< Back Samuel Doss Treasurer Sam Doss holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration (Marketing) from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (formerly the University of Texas–Pan American), an MBA from the University of Notre Dame, and a B.S. in Finance from Butler University. He has taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate marketing and entrepreneurship courses while working with various businesses and nonprofits. Prior to his tenure at Barry University from 2014 to 2021, he served on the faculties of Florida Institute of Technology and Kansai Gaidai University. Sam is also a former stockbroker and the owner of several entrepreneurial ventures. Now fully retired—aside from a one-off teaching position in Spring 2023 with Semester at Sea—Sam keeps busy with a range of hobbies and enjoys using his expertise to give back to the South Florida community. He is a former board member of ArtsUnited. < Back to Our Team

< Return to STI Clinic Search FoundCare - Palm Springs Call: (561) 432-5849 Website: https://foundcare.org/who-we-are/locations.html#collection-item-lightbox-14892287 Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 2330 S Congress Ave, Palm Springs, FL 33406, USA Hours: Today (Fri): 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sat: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Sun: Closed Mon: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tues: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Wed: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thurs: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 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 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 (Fri): Closed All Day Sat: Closed Sun: Closed Mon: Closed Tues: Closed Wed: Closed Thurs: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 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

< 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 fiance and their two pups, Nino and Winston. < Back to Our Team

PRISM’s Policy Task Force works to advance innovative laws and policies and pushes back against bad bills to ensure that no one suffers discrimination or harassment on the basis of their sexual orientation, race, or gender identity. The Policy Task Force solves challenges at the local, state, and national levels, with an emphasis on fighting for the LGBTQ+ community, especially LGBTQ+ people of color across South Florida. < Return to Task Forces Policy Task Force (PTF) PRISM’s Policy Task Force works to advance innovative laws and policies and pushes back against bad bills to ensure that no one suffers discrimination or harassment on the basis of their sexual orientation, race, or gender identity. The Policy Task Force solves challenges at the local, state, and national levels, with an emphasis on fighting for the LGBTQ+ community, especially LGBTQ+ people of color across South Florida. < Return to Task Forces Policy Task Force Activism on all levels. Learn how the Policy Task Force fights for the LGBTQ+ community across South Florida. About Members Join What does the Policy Task Force do? PRISM’s Policy Task Force works to advance innovative laws and policies and pushes back against bad bills to ensure that no one suffers discrimination or harassment on the basis of their sexual orientation, race, or gender identity. The Policy Task Force solves challenges at the local, state, and national levels, with an emphasis on fighting for the LGBTQ+ community, especially LGBTQ+ people of color across South Florida. Who makes up the Policy Task Force? Policy Director Our Policy Director, Steven Rocha, leads grassroots actions to influence public opinion on key issues and fight for LGBTQ+ rights across the state. In addition, the Policy Director will recruit and train activists as they keep a close eye on current and upcoming legislative policies that will impact the queer community. How do I join the Policy Task Force? Interested in helping out? We'd love to have you! You can start by filling out a Volunteer Application Form or contacting us directly. Back to Top About Members Join

Put yourself in the shoes of a bisexual person in this immersive, Choose Your Own Adventure game! Make choices that directly impact how your journey unfolds. < Return to Resources Either/Or A bisexual Choose Your Own Adventure game Start your adventure... Welcome to Either/Or ! In this game, you step into the shoes of a bisexual person as you make choices that shape how your journey unfolds. Feel free to stop and pick back up any time. Your progress will be saved. We are currently releasing the game in installments. Right now, you can play through Chapter 1 where you'll get to make your first big decision. Have fun, and remember that bi issues are queer issues. Found a technical issue in the game? Let us know! First Name Email Write a message Submit Thanks for sharing!

< Return to STI Clinic Search CAN Community Health - South Beach Call: (305) 514-0813 Website: https://www.cancommunityhealth.org/south-beach/ Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 427 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA Hours: Today (Fri): 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Sat: Closed Sun: Closed Mon: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Tues: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Wed: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Thurs: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. CLOSED NOW Free Testing Walk-Ins Accepted Free Condoms PrEP On-Site PrEP Referral Parking type: Lot Free Parking Tests Offered: HIV (Rapid): Free HIV (Lab): $35 Chlamydia : $35 Gonorrhea : $35 Syphilis (Rapid): $35 Hepatitis C (Lab): $35

