< Back to School Policy Hub Trichomoniasis What is Trichomaniasis? How It's Spread Symptoms Getting Tested Testing Positive What is Trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis, or Trich, is an STI caused by the parasite Trichomoniasis Vaginalis. It is one of the most common curable STIs. When we say common, we mean REALLY common. There are about 3.7 million cases of trichomoniasis in America, although only 30% will develop symptoms. It mostly affects older women. Trichomoniasis is treatable. Trichomoniasis is treatable with medication from your healthcare provider. How It's Spread Trichomoniasis is spread by having oral, anal, or vaginal sex with someone who is infected. During sexual intercourse, the parasite travels from the penis to the vagina, the vagina to the penis, and even vagina to vagina. It’s extremely rare for it to spread to anywhere on the body other than the genitalia. Trichomoniasis can be spread regardless of whether or not the infected person shows symptoms. Symptoms Only 30% of people infected with trichomoniasis actually show symptoms. They can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation in the pubic area. Some people show symptoms between 5 and 28 days after being exposed to it, while others may not get them until much later. People with penises may experience: Itching or irritation inside the penis Burning after ejaculation or urinating Discharge from the penis. People with vaginas may experience: Itching, burning, redness, and/or soreness of the genitals Discomfort during urination Thinner discharge and/or increase in the volume of discharge Discharge with an unusual and unpleasant fishy smell. People who are pregnant may also have problems such as underweight babies or premature birth. Getting Tested Testing for Trichomoniasis is generally relatively simple. Your healthcare provider will take a sample of vaginal fluid for women and a urine sample for men and examine it under a microscope. If no parasite can be seen, you will undergo a rapid antigen test and nucleic acid amplification. Click here to find a local testing center. Testing Positive So, your results came back positive. The first thing to remember is that this is nothing to be ashamed of. Like we said earlier, this is a very common infection. If you or your partner have trichomoniasis, it does not necessarily mean anyone cheated. Test results may not detect the infection until well after contracting it. How do I get rid of it? If you have trichomoniasis, you'll need to swallow one large dosage of either metronidazole or tinidazole. Sometimes, your healthcare provider may tell you to take two lower dosages per day for a week. Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours after taking metronidazole and 72 hours after taking tinidazole. If you do, you may experience severe nausea and vomiting. Often, your doctor may give you medicine for both you and your partner(s). It is important that BOTH of you finish your treatment and don't have sex for at least 7 days. For real, getting frisky can wait. If you don't take your medication all the way through, you run the risk of re-infecting your partner or other people. Willingly risking your or your partner's sexual health isn't sexy. Peace of mind is sexy. Always make sure to listen to your doctor to effectively get rid of trichomoniasis. References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, July 22). Trichomoniasis - STD information from CDC . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/default.htm Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2020, April 18). Trichomoniasis . Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trichomoniasis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378613

< Back to School Policy Hub Black Cat Protests What are the Black Cat Protests? Battle in Courts Legacy What are the Black Cat Protests? On February 11, 1967, the first documented LGBTQ+ civil rights demonstration against police brutality in the nation took place at a small tavern named the Black Cat in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Hundreds of members of the LGBTQ+ community as well as known activist organizations such as PRIDE and SCCHR came together for a demonstration to peacefully protest the rampant police brutality and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. Protests outside the Black Cat bar, Feb. 11, 1967. (Image Source: ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives at the USC Libraries) The demonstration was, more specifically, in response to a police raid that occurred the previous New Year's Eve. Eight undercover police officers barged into a gay bar just as many of the patrons were sharing their New Year's kiss and violently tore apart couples and beat men, ultimately resulting in a total of fourteen arrests. This historic and monumental demonstration of gay rights activists took place nearly two years prior to the well-known Stonewall Riots and is seen by many as the spark that ignited the LGBTQ civil rights movement. Battle in the Courts Black Cat Tavern in 1966 (Image Source: Unknown) The Black Cat constantly faced harassment from the police, who tried to do everything in their power to shut down and punish those who chose to gather there, which was, unsurprisingly, many gay males. The San Francisco Police Department worked closely with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission to use its power against the bar despite the recent repeal of prior prohibition laws. With increased crowds of gay community members flocking to the bar at night, the police took this opportunity to charge the owner with a variety of crimes, including “keeping a disorderly conduct” and “illegal and immoral acts,” which resulted in the bar getting their liquor license voided, meaning the bar could no longer legally distribute alcohol to patrons. The court case appealing this ruling, Stouman vs. Riley (Stouman being the bar owner), made its way to the California Supreme Court. This court case marked one of the first official wins for LGBTQ+ rights in the court system. The judge ruled that the Black Cat’s liquor license was suspended under inadequate circumstances. The