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< Back to School Policy Hub Gender-Affirming Care What is Gender Affirming Care? Gender-affirming care refers to a range of support systems that help transgender and gender-diverse people achieve “lasting personal comfort with their gendered selves." Gender-affirming care is highly individualized, based on the unique needs of each person. It includes non-medical forms of support, such as voice therapy and hair removal, as well as medical treatments like puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and surgeries. Gender Dysphoria Puberty Blockers Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Gender-Affirming Surgeries Non-Medical Care Why Gender-Affirming Care Matters Attacks on Gender-Affirming Care Myths about Gender-Affirming Care What is Gender Dysphoria? Transgender people often seek gender-affirming care as a way to reduce gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria describes the deep distress many transgender people feel when their bodies do not match their gender identity. Gender dysphoria is linked to negative mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Not all transgender people experience gender dysphoria. Some transgender people experience gender incongruence, or the feeling of mismatch between their bodies and their gender identities, not deep distress. According to the WPATH’s 2022 Standards of Care, both gender dysphoria and gender incongruence should qualify patients to receive gender-affirming care as long as feelings have been notable and consistent. What are Pubertal Blockers? Physical changes associated with puberty can increase gender dysphoria for trans youth. Puberty-blocking medications suppress the body’s release of sex hormones. This can decrease the growth of facial and body hair, prevent voice deepening, limit the growth of genitalia, limit or stop breast development, and stop menstruation. As with other forms of gender-affirming care for youth, puberty blockers are only prescribed after careful consultations between a medical provider, the patient, and the patient’s parent or legal guardian. If the patient stops taking blockers, pubertal changes will resume. What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)? Hormone Replacement Therapy (or HRT) describes the process of taking hormones to promote physical changes that affirm one’s gender identity. For transmasculine people, taking testosterone can lead to changes like body fat redistribution, facial and body hair growth, and voice deepening. For transfeminine people, taking estrogen can lead to changes like breast development and body fat redistribution. Like all medical procedures, HRT can have side effects, but for many transgender people, the physical and mental health benefits of HRT greatly outweigh any potential risks. What are Gender Affirming Surgeries? Top Surgery Not every trans person wants surgery, but there are lots of options for those who do. For transmasculine people, top surgery involves removing breast tissue, creating a natural chest contour, and removing or altering the nipples. For transfeminine people, top surgery often involves implants that make the chest bigger. Facial reconstruction surgeries can alter the cheekbones, nose, jaw, chin, or Adam’s apple. Bottom Surgery Bottom surgery for transmasculine people is more complicated and less common. Options include metoidioplasty, in which the existing genital tissue is rearranged, or phalloplasty, in which a penis is constructed from grafts and implants. Some transfeminine people get bottom surgery, most commonly a vaginoplasty, in which a vagina and a vulva are created from original genital tissue or grafts. Other Surgeries Transmasculine people who plan to stay on HRT for life often get a hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus. Transfeminine people who plan to stay on HRT for life often get an orchiectomy, or removal of the testes. Non-Medical Care Counseling Counseling from an affirming mental healthcare provider can empower trans individuals to explore their gender identity, plan their social transition, and prepare for gender-affirming surgery if desired. Appearance Experimentation with visual style gives trans folx an opportunity to explore their gender expression. This may include wearing different hair, makeup, or nail styles. Trying different clothing styles and body part occlusion, like binding or tucking, or accentuation, like hip or butt padding, are other avenues by which a trans person may pursue gender affirmation. In some cases, seeking hair removal treatments, such as shaving, waxing, laser, or electrolysis, can contribute to a person's sense of affirmation. Voice For some, changing the pitch, intonation, timbre, speed, or other qualities of the voice may be an important aspect of their gender-affirming journey. Voice training, vocal cord surgery, or changes associated with masculinizing HRT can facilitate such auditory changes. Why Gender Affirming Care Matters Gender-affirming care is a powerful support for the overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being of transgender and gender-diverse youth and adults. It significantly reduces negative mental health outcomes, including depression and suicidality. It also supports the overall physical health of transgender people, ensuring they receive respectful and effective care that centers their needs. Attacks on Gender-Affirming Care Despite the clear evidence for the benefits of gender-affirming care, transphobic politicians and medical providers are working to restrict and even prohibit access to it. In November 2022, the Florida Board of Medicine voted to ban access to puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and gender-affirming surgeries for youth. Then, in April 2023, the Senate advanced a bill that would: Heavily penalize healthcare providers for administering gender-affirming care to patients Revoke the medical licenses of those providers Prohibit Medicaid from covering gender-affirming care Allow the state to remove children from their parent(s) if their parent(s) have authorized — or might authorize — gender-affirming care Classify gender-affirming care as “serious physical harm" despite consensus from the medical community that gender-affirming care is safe and effective for treating dysphoria However, this ban was blocked in June 2023 by a Federal district court on the basis that it violates the Constitution's equal protection clause by singling out trans minors. While this temporary block is in place, minors can still legally access gender-affirming care. Myths About Gender-Affirming Care There is a wealth of misinformation and misunderstanding surrounding gender-affirming care. Visit our article to learn what these myths are and how to counter them. This article was written by Yarrow Koning References Boyle, P. (2022, October 13). What is gender-affirming care? Your questions answered. AAMC . https://www.aamc.org/news/what-gender-affirming-care-your-questions-answered Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Gender affirmation (confirmation) or sex reassignment surgery. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21526-gender-affirmation-confirmation-or-sex-reassignment-surgery Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Voice feminization surgery. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21779-voice-feminization-surgery Coleman, E. et al. (2022) Standards of care for the health of transgender and gender diverse people, version 8. International Journal of Transgender Health. 32 (1). S1-S258. https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2022.2100644 Federal judge blocks Florida ban on Medicaid funds for transgender treatment. (2023, June 22). CBS News . https://www.cbsnews.com/news/florida-ban-medicaid-funds-transgender-treatment-federal-judge-blocks/ Gender affirmation nonsurgical services . (2023, March 8). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/gender-affirmation-nonsurgical-services Hysto.net . (n.d.). Reasons for transgender men to get a hysterectomy. https://www.hysto.net/reasons-transmen-get-hysterectomy.htm Nolan, I. T., Kuhner, C. J., & Dy, G. W. (2019). Demographic and temporal trends in transgender identities and gender confirming surgery. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6626314/ Weiss, E. (2022, September 20). Gender-Affirming Care When Your Gender is Nonbinary . Plume Health. https://getplume.co/blog/gender-affirming-care-when-your-gender-is-nonbinary/

