< Back to School Policy Hub Outdated Trans Terms Transgender terminology and how it was used as little as a decade ago can now be considered outdated, misinformed, or just plain offensive. That’s why it’s important to stay educated on how certain words and phrases affect different parts of the LGBTQ+ community. You may think this isn't a big deal — they're just words, right? But remember, words have power! Those trying to tell you otherwise are people who probably don't have to worry about words like these being used against them. Here's what not to say: Transgender as a noun/verb Be mindful that using transgender as a noun or verb is often used as a means to dehumanize trans folx. Instead, transgender should only used as an adjective (e.g., trans woman or trans man) Wrong "There are a lot of transgenders on the team." "Is she a transgender?" "He transgendered last year." Right "There are a lot of transgender people on the team." "Is she a trans woman?" "He transitioned last year." "Sex Change" Using “sex change” or “sex reassignment surgery” implies that someone who is trans must have surgery in order to transition properly. Instead, talk about it in terms of “gender-affirming” surgery . By the way, don’t outright ask a trans person if they have undergone surgery. It’s a private matter and should be treated with dignity. "Transvestite" “Transvestite” is an old term that often misrepresents trans people. Historically, it most commonly refers to cisgender men who dress in feminine clothing. Today, that community prefers the term “cross-dresser” and finds “transvestite” to be insulting. Defamatory terms, including “tranny” and “she-male” are highly inappropriate slurs, used to discriminate against and dehumanize trans people. "Transsexual" “Transsexual” is a term used to describe a transgender person who has undergone gender-affirming medical procedures. However, “transsexual” is not an inclusive umbrella term like “transgender” is, as it only describes a trans person who has undergone a surgical procedure to transition. Furthermore, it emphasizes "sex," or a person's genitals. But being trans is about gender, not sex, so "transgender" is far more appropriate. Here's the bottom line: Although some of the terminology mentioned may not be considered offensive to all trans people, it is important to understand the potential impact words may have. Discrimination is not defined by the intent of the speaker, but by the effect it has on the listener. Change begins with you, and adapting your language is the first step to bringing about that change.

< Back to School Policy Hub PRISM Takes on Queer Censorship With New #SavePRISM Campaign After their Instagram account was taken down for allegedly “violating community guidelines,” PRISM FL, Inc has created a new social media campaign called “#SavePRISM” to shine a light on just how pervasive LGBTQ+ censorship is online. PRISM uses Instagram to reach approximately 35,000 people every month, providing vital information about sexual health, gender, sexuality, and LGBT history. Unfortunately, on January 6th, PRISM’s Instagram account was taken down for “violating community guidelines.” After repeated attempts to restore their account through Instagram’s automated system (and attempting to create a new account, which was deactivated within just 30 minutes), PRISM was unsuccessful in regaining their presence on the platform. Now, PRISM is taking action against queer censorship on social media. For every time someone uses the hashtag #SavePRISM between now and March 29th to share a story about either how PRISM has impacted them or how they’ve been discriminated against by a social media platform, a growing list of organizations, individuals, and businesses will donate $1 to support their work to make South Florida for every color and for everyone: “It’s important to recognize that this issue is bigger than PRISM,” said Maxx Fenning, President of PRISM FL, Inc. “Queer censorship is baked into social media algorithms themselves, and the companies that create them need to be held accountable.” Those interested in participating or making a donation pledge are encouraged to visit www.prismfl.org/saveprism or contact PRISM FL, Inc. at info@prismfl.org.

