, and school staff understand their rights and navigate these rules without fear.

< Back to School Policy Hub Black Lives Matter What is Black Lives Matter? Black Lives Matter march in Oakland, California in 2014 (Image Source: Annette Bernhardt, December 14th, 2014) Black Lives Matter is a movement as well as an organization with the goal of fighting against white supremacy and injustices against Black communities. The movement has also strongly supported the LGBTQ+ community, with transgender and queer members having leadership roles in the organization and leaders speaking out against sidelining Black LGBTQ+ activists. Although it had its origins in the United States, the Black Lives Matter movement has remained influential internationally, having 16 chapters in total in the United States and Canada and inspiring protests for Black lives in countries as far as Israel and South Africa. Origins Black Lives Matter rally at the Vancouver Art Gallery after the death of George Floyd (Image Source: GoToVan, May 31st, 2020) Black Lives Matter began in 2013 as a hashtag on social media protesting the acquittal of George Zimmerman, murderer of unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. It was started by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi, three Black women who wanted to fight against the injustice Black people face in the United States’s criminal justice system. The creation of the Black Lives Matter movement was also inspired by several human rights movements in the past, ranging from the 1960s Civil Rights Movement to the 2000s LGBTQ+ movement. Progression Although it did not gain much traction immediately after its creation, Black Lives Matter started taking off in August 2014 after news of the homicide of 18-year-old Michael Brown by a white police officer spread globally on social media. In protests and rallies speaking out against this injustice, the Black Lives Matter movement grew online and in the streets, with “#BlackLivesMatter” being used over 50 thousand times per day on social media. The movement gained even more traction after the jury involved in the case decided not to charge Darren Wilson, the police officer in question, with Michael Brown’s homicide. Since then, the movement has been vocal about police brutality and discrimination against Black communities on a grander scale. Resurgence Black Lives Matter signs on the empty pedestal of the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol, which was toppled by protesters for honoring a slave trader (Image Source: Caitlin Hobbs, June 7th, 2020) The Black Lives Matter movement had a resurgence on May 25, 2020, when unarmed George Floyd was murdered at the hands of Derek Chauvin, a white police officer who used a violent method of restriction to hold Floyd down after allegations emerged of him using a counterfeit $20 bill. A video of this event went viral on social media, and people all over the world became enraged and took to social media and the streets to protest against police brutality and emphasize that “Black Lives Matter.” Ever since then, the Black Lives Matter movement has been increasingly active in the form of protests against more instances of police brutality and injustice, both recent and not recent, including the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, and Rayshard Brooks. References About . Black Lives Matter. (2020, October 16). https://blacklivesmatter.com/about/ . Asmelash, L. (2020, July 26). How Black Lives Matter went from a hashtag to a global rallying cry . CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/26/us/black-lives-matter-explainer-trnd/index.html . Ater, R. (2020, May 29). IN MEMORIAM: I CAN'T BREATHE . Renée Ater. https://www.reneeater.com/on-monuments-blog/tag/list+of+unarmed+black+people+killed+by+police . Herstory . Black Lives Matter. (2019, September 7). https://blacklivesmatter.com/herstory/ . Kirby, J. (2020, June 12). "Black Lives Matter" has become a global rallying cry against racism and police brutality . Vox. https://www.vox.com/2020/6/12/21285244/black-lives-matter-global-protests-george-floyd-uk-belgium . Mercado, I. (2020, August 6). The Black Lives Matter Movement: An Origin Story . Underground Railroad Education Center. https://undergroundrailroadhistory.org/the-black-lives-matter-movement-an-origin-story/ .