ruling confirmed that the fact that the bar served as a common gathering place for gay individuals was not a good enough cause to suspend their license. This ruling was one of the first rulings seen to protect LGBTQ+ rights. Fighting the System Following this ruling, California passed a constitutional amendment forming the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, which used its broad powers to again shut down the Black Cat bar as well as many other prominently gay establishments for being a “resort for sexual perverts.” A new case was once again brought to the California Supreme Court, which upheld its previous protections for gay bars and ruled the law used to get them to shut down as unconstitutional. Despite the ruling in favor of gay establishments, it was not a complete victory since even though gay individuals could gather legally, they could not touch physically in any way, or else it would be criminalized. Another battle in court involved 6 out of the 14 men who were arrested who were forced to register as sex offenders after kissing on New Year's Eve while the police raid occurred. The lawyer of these men used their sexual orientation to demand equal protection of rights under the 14th Amendment. This is the first time that sexual orientation was argued as a characteristic protected by the 14th Amendment. Legacy The Black Cat Protests preceded the well-known Stonewall riots by approximately two years. It is remembered today as one of the very first demonstrations from the LGBTQ community demanding equal rights and fair treatment in light of the ongoing police harassment. The Gay Pride parade on Hollywood Boulevard in 1975 (Image Source: The Bruce Torrence Hollywood Photograph Collection) References Branson-Potts, H. (2017, February 8). Before Stonewall, there was the Black Cat; LGBTQ leaders to mark 50th anniversary of protests at Silver Lake . Los Angeles Times; Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-silver-lake-black-cat-lgbtq-20170208-story.html Dominguez, Laura. (2017, February 11). LGBTQ Activism Started Here: L.A. and the Black Cat Protests of 1967 . KCET. https://www.kcet.org/shows/lost-la/the-black-cat-harbinger-of-lgbtq-civil-rights Wikipedia Contributors. (2021, December 1). Black Cat Tavern . Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Cat_Tavern

< Back to School Policy Hub Hepatitis B What is Hep B? How It's Spread Symptoms Getting Tested Testing Positive Prevention What is Hepatitis B? Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). This is a very common virus. It is a different virus from HSV ( herpes ), HPV, and HIV . When we say common, we mean REALLY common. More than 200,000 people are diagnosed each year. Any age can be affected, although infections are rare outside of those 19-60 years old. Hepatitis B is not treatable. Unfortunately, Hepatitis B has no cure, but it can go away on its own. How It's Spread Hepatitis B is spread by infected blood or contact with infected blood or bodily fluids (semen and saliva). It can be spread by having sexual intercourse with an infected partner or injection drug use that involves syringes, needles, or drug preparation equipment. Contact with blood from the sores of an infected person or birth, if a mother is infected, can also transmit HBV. Sharing certain items with an infected person that can break skin or mucous membranes, like razors and toothbrushes, can result in possible exposure to blood and lead to infection. HBV can last a week outside of the body and still be infectious to anyone who uses it. If you think something may be infected with HBV blood, it should be disinfected with a 1:10 dilution of one part bleach and ten parts water. It is strongly recommended to wear gloves during this process, or you may be infected. Dry blood or not, it is still contaminated and can still infect you. Symptoms Not all people with HBV have symptoms. The signs vary depending on the age of the infected. Most children above the age of 5 and newly infected adults who are immunosuppressed generally don’t have any symptoms. 30%-50% of children under the age of 5 have symptoms. These symptoms are fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, urine pain, clay-colored feces, joint pain, and jaundice. Some people may also contract chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer). You will experience symptoms in a range of 60-150 days after exposure to HBV. Getting Tested When testing for HBV, you will undergo three different serological tests: a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test, a hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) test, and a total hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc). These tests can determine if a patient has an acute or chronic HBV infection and needs post-test counseling and linkage to care if they’re immune to HBV as a result of prior infection or vaccination. or if they are susceptible to infection and in need of vaccination. It's important to get tested regularly. If you're sexually active, this means at least once per year. Even if you or your partner don't show symptoms, you should follow this general rule of thumb. Seriously. If hepatitis B goes untreated, you are more susceptible to developing severe scarring of the liver, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Click here to find a local testing center Testing Positive So, your results came back positive. The first thing to remember is that this is nothing to be ashamed of. If you or your partner have hepatitis B, it does not necessarily mean anyone cheated. Test results may not detect chronic hepatitis B until well after contracting it. It can take from years to even decades in many cases to show up. How do I get rid of it? Sadly, there is no cure for hepatitis B, but sometimes it will go away on its own. Your doctor can prescribe you medications to help you with long-lasting hepatitis B infections. It can disappear on its own after 4-8 weeks, and 9 in 10 adults completely recover. However, 1 in 20 adults who recover become carriers, which means they have a chronic hepatitis b infection (liver cancer and cirrhosis). About 1 in 5 people die from chronic