Donate now to support PRISM's mission to make South Florida safe for everyone. Donate One-Time or Recurring Donation PRISM allocates 100% of the money it receives towards assisting LGBTQ+ youth in South Florida. Donate Now Become a Movement Builder Take your support to the next level and become a Movement Builder with our membership plan. Get access to exclusive member benefits like hand-drawn queer art, collector's items, a special newsletter, and more. Learn more by clicking below. For Individuals Donate Monthly Donate Yearly Business Sponsorship

< Return to STI Clinic Search AHF Healthcare Center - Coconut Grove Call: (786) 497-4000 Website: https://www.hivcare.org/locations/fl-coconut-grove/ Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 3661 S Miami Ave #806, Miami, FL 33133, USA Hours: Today (Thurs): 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Fri: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sat: Closed Sun: Closed Mon: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tues: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Wed: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CLOSED NOW Free Testing Walk-Ins Accepted Free Condoms PrEP On-Site PrEP Referral Parking type: Lot Free Parking Tests Offered: HIV

< Return to STI Clinic Search Care Resource Community Health Centers - Midtown Call: (305) 576-1234 Website: https://careresource.org/testing-hours-locations/ Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 3510 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33137, USA Hours: Today (Thurs): 8:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Fri: 8:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Sat: Closed Sun: Closed Mon: 8:00 a.m. - 6:15 p.m. Tues: 8:00 a.m. - 6:15 p.m. Wed: 8:00 a.m. - 6:15 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): Free Chlamydia : Free Gonorrhea : Free Syphilis (Lab): Free Hepatitis C (Rapid): Free

Need the anti-bullying resources formally listed on the Florida Department of Education website? Check here! < Return to Resources Anti-Bullying Resources Know your rights and how to defend them Read on to learn why these resources are paramount to protecting students. Click here to skip directly to the list of anti-bullying resources. First, some context. On December 6th, 2021, the Florida Department of Education (DOE) removed countless anti-bullying resources from its site, including guidance on preventing bullying against LGBTQ+ youth. These resources, which provide guidance on how to prevent bullying for educators and students alike, are paramount to the safety of all students, not just those in the LGBTQ+ community. DOE Director of Communications Jared Ochs said the following in a statement confirming the removal: “Unfortunately, the links we reviewed were to U.S. DOE webpages that had previously provided helpful guidance and information, but now are being used as platforms for advocacy.” One glaring question arises from this: What is so “unfortunate” about advocating for our most vulnerable youth? We know exactly why the DOE finds this to be an issue. Empowering educators, staff, and students with resources to create a learning environment that is safe for all students is directly at odds with the mission of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has continuously eroded away protections for LGBTQ+ students by preventing transgender girls from participating in womens’ sports and limiting discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation in schools . We believe in providing easily accessible resources for LGBTQ+ youth, both on and off-campus. That’s why we’re fighting back. Below, you can find all of the anti-bullying resources previously provided on the FLDOE website. This will remain the top link until the DOE restores these resources on their own site in full. These resources were pulled from the Internet Archives' Wayback Machine , which maintains a record of almost every iteration of every website from the past two decades. These resources are exactly as they were displayed (aside from our own gorgeous fonts, of course) on the FLDOE website as of October 6th, 2021. Bullying Prevention Bullying in schools is of increasing focus for Florida schools, districts, and for the Florida Department of Education. Florida Statute 1006.147, also known as The Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act, requires school districts to adopt an official policy prohibiting bullying and harassment of students and staff on school grounds, at school-sponsored events, and through school computer networks. Bullying Resources for Educators | Bullying Resources for Parents | Bullying Resources for Youth Bullying/Harassment Definition: Systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students or employees that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment; or unreasonably interfere with the individual’s school performance or participation. Bullying Law and Policy Florida's Anti-Bullying Law - s.1006.147, F.S. DOE's Revised Model Anti-Bullying Policy (Word) Criteria Checklist for Model Policy (Word) Guidance on Federal Anti-Discrimination Law (PDF) Key Policy Letters on Bullying from the U.S. Department of Education Discrimination and Harassment Based on Race, Religion, or National Origin (December 31, 2015) Bullying and Harassment of Students with Disabilities (October 21, 2014) Bullying and Harassment of Students with Disabilities (August 20, 2013) (PDF) Enclosure (PDF) Bullying and Harassment of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Students (June 14, 