Interested in joining the Youth Support Group? Apply here! < Return to Resources Youth Support Group PRISM's LGBTQ+ Youth Support Group is open to youth ages 14-17 who live in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade County. What is the Youth Support Group? PRISM's Youth Support Group is a safe space for you to come and connect with other LGBTQ+ youth ages 14-17 in a supportive environment. It is led by a Master of Social Work student through PRISM's Discord server. Who can join the Youth Support Group? In order to join the Youth Support Group, you must: Be 14-17 years old Live in Palm Beach, Broward, or Miami-Dade County Have access to a reliable internet connection and Discord How do I register for the Youth Support Group? Interested in signing up? We'd love to have you! You can start by filling out a Youth Support Group Application or contacting us directly. You can contact info@prismfl.org if you have any questions. When is the next meeting? PRISM's Youth Support Group generally meets twice per month through Discord. You can find upcoming support group meetings below. Upcoming Meetings Multiple Dates Monthly Volunteer & Organizer Orientation Thu, Sep 24 Google Meet Link sent day-of Orientation RSVP Multiple Dates PRISM Tabletop Role-Playing Experience Fri, Oct 02 Guildhall Anime Game Lounge RSVP Multiple Dates Join PRISM at the Broward School Board Meeting Tue, Oct 13 KCW Administration Building RSVP Multiple Dates Join PRISM at the Miami-Dade School Board Meeting Wed, Oct 14 Miami-Dade School Board Auditorium RSVP Multiple Dates Join PRISM at the Palm Beach School Board Meeting Wed, Oct 14 Fulton-Holland Educational Center RSVP Florida City Health and Wellness Community Fair Sat, Sep 12 Florida City Community Center Learn more International Overdose Awareness Day Mon, Aug 31 Compass LGBTQ Center Learn more Miami Dream Fair Sat, Aug 22 Regatta Park Details The Underline x The Out Collective Pride Run Wed, Aug 19 The Underline River Room Details Dorm Storms Tue, Aug 18 FIU MMC Campus & FAU Boca Raton Campus Learn more Pack with Purpose Sat, Aug 15 First Unitarian Universalist Congregatio Learn more PrideFête 2026 Sat, Aug 08 Richardson Historic Park Details GSA Leadership Bootcamp Mon, Jul 27 Virtual Interactive Training Details We The People March Fri, Jul 03 Esplanade Park Details Pride 5K Sat, Jun 27 West Palm Beach Waterfront Details Stonewall Pride Sat, Jun 20 Wilton Drive Details Ceramic League of Miami's Summer Maker's Market Sat, Jun 20 Ceramic League of Miami Details Pride Exhibition Opening Reception: Lost and Found: LGBTQIA+ Spaces in Our Community Wed, Jun 10 Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach Count Details Load More

< Back to School Policy Hub Birth Control Patch What is the Birth Control Patch? How it Works Using it Effectively What is the Birth Control Patch? Birth Control Patch (Unsplash; Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition) The birth control patch is a thin, square patch that is approximately 2 inches by 2 inches and sticks to the skin. Each patch comes individually wrapped and releases hormones through the skin into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. How it Works The combination of the hormones progesterone and estrogen prevents ovulation; that is, the release of an egg from the ovaries during a uterus’s monthly cycle. Without an egg, pregnancy is impossible because there is nothing for sperm to fertilize. The hormones in the patch also thicken the mucus produced in the cervix, therefore making it difficult for sperm to enter and reach any eggs that may have been released. The hormones may also affect the lining of the uterus so that even if the egg is fertilized the egg will have difficulty attaching to the wall of the uterus. No birth control is 100% effective. The birth control patch is 93% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, for those weighing over 198 pounds, it may be less effective. Birth control patches do not protect from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Only condoms and dental dams work to protect from STIs. Using it Effectively The most effective time to start the patch is up to five days after the start of a period. It is recommended to use other forms of contraception for the first seven days of using the patch. One new patch should be applied anywhere on the skin except the breasts, genitals, palms of hands, or soles of feet. The most common places to apply the patch are the buttocks, stomach, upper outer arm, or upper torso. Lotions, makeup, and other skin products can prevent the patch from sticking well and should be avoided. A new patch should be applied once a week for three weeks in a row, ensuring the patch is applied on the same day of the week. The patch should be removed at the end of the third week in order to have a period. The patch should be reapplied if it loosens or falls off for less than a day. If the patch was off for more than one day, a new patch should be applied and that day should be considered as the new start of the week. Those who are interested in learning more about the possible health benefits and risks of different types of birth control, including the patch, should talk to a doctor or other health professional. References Reproductive Health Access Project. (February 2021). Fact Sheet: The Patch . https://www.reproductiveaccess.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/factsheet_patch.pdf Teens Health from The Nemours Foundation. (2017). Birth Control Patch. https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/contraception-patch.html