Donate now to support PRISM's mission to make South Florida safe for everyone. < Return to Donate Movement Builders: Montly Membership Starting at just $5/month, each donorship tier comes with exciting perks and opportunities, as well as a exclusive monthly newsletter featuring an LGBTQ+ advice column and queer culture news. Show your commitment to South Florida's LGBTQ+ youth and sign up today! Membership Benefits Supporter ($5/mo) Friend ($10/mo) Ally ($25/mo) Advocate ($50/mo) Champion ($100/mo) Legend ($250/mo) Exclusive Movement Builders Monthly Newsletter Exclusive Movement Builders Monthly Newsletter Access to interactive Newsletter content (Advice Column, Q&A, Interviews, etc..) Handwritten “Thank You” card Exclusive Movement Builders Monthly Newsletter Access to interactive Newsletter content (Advice Column, Q&A, Interviews, etc..) Handwritten “Thank You” card Limited edition, youth-designed T-shirt Pride stickers Exclusive Movement Builders Monthly Newsletter Access to interactive Newsletter content (Advice Column, Q&A, Interviews, etc..) Handwritten “Thank You” card Limited edition, youth-designed T-shirt Pride stickers Exclusive access to Art Prints made by our LGBTQ+ youth Name on our website (optional) Shoutout on our Instagram feed (optional) 15% discount on up to (4) tickets to PRISM Gala Exclusive Movement Builders Monthly Newsletter Access to interactive Newsletter content (Advice Column, Q&A, Interviews, etc..) Handwritten “Thank You” card Limited edition, youth-designed T-shirt Pride stickers Exclusive access to Art Prints by our LGBTQ+ youth Name on our website (optional) Shoutout on our Instagram feed (optional) PRISM Collector's Item 2 Free Tickets to the PRISM Gala Exclusive Movement Builders Monthly Newsletter Access to interactive Newsletter content (Advice Column, Q&A, Interviews, etc..) Handwritten “Thank You” card Limited edition, youth-designed T-shirt Pride stickers Exclusive access to Art Prints by our LGBTQ+ youth Name on our website (optional) Shoutout on our Instagram feed (optional) PRISM Collector's Item 2 Free VIP Tickets to the PRISM Gala Note: Newsletter perks are immediately accessible. Physical prizes and gala-related perks will be received seasonally. Become a Movement Builder Note: Newsletter perks are immediately accessible. Physical prizes and gala-related perks will be received seasonally.

< Return to STI Clinic Search Atrinity Point Health Center - Palm Springs Call: (754) 206-4380 Website: http://atrinityhealth.com/ Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 2677 Forest Hill Blvd #125, Palm Springs, FL 33406, USA Hours: Today (Fri): 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sat: Closed Sun: Closed Mon: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tues: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Wed: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thurs: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CLOSED NOW Free Testing Walk-Ins Accepted Free Condoms PrEP On-Site PrEP Referral Parking type: Lot Free Parking Tests Offered: HIV (Rapid) : Free HIV (Lab) Chlamydia Gonorrhea Syphilis (Lab) Hepatitis C (Lab) Herpes Trichomoniasis

< Return to Open Positions Comedy Writer We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Comedy 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 Part of our work is creating educational resources for LGBTQ+ youth and queer people of color. Comedy writers take the necessary information and compose comedic scripts for our educational video content. Candidates local to Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach are strongly preferred. Pay : $30 per script (may vary by project) Responsibilities: Research and gather information about proposed topics Convey educational topics in a comedic format for our viewers Complete tasks in a timely manner Maintain the accuracy of information provided through peer editing and continuous review of published resources Qualifications: Experience working in a collaborative creative environment Must have comedic writing skills Experience creating or participating in video content for social media (Preferred) South Florida resident (Preferred) Have an understanding of pop culture While not required, it is preferred that Writers have prior exposure to information regarding one or more of the following : Sexual health LGBTQ+ issues Racial equity Black history/culture LatinX history/culture Asian history/culture LGBTQ+ history 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