2011) Bullying and Federal Anti-discrimination Laws (October 26, 2010) Bullying Resources StopBullying.gov (Developed by the U.S. Health and Human Services, Education Department, Centers for Disease Control, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) What is Bullying Warning Signs that a Child is Being Bullied Bullying and Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, or Transgender Youth Bullying and Youth with Disabilities and Special Needs Respond to Bullying Bullying Awareness & Prevention (Learn Psychology) Cyberbullying Resources Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN): Anti-Bullying Resources Bullying Resources for Educators How can I create a bully-free school environment? Adult intervention is one of the best defenses against bullying. Educators can first learn the warning signs as well as the myths of bullying, especially of social bullying, which research indicates is more difficult for adults to identify than other forms of bullying. Educators can intervene when they see bullying occur and can send a clear message that the school does not tolerate bullying. Some steps that schools can take to ensure a bully-free school environment include the following: (1) identify where and when bullying occurs; (2) train all school personnel to recognize bullying; (3) increase adult supervision at campus "hot spots"; (4) create an anti-bullying task force charged with educating students and staff; and (5) integrate anti-bullying materials into curriculum for discussion and role-play. Educators can use staff meetings, assemblies, parent conferences, and most importantly daily interactions with students to establish a culture of acceptance, tolerance and respect. Training Resources Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment in Our Nation's Classrooms. This training toolkit is made up of two modules to address bullying in classrooms. Specifically, it is designed to assist teachers in cultivating meaningful relationships with students while creating a positive climate in the classroom. Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment on Our Nation's School Buses. This training toolkit is made up of two modules to address bullying on school buses. Specifically, it is designed to assist school bus drivers in cultivating meaningful relationships with students while creating a positive climate on the bus. StopBullying.gov Prevention at School Stop It on the Spot Monique Burr Foundation: Prevention Education Programs Bullying: A Module for Teachers (American Psychological Association) Bullying Prevention (National Association of School Psychologists) National School Safety Center: Bullying in Schools Bullying for Educators (podcast) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Technology and Youth: Protecting your Child from Electronic Aggression (PDF) Hamilton Fish: The 411 on Bullying (PDF) Bullying programs - OJJDP Model Programs Guide School-Based Bullying Prevention - OJJDP Model Programs Guide Bullying Resources for Parents How can I support my child if he or she is bullied at school? Avoid blaming your child for the harassment. Think twice before giving advice - your child may have already tried the strategies you are going to suggest. Get as much information as you can. Talk with your child’s teacher, principal, or counselor and ask them to help your child be safe. Their intervention may include consequences for the bully, increased supervision, and helping your child make more friends if he or she is isolated. Ask your child what she has already tried to resolve the problem. Praise her for all the things she has tried. Give him permission to stop doing the things that haven't worked to stop the bullying. Encourage him to keep telling you and other adults. Help him to think about what has worked- or what might work. If your child is isolated, help her make connections through activities, hobbies, or clubs. StopBullying.gov How to Talk About Bullying What to Do if Your Child is Being Bullied (PDF) How to Talk with Your Child's Educators (PDF) Bullying and Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, or Bisexual (LGBT) Youth Prevent Cyberbullying Technology and Youth: Protecting your Child from Electronic Aggression (PDF) For bullying and harassment using social media (such as Facebook, MySpace, Tumblr and Formspring), parents can follow the social media site's "Help" link to report abuse or policy violations such as imposter accounts, bullying, hate speech, pornography, etc. Bullying Prevention (National Association of School Psychologists) Bullying of Children with Special Needs Bullying Prevention for Parents (podcast) Bullying Resources for Youth There is a good chance that you have experienced bullying yourself, or that you have been the bully yourself. Probably, you have seen someone else being bullied. Bullying can take the form of words or deeds. It can be done from electronic devices. It includes repeatedly calling someone names, or repeatedly excluding someone from the group, or physically harassing someone. If you feel like you are being mistreated or isolated and it is happening again and again, talk to an adult. Know there is help. If you find yourself bullying someone else, stop the behavior and make it right. Apologize. Focus on doing things differently from now on. Ask for help with your behavior. If you see someone being bullied, take a stand and support that person. If you feel safe, tell the person doing the bullying to stop. If you don't feel safe, walk away and try to bring the victim with you. Whether you are being bullied, being the bully, or seeing someone being bullied, know that there is help. Start by talking to an adult you can trust. StopBullying.gov What Should I Do If I'm Bullied? (PDF) What You Can Do Support the Kids Involved What Can Students and Youth Do to "Lend a Hand?" (PDF) Bullying and Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, or Bisexual (LGBT) Youth Contact: Office of Safe Schools 325 West Gaines Street, Room 1302 Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400 Educators Parents Youth Start