In 2021, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) recognized October as LGBTQ History Month for the first time within our schools. But in 2022 and 2023, the school board voted against renewing that recognition after intimidation from alt-right hate groups and our state government. In 2021, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) recognized October as LGBTQ History Month for the first time within our schools. But for the past three years, the school board voted against renewing that recognition after intimidation from alt-right hate groups and our state government. LGBTQ+ history is American history because LGBTQ+ Americans are Americans. LGBTQ-inclusive education benefits all students. It's time to teach OUR history. It's time to school the school board. We're flooding MDCPS's public hearing with the same stories of our rich LGBTQ+ history that they've deprived of students in our schools. Tune in, show support, and learn from the people of Miami as they detail the shoulders we stand on. RSVP to learn how to watch online or sign up to speak yourself! SIGN UP Watch It Live

< Back to School Policy Hub Gender Norms What are Gender Norms? Common Examples How They're Harmful Combating Gender Norms Gender norms are social roles that define was is considered acceptable for a person based on their biological or perceived sex. (Image Source: PRISM FL, Inc / Nikhil Kanda) A gender norm, also known as a sex role, is a social role encompassing a range of behaviors and attitudes that are generally considered acceptable, appropriate, or desirable for a person based on that person's biological or perceived sex. These expectations rely on assumptions of someone’s perceived identity and are often built on centuries of discrimination. Examples of Common Gender Norms It is important to note that many of these common gender norms are particular to Western culture and are not universal. When someone judges that you are masculine, a male, or “the man in the relationship,” they may say or assume that: You are the “breadwinner” or moneymaker of a relationship You only wear “masculine” clothing (shorts, pants, etc.) You are strong-willed You are expected to be dominant in your relationship You are expected not to express emotions When someone judges that you are feminine, a female, or “the girl in the relationship,” they may say or assume that: You stay at home cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the kids You are submissive and fully obedient to your spouse You are promiscuous or deserving of mistreatment if you let someone advance on you too quickly You only wear “feminine” clothing (dresses, skirts, etc.) You are weak and unable to stand up for yourself How They're Harmful All of these prejudiced assumptions create countless problems worldwide. In many countries, women who even try to express their right to vote are threatened. Under Shi’a Family Law, women are required to ask for permission to leave the home unless it is an emergency. In western Kenya, pregnant women are prohibited by cultural norms to be seen in public. If they do so they are often shunned and attacked. In many places in the world, men are deemed greater and stronger than women. To this day, only men can hold The Chrysanthemum Throne in Japan. A majority of peerages can only be held or inherited by men in the United Kingdom. In many countries, such as the United States and South Korea, men are required to serve in the military or sign up for the draft, while women do not. The viewpoint that men are emotionally stronger or distant also inhibits men from expressing emotion for fear of seeming "weak." According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men are 3.56 times more likely to commit suicide than women, which could be explained by the societal pressures preventing men from talking about their feelings. Combating Gender Norms We often forget that each person is raised differently. Everyone is exposed to a unique range of beliefs. This may be a combination of religious ideologies, taught prejudices, and cultural opinions. In many instances, these beliefs include assumptions or expectations for what it means to be a man or a woman. You cannot blame an individual for a prejudice they grew up with. However, you can take the chance to educate a prejudiced person so they can try to understand the topic. It is important to keep in mind that our experiences and relationships to gender are each unique. A good place to start is within. Take note of the unchecked expectations you might have surrounding sex or gender. Tying these identities to assumptions and attributes only perpetuates the problem. References Levesque R.J.R. (2011) Sex Roles and Gender Roles. In: Levesque R.J.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Adolescence. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1695-2_602 Aspinall, G. (2021, March 8). Here Are The Countries Where It’s Still Really Difficult For Women To Vote . Grazia. https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/real-life/countries-where-women-can-t-vote/