< 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/

< Back to School Policy Hub Asexuality and Aromanticism What is Asexuality? What is Aromanticism? Ace and Aro Spectrums History Issues Symbols What is Asexuality? Asexuality is an umbrella term that encompasses orientations in which a person experiences little to no sexual attraction. There is also a distinct lack of desire to be physically/sexually intimate with others. Despite feeling no sexual attraction, asexual individuals can still form romantic and platonic relationships. They may even date or marry a sexual partner. The shorthand term "ace" is often used to describe asexual individuals. What is Aromanticism? Aromanticism is the lack of interest in or desire for romantic relationships. Where alloromantic (the opposite of aromantic) people have an emotional need to be with another person in a romantic relationship, aromantic people are often satisfied with friendships and other non-romantic relationships. The shorthand term "aro" is often used to describe aromantic individuals. Ace and Aro Spectrums While some people who are asexual experience no sexual attraction, many fall somewhere between asexual and allosexual (the opposite of asexual). Diagram of Asexual and Aromantic identities (Image Source: Femestella/Asexuality.org) This region of sexuality is called gray-asexual or gray-A . It includes demisexual , which means that you only experience sexual attraction after forming a strong romantic connection with someone. Similarly, demiromantic people experience a romantic attraction only after forming a strong emotional connection with someone. Asexual History The idea of asexuality has evolved greatly since its origin. In 1860, the first known mention of asexuality was referred to as “monosexual,” for those who do not engage in sex with a partner, but rather only themselves. In the 1940s and 50s, the Kinsey Scale, a test that places individuals on a spectrum from heterosexual to homosexual, included a new category entitled “X” to refer to individuals who reported “no socio-sexual contacts or reactions.” Ace and Aro Issues There are many common myths about asexuality since it’s one of the most misunderstood and underrepresented sexual orientations. Common Misconceptions "Asexuality is the same as celibacy." Asexuality is NOT celibacy. Celibacy is a choice due to religious or personal beliefs, while asexuality is a sexual orientation. As we know, people don’t choose who (and how) they are or aren’t sexually attracted to others. "Asexuals don't experience love and can't form meaningful relationships." Asexuality covers sexual attraction, not romantic attraction. Asexuals are perfectly capable of loving, being loved, and forming healthy relationships. "Asexuals are just ace because they had a bad experience with sex." A person’s orientation is not determined by their history, good or bad. Past experiences with abuse do not “make” people asexual. "Asexuals can't have sex. " Sex drive and sexual attraction are two different things. An asexual person can have a sex drive without feeling sexual attraction to anybody. Other asexuals may lack a sex drive completely, while others may be repulsed by sex altogether. "Aromantics can't feel love." Individuals who identify on the aromantic spectrum do indeed feel love. They experience familial and platonic love and may even feel a varying range of romantic love. "Someone who is aromantic is also asexual." Being both aromantic and asexual is possible, but it isn’t the default. An aromantic person may identify with any sexual orientation. Aromanticism does not automatically indicate asexuality. Other Issues A large amount of invalidation is directed towards asexuality and aromanticism both from outside and within the LGBTQ+ community. Many consider asexuality and aromanticism to be a "phase" that can be grown out of. Many people assume that asexual or aromantic people just "haven't found the right person." On top of this, asexuality is rarely discussed in sexual education. While many schools have made great strides in discussing same-sex relationships and gender non-conformity, they have failed to normalize feeling no sexual attraction at all. This makes many asexual and aromantic people question whether or not their lack of sexual attraction is acceptable. Ace and Aro Symbols Asexual Flag In 2010, several asexual websites held a contest to design an asexual flag. The asexual flag used today was designed by AVEN user Standup. This flag has four stripes: Black - Represents asexuals Grey - Represents gray-asexuals and demisexuals White - Represents allosexuals Purple - Represents community Aromantic Flag The first aromantic flag had four stripes: Green - The "opposite" of red, a traditionally romantic color) Yellow - Represents friendship Orange - Represents grey-aromantics (because it is between yellow and red) Black - Represent alloromantics. This was later modified because it was considered too similar to the Rastafarian flag. The second flag consisted of 5 stripes: Dark and light green - Represent identities on the aromantic spectrum Yellow - Represents friendship Gray and Black - Represent the various sexualities within the aromantic community This yellow stripe was later replaced with white to be more visually appealing but retained the same meaning. Ace of Spades Because asexual is often shortened to ace, the ace of spades is a common symbol of asexuality. Ace of Hearts Because asexual is often shortened to ace, the ace of hearts is a common symbol of asexuality. This is specifically for alloromantic individuals, meaning they can experience romantic attraction. Ace Rings An ace ring is a term for a black ring that the wearer intends as a symbol of their asexual identity. It is usually worn on the middle finger. Arrow Because aromantic is often shortened to aro, an arrow is a common symbol of aromanticism. References Oxford University. (n.d.). Asexuality Meaning . Lexico Dictionaries. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/asexuality . Oxford University. (n.d.). Aromantic Meaning . Lexico Dictionaries. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/aromantic . Overview . Overview | The Asexual Visibility and Education Network. (n.d.). https://www.asexuality.org/?q=overview.html . Asexual . LGBTA Wiki. (n.d.). https://lgbta.wikia.org/wiki/Asexual . Pride flags . The Gender & Sexuality Resource Center. (n.d.). https://www.unco.edu/gender-sexuality-resource-center/resources/pride-flags.aspx . Asexuality . LGBT+ 🏳️🌈 Wiki. (n.d.). https://lgbt-plus.fandom.com/wiki/Asexuality . Wikia.org . (n.d.). Aromantic . LGBTA Wiki. Retrieved from https://lgbta.wikia.org/wiki/Aromantic .