< Back to School Policy Hub AAPI Youth and Mental Health [Content Warning: Mention of suicide and self-harm statistics in regards to racial discrimination.] Loneliness and Alienation The Statistics Why AAPI Mental Health Isn’t Taken Seriously Coping and Resources Conclusion Loneliness and Alienation Asian-American/Pacific Islander person staring somberly outside a window. (Image Source: Photo by Nate Neelson on Unsplash ) AAPI Youth have struggled to grapple with their identities. The vicious pressure at a young age to assimilate with “regular society” while also living up to familial expectations and tradition forces them to overextend themselves. It does not help that racial discrimination from peers and strangers is common, as AAPI fall victim to the assumption that they are foreign (despite not always being foreign-born) and therefore inferior based off their race. Unfortunately, these situations that are all-too-familiar can lead to a feeling of alienation and the need to internalize your true identity, feelings, and aspirations. The same thing can be said for LGBTQ+ Youth who are Asian American/Pacific Islanders, and add to that profound sense of isolation. The Statistics The Trevor Project conducted a study which reported on AAPI LGBTQ+ Youth in connection with Mental Health. The report includes that self-harm is reported by 55% of AAPI LGBTQ+ Youth, with rates being higher among ones who identify as transgender/non-binary or are Pacific Islanders/Native Hawaiians. It is also said that overall, 40% of AAPI LGBTQ+ Youth have “seriously considered suicide in the past year,” with a higher rate among Pacific Islanders/Native Hawaiians, Korean-Americans, and Filipino-Americans in the 40-49% range. The National Alliance on Mental Illness says that “AAPI have the lowest [care-seeking] rate out of any racial/ethnic group,” bringing to attention the unfortunate racial disparity when it comes to mental health services of people of color and the stress of having to prove oneself constantly due to systemic racism, stereotypes like the model minority myth, and family expectations. Model Minority Myth The model minority myth is the inaccurate idea that Asian Americans possess innate qualities and behaviors which make them academically superior to other minority groups... [Read More] Why AAPI Mental Health Isn’t Taken Seriously (And Why You Should Care) Familial Expectations AAPI Culture is incredibly diverse, so values highly differ among a mosaic of lifestyles. However, it is not uncommon for the more rigid, family-oriented cultures among them to emphasize a heteronormative standard; hence a lot of queer relationships or non-conformity is often shunned. AAPI might often feel the need to appeal to their family’s traditional way of life, having to choose between shameless individuality in exchange for being “invisible” or acceptance from the world in exchange for self-love/actualization. According to an article from the American Psychological Association: “Twenty-four participants described experiences of conflict with their AA families regarding their sexual orientation, coming out, and/or relationships. The level of participants’ disclosure of their sexual orientation to family and degree of relational conflicts varied according to their parents’ degree of [awareness or acceptance]. For participants who were not out to their family it seemed to create ‘pressure on the home front, being unable to be who I truly am with my parents.’” Societal Expectations The assumption (referred to as the model minority myth ) that AAPI are given special treatment simply because they are statistically more successful in academics and other fields gives leeway to harmful stereotypes. It also: Treats AAPI like a monolith despite their diverse set of cultures, languages and beliefs Delegitimizes race-based traumatic stress that AAPI face throughout their lives, and belittles it to some minor inconvenience with no major effect (which is textbook example of gaslighting, wake up.) Puts down other racial/ethnic groups who experience race-based scrutiny, bullying, and traumatic stress. Adds onto unrealistic expectations already put onto AAPI. As previously stated, this pressure can lead to a very heightened feeling of isolation and identity confusion. AAPI might not seek out mental health services for many reasons, whether it be shame or stigma, a language barrier, or certain faiths and beliefs. Another major reason is that non-Western medicine or practices are sought out more often among AAPI, especially by ones who are First-generation immigrants. Everyone should be aware of the importance of mental health, and a real focus has to be made to offer mental health resources for people of color who are affected by systemic racism. As Kevin Wong, the Trevor Project’s VP of Communications, said in reference to the survey on LGBTQ+ AAPI Youth: “These data points show a critical need to invest in–whether it’s resources or suicide prevention efforts–for youth that are culturally responsive and reflect those