< Return to Open Positions PRISM Panel Director We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: PRISM Panel 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 relies on the dedicated contributions of volunteers to further its initiatives. Additionally, we rely on the work of our management staff to keep everything in working order. PRISM Panel Directors coordinate all of the inner workings of the PRISM Panel, from management resources to support groups. PRISM Panel Directors do not receive a paycheck, but they do receive the satisfaction that they are helping an organization for LGBT youth. There is potential for a paid position in the future. PRISM Panel Directors have the following responsibilities: Review new management staff applicants to assess qualifications for the position. Conduct interviews and meetings for management staff applicants Assist in the hire of new management staff (new hire paperwork, policy agreements, guidelines, etc) Provide necessary information to management staff about task forces, community service, upcoming events, etc Coordinate monthly management meetings Assist in staff complaints, conflict resolution, etc Maintain consistent communication with the Board of Directors to assess hiring needs, new policies, etc Coordinate support groups and volunteer support resources Maintain volunteer logs for PRISM Panel volunteers PRISM Panel Directors are preferred to have the following abilities and experience: Conflict resolution Ability to maintain a calm, level-headed demeanor Experience with Google Suite (Google Docs, Google Sheets, etc) Experience with human resources or upper-level management Experience with mental health resources Experience with support group coordination Experience in non-profit management Experience in hiring management Experience with LGBT issues Experience with youth services Next

< Return to STI Clinic Search CAN Community Health - Fort Lauderdale Call: (754) 701-6920 Website: https://www.cancommunityhealth.org/ft-lauderdale/ Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 315 SE 14th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, USA Hours: Today (Wed): 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Thurs: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Fri: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sat: Closed Sun: Closed Mon: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Tues: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. CLOSED NOW Free Testing Walk-Ins Accepted Free Condoms PrEP On-Site PrEP Referral Parking type: Lot Free Parking Tests Offered: HIV Chlamydia Gonorrhea Syphilis Hepatitis C

< Back Alexander Puga Content Creation Director A Miami-born creative with a passion for storytelling that uplifts and represents marginalized communities. With a background in film, content creation, and brand strategy, Alex brings bold visuals and culturally rooted narratives to life. He has led campaigns for local businesses, fashion brands, and queer initiatives. As Content Creation Director at PRISM, Alex is here to celebrate queer voices and create space for joy and identity across every platform. Outside of work, you’ll find him biking around the city, sweating through a workout, singing, or hanging with his boyfriend and their two pups, Nino and Winston < Back to Our Team

< Return to Open Positions Grant Writer We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Grant Writer 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 Grant Writers work with our management staff and Treasurer of the Board to write grant applications on behalf of PRISM. 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 : Stay in communication with the Treasurer of the Board and Fundraising Task Force Management Complete necessary paperwork for grant opportunities Assist in the effective distribution of grant funding to relevant programs Qualifications : Experience writing grant proposals Proven success in securing grant funding 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