< 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 IUDs What is an IUD? Types of IUDs Getting an IUD Removing an IUD What is an IUD? IUDs, or Intrauterine Devices, are small, flexible pieces of plastic shaped like a T. They are extremely effective in preventing pregnancy. By extremely effective, we mean over 99% effective, making it one of the most reliable forms of contraception available. This is because IUDs leave no room for error. Unlike condoms, birth control, and many other forms of contraception, you don't need to remember to use them. Because they last for years, you can get an IUD inserted and won't have to worry about it again until it expires. IUDs work by changing how sperm cells move so they can't reach an egg. IUDs do not protect you from STIs Only condoms and dental dams can protect you from STIs. Diagram of a IUD properly set inside the uterus (Image Source: PRISM FL, Inc / Cameron Makris) Types of IUDs There are two different types of IUDs: copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs. Copper IUDs Copper IUDs don't contain hormones. Instead, they're wrapped in copper, which protects from pregnancy for up to 12 years. Sperm doesn't like copper, so it prevents them from getting to an egg. They are effective as soon as you get one inserted. Copper IUDs can also be used as emergency contraception. If you get a copper IUD inserted within 5 days of having unprotected sex, it's over 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy. These can make your periods heavier and cramps worse. This usually goes away over time, but talk to your doctor if you feel any discomfort or pain. Hormonal IUDs Hormonal IUDs use the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy. While it varies depending on the brand, hormonal IUDs generally work for up to 3-7 years. Progestin works to prevent pregnancy by thickening the mucus in the cervix to trap the sperm and sometimes preventing ovulation. These make your periods lighter, and you may stop getting your period at all. If you get a hormonal IUD inserted within the first 7 days of your period, these protect againt pregnancy immediately. If it's inserted at any other point in your cycle, you'll be protected after 7 days. Getting an IUD IUDs have to be inserted by a doctor or nurse. If you have health insurance, you can likely get an IUD for free. When getting an IUD, your doctor will examine your vagina, cervix, and uterus and may test you for STDs. They may offer to numb you before the procedure starts. The nurse or doctor will use a speculum and a special inserter to insert the IUD into your uterus. This normally only takes a few minutes. Some people may feel cramping or pain when getting their IUD inserted, but this is usually brief. Removing an IUD If your IUD is about to expire and you still don't want to get pregnant, or if you want to get pregnant now, you'll need to have your IUD removed. This is usually very simple. Your doctor will gently pull the string, and the IUD's arms will fold up so it can slip out. You may experience cramping, although this should be very brief. Unless you start another form of hormonal birth control, your period will go back to how it was before you got your IUD. You can get pregnant as soon as you get your IUD removed. If your IUD slips partially out or falls out completely (this can happen during the first 3 months), call your doctor immediately. If this happens, you can get pregnant. References IUD Birth Control | Info About Mirena & Paraguard IUDs . Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud .

< Return to Open Positions Website Design Manager We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Website Design Manager 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’s Website Design Manager facilitates content creation and brand development across prismfl.org. This is a part-time position (15 hours per week) with an expected pay of $21/hour. Responsibilities: Develop designs for PRISM’s Website Monitor web and UX/UI trends, including developments in design, applications, strategy, and innovation to stay relevant and effective Maintain PRISM’s website through our CMS and manage new content, SEO, advertising, and analytics Compile and send PRISM’s weekly newsletter and monthly donor newsletter Provide graphic design support for the Content Creation team when needed Qualifications: Experience with web and UX/UI design Experience with graphic design Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and Javascript Experience with marketing, SEO, and web analytics Experience with Wix (Preferred) Experience with Neon CRM (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

Outreach Correspondents use their bountiful charisma (and sometimes terrifyingly undying enthusiasm) to share PRISM and expand our volunteer base. < Return to Task Forces Outreach Task Force (OTF) The Outreach Task Force coordinates events and other activities to spread awareness of the amazing work PRISM does and build connections with the community. Our outreach correspondants are spreading the word, one connection at a time. About Members Programs Join What does the Outreach Task Force do? The Outreach Task Force coordinates events and other activities to spread awareness of the amazing work PRISM does and builds connections with the community. Who makes up the Outreach Task Force? Outreach Director The Outreach Director helps get the word out about PRISM at events and online! From volunteer recruitment to coordinating in-person events, the love and soul they provide makes PRISM all the more lively. Volunteer Outreach Correspondents The social butterflies of PRISM's membership, Outreach Correspondents share PRISM by actively seeking out volunteers, donors, and supporters through social media or at Outreach events. How does the Outreach Task Force share PRISM? Get The Word Out Events One of the most prominent methods that Outreach Correspondents gain support for PRISM is through Get The Word Out events, where volunteers go out into the community to share PRISM and answer questions. These can be markets, festivals, fundraisers, and more! And More! Our Outreach Task Force is always developing new ways to get the word out about PRISM. Check back here or sign up for our newsletter to find out about future initiatives! How do I join the Outreach Task Force? Interested in helping out? We'd love to have you. You can start by filling out a Volunteer Application Form , applying to one of the many positions in the Outreach Task Force, or contacting us directly. Back to Top About Members Join