diverse identities.” Coping and Resources The trauma of being discriminated against, shunned, and alienated can take such tolls on an AAPI Youth, while also taking into account Queer AAPI. However, there is a light in the darkness. A 2015 article (Sung et al.) says: “[The] multiple minority identities [of Queer AAPI] can also be sources of strength and coping to manage stigma-related stress in their daily lives. [They] may obtain more flexible and adaptable views in responding to life events because they have been exposed to both Asian and Western values and perspectives on their life experiences (pg. 3).” A way of coping is surrounding yourself with other AAPI Youth, or joining heritage clubs or GSAs. That way you will be around people your age and be able to talk about your experiences and struggles. If you are not the social type, another way you can deal with this is reading or finding curated resources online. It is okay to reach out with credible organizations like these; they are dedicated to helping you and making you seen. Here is a PDF (with clickable links) from the Mental Health Coalition with a myriad of resources. Conclusion AAPI are tired of having to leave it up to ourselves and having to carry the burden of many worlds all on our own. However, there is no change if we give into the shame that has been instilled into us. I dream of a world where people of color get the proper help and reparations they need. That we’ll be able to say “I’m Asian” from the highest mountain, with zero shame, and no pit in the stomach. That world is far, but it isn’t out of reach. Reference The Trevor Project. (n.d.). The Mental Health and Well-Being of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) LGBTQ Youth . Retrieved May 23, 2022, from https://www.thetrevorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AAPI-LGBTQ-Youth-Mental-Health-Report.pdf National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Asian American and Pacific Islanders . Retrieved May 23, 2022, from https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/Asian-American-and-Pacific-Islander Yi, V., & Museus, S. D. (2015, December 30). Model Minority Myth . Wiley Online Library. Retrieved May 23, 2022, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9781118663202.wberen528 AAPI Women Lead [aapiwomenlead]. (2022, May 12). Coverage on an NBC News Articles covering a recent Trevor Project survey conducted on AAPI LGBTQ+ youth. [Instagram post]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/CdeO5UEJ70N/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Sung, M. R., Szymanski, D. M., & Henrichs-Beck, C. (2015). Challenges, coping, and benefits of being an Asian American lesbian or bisexual woman . https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/features/sgd-sgd0000085.pdf

< Back to School Policy Hub Title IX and LGBTQ+ Protections Title IX Still Protects LGBTQ+ Students, Even in Florida Title IX is one of the strongest tools students have when it comes to fighting discrimination in schools. This federal law, first passed in 1972, prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or educational program that receives federal funding. For a long time, many LGBTQ+ students didn’t know whether that protection applied to them. Today, the legal landscape surrounding these protections remains a complex and evolving one, with the most recent development involving a federal court ruling vacating the broader protections for LGBTQ+ students that had been established by the Biden administration. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Education confirmed that Title IX covers discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, based on the legal logic of the Supreme Court's Bostock v. Clayton County ruling, which found that Title VII protections in employment applied to LGBTQ+ individuals. This interpretation was further solidified in the 2024 Title IX Regulations. However, in January 2025, a federal court ruled to vacate these 2024 regulations nationwide, effectively reinstating the 2020 Title IX rules, according to Jackson Lewis . This means that the protections for LGBTQ+ students, while still rooted in the legal principle established in Bostock v. Clayton County , are currently interpreted under the more narrow 2020 regulations. What the Law Says While the U.S. Department of Education's 2021 directive and 2024 regulations affirmed the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity within Title IX's protections, the recent federal court ruling vacating the 2024 regulations means that, as of January 2025, the 2020 Title IX regulations are now controlling nationwide. This signifies a narrowing of the scope of these protections compared to the 2024 regulations. Specifically, the 2020 regulations do not explicitly include sexual orientation or gender identity within the definition of sex discrimination under Title IX. However, the Bostock v. Clayton County ruling (Title VII context) still provides a legal basis for challenging discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity as a form of sex discrimination, and advocates continue to work towards full recognition of these protections under Title IX, according to Jackson Lewis . This means that while the specific requirements for schools to address discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity may be less explicit under the 2020 regulations, the underlying legal principle of protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from sex-based discrimination remains. Failure to address discrimination