PRISM is supporting the Black Lives Matter movement through our QPOC (Queer People of Color) Collection. QPOC PRODUCTS For One of the ways that PRISM supports the Black Lives Matter movement is through our QPOC (Queer People of Color) Collection , a permanent and continuously expanding line of products supporting the black and brown community. Beyond showing support for racial equity and justice, 100% of the proceeds earned through our QPOC Collection are distributed to organizations and charities supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. Obviously, the easiest way to contribute to these organizations is by donating directly. However, if you'd like to contribute while also getting products that outwardly show support for the Black Lives Matter movement and especially for queer people of color, consider purchasing from our shop . To maximize the funds we allocate towards these organizations, please note: PRISM often has recurring coupons and sales on our site. However, PRISM pays our production services the same price regardless of the discounts we offer. So, consider foregoing our coupon codes to pass on as much money to the #BLM movement as possible. The same goes for our year-round free shipping on orders of $60 or more. Keeping individual orders under $60 and paying for shipping allows us to donate that money, as well. PRISM only allocates the proceeds earned through our QPOC Collection towards the #BLM movement. Any funds earned through products outside of our QPOC collection will be used for the costs listed on our FAQ . If you'd like to support the work that PRISM does directly for the LGBT community and queer people of color, you can purchase other products from our shop (such as those from our PRISM Pride Collection) or donate .

< Back to School Policy Hub How to Respond to Someone Coming Out What is "coming out"? “Coming Out” is the act of disclosing one’s own sexuality or gender identity to someone. Coming out is different for everyone. Some people come out as soon as they come to a realization about their sexuality or gender identity, while others come out to people slowly, one by one. Read on to find out the best way to handle someone coming out to you. How do I respond to someone coming out? Whether the person coming out is a distant acquaintance or your child, the best way to respond is with respect. We know that learning about this new facet of someone's life can be jarring, especially if you're extremely close to them. However, it's important to acknowledge this information with an open and supportive mindset. Show support While your first instinct may be a shock, understand that the person coming out to you more likely than not put forth a lot of courage to divulge their sexuality or gender identity to you. What's most important is that you welcome their honesty and fulfillment with open arms. Educate yourself, but don't rely on them to do it for you While an eagerness to learn about their experiences or feelings may be flattering, it is not this person's responsibility to give you more information than was offered. It's alright to express curiosity, but don't force them to answer questions they're not comfortable with talking about. You can find all sorts of information about gender and sexuality here . Ask how you can help LGBTQ+ youth and individuals face a whole host of problems beyond their peers. It's important to ask the person coming out to you how you can help them. What should I NOT say? "Why didn't you tell me?" While you may feel betrayed or offended that this person waited until they did to tell you, understand that each person goes about coming out differently. In fact, many people come out to those they care about most later on in life because they are worried about the reaction those people will have and how they will be perceived. No one is entitled to information on someone's gender or sexuality, so simply appreciate that they included you in their coming out journey, wherever they may be in it. "I knew it!" This may seem like a supportive statement, but this is an extremely disrespectful thing for LGBTQ+ people to hear. Many queer youths spend years hiding their sexuality or gender identity out of fear, and pointing out that you "called it" or "knew it the whole time" isn't an accomplishment to brag about. "It's just a phase." Everyone explores their sexuality at different paces and with different experiences. Because of this, sexuality and gender can be fluid and shift. However, trivializing this journey and forcing sexuality onto someone is extremely detrimental. What's most important is that you are supportive, respectful, and understanding of the situation.

< Back to School Policy Hub PRISM Condemns MDCPS Decision on LGBTQ+ History Month On Wednesday, September 7th, the Miami-Dade County School Board voted 8-1 against recognizing LGBTQ+ History Month, which honors the profound impacts, struggles, and contributions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community. As a youth-led LGBTQ+ organization, PRISM is rooted in the power and impact that LGBT-inclusive education– or lack thereof– has had on our lives. We condemn the board for giving credence to the notion that US Supreme Court cases Obergefell v. Hodges and Bostock v. Clayton County, the law of the land, are too controversial or inconsequential to deserve recognition in our schools. For queer youth like us, these foundational moments in our nation's history were life-altering. LGBT history is American history because LGBT Americans are Americans. We also condemn the board for offering pleasantries and warmth to the people who wish to do us harm, who called us sinners, groomers, and terrible people because of our fight for LGBTQ+ students to feel supported and seen. This decision showed what we knew from the start: HB1557, commonly known as the "Don't Say LGBTQ" law, was specifically engineered by anti-LGBT politicians to make local school districts do the work on their behalf for fear of prosecution or forceful removal from their positions as rightfully elected leaders by Governor Ron DeSantis. It intimidates school board members into applying the law's vague wording to the fullest extent possible and erasing LGBTQ+ people from the classroom. Now, PRISM turns to what we do best: ensuring that LGBTQ+ youth feel seen, heard, and represented in their curriculum, both in and outside the classroom. We promise that LGBTQ+ History Month will be in full force in Miami-Dade schools, board vote or not. In solidarity, PRISM FL, Inc