can still potentially lead to federal investigation or civil rights complaints. Florida’s Pushback Florida has continued to implement state-level rules that challenge the federal interpretation of Title IX and create challenges for LGBTQ+ students. In 2022, the Florida Department of Education, under the Parental Rights in Education Act (HB 1557), directed schools to restrict instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity. This was further expanded in 2023 to ban instruction on these topics in all grades K-12. In 2023, Florida also enacted laws that restrict bathroom access for transgender individuals in public schools, prohibit the use of preferred pronouns in schools, and limit discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation in public workplaces and educational settings. These actions have created significant confusion and, in some cases, outright opposition to federal guidance aiming to protect LGBTQ+ students, according to Central Florida Public Media . While a 2024 settlement clarified some aspects of the Parental Rights in Education Act, allowing for discussions and references to LGBTQ+ topics outside of direct instruction, the broader restrictions remain in place. The ongoing legal battles and state-level resistance underscore the continued struggle for LGBTQ+ students in Florida to fully realize the protections intended by Title IX. What You Can Do Know your rights. LGBTQ+ students are protected under Title IX. If you are denied access to a restroom, harassed based on your identity, or punished for expressing yourself, you have legal grounds to act. Report violations. Start with your school or district Title IX Coordinator. Every school is required to have one. Ask for their contact information and file a written complaint. Contact OCR. If the school fails to act, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights within 180 days of the incident. You do not need a lawyer to do this. Bring a trusted adult. Students have the right to support during meetings. You can ask a parent, teacher, or advocate to attend with you. Keep records. Save emails, forms, or any responses you receive. This documentation can help if you need to escalate your complaint. Why This Matters Title IX is more than a policy. It is a promise that students cannot be denied access to education because of who they are. And while Florida’s political environment may try to blur that promise, federal law is still in effect. Students, teachers, and parents should not have to guess whether their school will follow the law. PRISM is here to provide the guidance and support you need to hold schools accountable and to make sure LGBTQ+ students are not left behind in legal gray areas. Your rights are real. Your identity matters. And Title IX still has your back.

< 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.

PRISM works to expand access to LGBTQ-inclusive education and sexual health resources for youth in South Florida. It's our goal to make sure everyone feels included in their community, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. About Us Want to learn more about PRISM? This is who we are, what we do, and why our work matters. Our Mission PRISM works to expand access to LGBTQ-inclusive education and sexual health resources for youth in South Florida. It's our goal to make sure everyone feels included in their community, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Our Vision We envision a community where race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression are not deciding factors in young people’s ability to maintain their physical, sexual, and mental health. Our Work Empowering youth is at the core of everything that we do. We provide our community with: Empowering youth is at the core of everything that we do. We provide our community with: Helpful Resources Helpful Resources We have loads of articles on sexual health, LGBTQ+ history, POC issues, and more! Find these under Learn and on our social feeds. STI Clinic Search Find information on free and low-cost STI testing resources through our STI Clinic Search. PRISM Student Ambassador Program P-SAP is a network of resources and support for high school and college student leaders on the frontlines of LGBTQ+ advocacy. Youth Activism PRISM is dedicated to advocating for queer youth through grassroots action in our community and state. Why It Matters Youth are at risk, and comprehensive sex education saves lives. As of 2021: 36.1% of high school students in Florida have had sexual intercourse and 24. 5% were currently sexually active 49.1% of those students reported not having used a condom during their last sexual encounter Youth aged 15-24 accounted for half of all new STI infections in the United States in 2021. In 2022, Florida had 1,983 AIDS diagnoses; 102 of those were youth in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. In 2021, only 8.2% of high schoolers reported getting tested for HIV. LGBTQ-inclusive education is under attack. Inclusive education was already a patchwork system in the state of Florida, but the "Don't Say LGBTQ " law turned this battle into a war. Now our lawmakers are finding ways to expand Don't Say LGBTQ's restrictions and censorship, as we've seen time and time again in school board meetings and at the Department of Education. With LGBTQ-inclusive education even harder to access, the need for resources that are easily accessible both outside of and within an academic setting is only increasing as young people consume more information through digital media.

< Back to School Policy Hub Marsha P. Johnson Who was Marsha P. Johnson? Early Life Exploring Identity Stonewall Riots Later Activism Death and Legacy Who was Marsha P. Johnson? Marsha P Johnson, a pivotal figure in the LGBT civil rights movement (Image Source: Netflix) Marsha P. Johnson was a Black LGBTQ+ activist, drag queen, and pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement. Johnson was also the co-founder of Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (S.T.A.R.), which she led alongside Sylvia Rivera . Early Life Johnson was born Malcolm Michaels Jr. in Elizabeth, New Jersey, on August 24, 1945. Johnson maintained a very religious mindset throughout her life. After being sexually assaulted, Johnson's perception of her sexuality became hidden until she graduated from Edison High School and moved to New York City at the age of 17. Exploring Identity Marsha P Johnson was born Malcolm Michaels in Elizabeth, New Jersey (Image Source: USA Today) Johnson originally referred to herself as Black Marsha. However, she later took on the drag queen name Marsha P. Johnson. She got "Johnson" from the restaurant Howard Johnson's and is well-known to have stated that the "P" stood for "pay it no mind" when asked. While many people refer to Marsha P. Johnson as a Black transgender activist, she never explicitly used the term transgender . While this may be because the term wasn't prevalent then, it is more accurate to consider Johnson as gender non-conforming or non-binary. Johnson relied on sex work to get by and suffered countless transgressions both from the public and police throughout her life. This tension, which was felt across the entire LGBTQ+ community, would come to a head on June 28, 1969. Stonewall Riots Johnson was a regular performer at the Stonewall Inn, a bar that had originally only served gay men. After an altercation between Storme DeLarverie and a police officer who attempted to arrest her, riots broke out between the patrons of the bar and police in Greenwich Village, where the Stonewall Inn is located. While many consider Marsha to be one of the initiators of the clash, Johnson repeatedly denied this, stating the riots had already begun when she arrived at the Stonewall building. Later Activism Johnson joined the Gay Liberation Front, a coalition of LGBTQ+ civil rights groups and activists, soon after the Stonewall riots. Johnson later participated in the first gay pride march on the first anniversary of the Stonewall riots in 1970. Soon after, Johnson founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) organization alongside Sylvia Rivera , which sought to provide housing and other assistance to gay and trans sex workers and homeless youth in New York City. In the 1980s, Johnson became heavily involved with the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP), an international organization aimed at ending the AIDS epidemic. Death and Legacy Marsha worked tirelessly to unite transgender and gender non-conforming individuals under the LGBT umbrella (Image Source: Unknown) Marsha P. Johnson's body was found floating in the Hudson River on July 6, 1992, soon after the pride parade that year. Although Marsha P. Johnson was well-documented as having struggled with mental health issues, many people in her life denounced the classification of her death as a suicide. In 2002, the police reclassified Johnson's cause of death from "suicide" to "undetermined". In 2012, the New York police department reopened the case as a possible homicide. Johnson is credited with being at the forefront of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. 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.

So, someone just came out to you as lesbian. We've provided some helpful resources to break it down! < Return to Resources So, someone just came out to you as Lesbian What does that mean, and how should you respond? We've provided some helpful resources below to break it down! So, someone just came out to you. You may be feeling a lot of things, and trust us, that's completely normal. We've put together a collection of some of our resources below to process and understand, as well as some extra ways to show your support! Sexual Orientation Basics Sexual orientation is a person's gender identity in relation to the gender to which they are attracted. PRISM Inc. Lesbian Women attracted to women—but is there more to it? PRISM Inc. How to Respond to Someone Coming Out Learn how to respectfully respond to someone coming out to you. Maxx Fenning The Basics History Sappho of Lesbos Learn about the legendary poet Sappho and why she's known as the "lesbian muse." PRISM Inc. The Fight for Marriage Equality For decades, the LGBTQ+ community fought for marriage equality. Here's the story of that struggle. Lex Costello AIDS Crisis The AIDS Crisis ravaged the LGBTQ+ community for decades, and the government did little to help. Kylie Lawrence 1 2 3 Lesbian Pride Quick View PRISM Pride Backpack: Lesbian Price $48.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Notebook: Lesbian Price $16.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Magic Mug: Lesbian Price $16.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Face Mask: Lesbian Price $19.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Shirt: Lesbian Price $36.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Sweatshirt: Lesbian Price $45.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Bomber Jacket: Lesbian Price $68.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Hoodie: Lesbian Price $59.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Leggings: Lesbian Price $37.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Plus Size Leggings: Lesbian Price $42.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Socks: Lesbian Price $16.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Fanny Pack: Lesbian Price $34.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Pillow Case: Lesbian Price $22.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Sticker: Lesbian Price $2.50