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< Back to School Policy Hub Homosexuality in Ancient Europe "Homosexuality" as a Modern Term Ancient Greece Ancient Rome Introduction of Christianity Incomplete Picture of Ancient Sources “Homosexuality” as a Modern Term Map of Europe and Byzantine around 1000ACE (Image source: University of Texas Libraries: Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection) Both “homosexual” and “homosexuality” are modern terms that were created in the late nineteenth century concerning the study of abnormal psychology. The way we categorize sexualities and make distinctions now is different from ancient times. Some scholars would argue that since people in ancient Europe classified sexual behaviors or identities not by the gender of the participants but by the sexual role each played, the term “ homosexual ” doesn’t fit. However, it is the term that will be used here for simplicity and clarity. Just understand that what we usually associate with the term in modern-day doesn’t necessarily apply to ancient Europe. Homosexuality in Ancient Greece Homosexuality has existed throughout history, although differently than in the modern day. One of the most well-known examples of ancient homosexuality is in Ancient Greece. The most common and well-recorded form of homosexuality was the relationship between two upper-class males: one youth and one adult. This became an institutionalized practice in many regions of Ancient Greece called pederasty. When a boy reached the age of twelve or so, he became the erotic companion of a young man. For Spartans, this focused on the military training of the boys. For Athenians, the purpose was more for intellectual, character, and athletic training. There were also sexual aspects involved in this relationship. When the boys reached adulthood and became citizens, this relationship ended, and they took a boy of their own. When they finished training at around age thirty, the man would then marry a young woman, usually eighteen. At the time, marriage was less a romantic practice and more an institutional one. Greek Painting of a Gay Couple, 480BC (Image Source: Museum of Paestum) According to the practice, homosexual relations were supposed to end after marriage. However, this wasn’t always followed, and men often continued visiting male prostitutes and brothels or even taking a new “eromenos'' to train. Eromenos is the ancient Greek word for the young boy in this partnership. Homosexual relationships between two male citizen adults were discouraged and less recorded. This is because of social status and Greek ideals of beauty. The “passive” role in a relationship was only socially acceptable for the non-citizen: youth, slaves, and females. A similar pederasty system might have also existed for women, with the writing of Sapphos being the main source of recorded information of this. However, since mainstream society and culture placed men as most important, most of the surviving texts and arts are male-centric. Therefore, not much is known about ancient female homosexuality. Homosexuality in Ancient Rome Art of Ancient Roman martyr-saints and soldiers Maurice and Theofredus and their homosocial relationship. (Image Source: J. Paul Getty Museum) Homosexuality was different for Romans as there was no institutional practice. Like Sparta, Rome was highly militarized. At first, the concern of homosexual relations was only about status and power. Like the Greeks, homosexual relationships were only acceptable between men of different social statuses, so free men could only be with slaves, former slaves, prostitutes, or young men. However, the most common relationship was with slaves rather than with young boys. This “relationship” was often more about conquering and gaining power over a person than it was about mentorship and was often non-consensual. Introduction of Christianity to Ancient Rome The Christian takeover of the Roman Empire in the early 4th century criminalized and demonized all homosexuality. This began when the emperor Constantine used Christianity as his basis for ruling. The first enactment of the death penalty for sodomy was in 342 AD. After his death, the next emperor, Valentinian, divided Rome into East and West. In 476 AD, the West was overthrown and signaled the fall of Rome. However, Eastern Rome, or Byzantine, went on to survive for centuries after. In 533 AD, homosexuality became outlawed in Eastern Rome by the Justinian Code. The emperor, Justinian, then castrated those found guilty of homosexuality. The law was to punish those guilty by death, but that was rarely carried out. The Incomplete Picture of Ancient Sources What we know about ancient homosexuality in Europe is largely based on texts written by older, upper-class male perspectives. Therefore, we largely lack the voice of women, younger men, slaves, etc. It’s also important to remember that an ancient period text does not represent the entire period’s feelings of a given subject, but the feelings of one particular writer, shaped by things like their upbringing. We can see this in our modern-day too. So, overall what we do know about ancient European homosexuality is very broad and missing certain perspectives. People of all different sexualities and genders exist throughout all of history and in all places. References Dynes, W. R., & Donaldson, S. (1992). Homosexuality in the Ancient World . Garland. Karras, R. M. (2012). Sexuality in Medieval Europe: doing unto others . Routledge. Zive, G. A Brief History of Western Homosexuality. California State University, Stanislaus.