hepatitis B. Prevention Get vaccinated. You can prevent HBV by getting a vaccine. All infants, unvaccinated children under the age of 19, people at risk for infection by sexual exposure, and people at risk for infection by percutaneous or mucosal exposure to blood should be tested. International travelers to countries with high or intermediate levels of hepatitis B virus infection, people with the hepatitis C virus infection, people with chronic liver disease, people with HIV, and people who are incarcerated should also be tested. Wear protection. If you are sexually active, use latex condoms every time you have sex. It can lower your chances of getting hepatitis B, but not entirely. You can still contract hepatitis B from areas that are not covered by a condom or by coming into contact with infected blood or other fluids. References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, July 28). Hepatitis B questions and answers for Health Professionals . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/hbvfaq.htm#treatment Planned Parenthood (n.d.). Where can I get treated for hepatitis B?: Treatment info . Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hepatitis-b/how-do-i-get-treated-hepatitis-b Hepatitis B Symptoms and Diagnosis . UC Health - UC San Diego. (n.d.). https://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/gastro/areas-expertise/liver-center/hepatitis-b/Pages/about-hepatitis-b.aspx

< Return to STI Clinic Search Planned Parenthood - Kendall Health Center Call: (786) 263-0001 Website: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/florida/miami/33173/kendall-health-center-2258-90320 Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 8900 SW 117th Avenue Unit 207-B Unit 207-B, Miami, FL 33186, USA Hours: Today (Fri): 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sat: 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sun: Closed Mon: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Tues: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Wed: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Thurs: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. CLOSED NOW Free Testing Walk-Ins Accepted Free Condoms PrEP On-Site PrEP Referral Parking type: Free Parking Tests Offered: HIV (Rapid) HIV (Lab) Chlamydia Gonorrhea Syphilis (Rapid) Syphilis (Lab) Hepatitis C (Rapid) Hepatitis C (Lab) Herpes Trichomoniasis Genital Warts

< Back to School Policy Hub The American Civil Rights Movement A photograph of the 1963 March on Washington (Source: Wikimedia Commons) What was the Civil Rights Movement? The Civil Rights Movement was the decades-long fight for social justice, equal rights, and equal treatment for African Americans. Most would cite the 1950s as the "beginning" of the movement. In actuality, there was never a specific starting point when African Americans started advocating for their rights. Even today, African Americans have to fight to be treated equally in society. Black Codes and Jim Crow Laws Black Codes were numerous sets of laws enacted in the former Confederate states to ensure white supremacy stayed in place. An image of an African American drinking from a colored water fountain (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1939). (Image Source: Public Domain) Put into place following the Civil War, Black Codes were very detrimental to African Americans. This was done because, while the 13th Amendment to the Constitution ended slavery, there was a loophole; Section 1 of the 13th Amendment states the following: “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” Because of this, if an African American committed a crime, they could be legally forced back into slavery. Black Codes included many ridiculous laws that only applied to people of color. Even the most minor offense could cause a person of color to be forced back into slavery. Jim Crow laws were unfair laws that further segregated people of color. Thomas Dartmouth Rice inspired the name with a racist minstrel routine he performed in the early 1800s. In these performances, Rice supposedly went on stage and acted like a baboon while wearing blackface. Eventually, Jim Crow became an offensive slang term for Black men and a designation for segregation. Jim Crow laws separated people of color from schools, housing, jobs, water fountains, public gathering places, etc. All of this, plus the already existing racism in society, created difficult circumstances for African Americans. Black Codes and Jim Crow laws’ existence truly made life unfair for African Americans and are just some of the reasons why the Civil Rights Movement began. Notable Figures Rosa Parks An image of Rosa Parks being fingerprinted by a Deputy Officer after refusing to give up her seat on a bus during the Montgomery Bus Boycott. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) Rosa Louise McCauley Parks was an African American civil rights activist who is best known for her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Parks refused to give up her spot on a bus on December 5th, 1955, as she was a person of color and had to sit in the back. She was forcefully removed from her seat and fined $10 (equivalent to 250 modern dollars). Parks was called “the first lady of civil rights” and “the mother of the freedom movement” by the Congress of the USA. Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivering the famous “I Have A Dream” speech at the March on Washington on August 28, 1963. (Image Source: PBS) Martin Luther King Jr. was an African American civil rights leader and Baptist Minister. King was seen as the leader of the Civil Rights Movement who helped inspire millions of Americans to make a change. King became the most visible spokesperson and leader during the Civil Rights Movement. King is most famous for his “I Have A Dream” speech. This speech helped pass the 1964 Civil Rights Act and was vital in inspiring all Americans. Malcolm X Malcolm X in 1964. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) Malcolm Little, better known as Malcolm X , was an African-American human rights activist and Muslim Minister who was a popular figure of the Civil Rights Movement. He was a supporter of Black Nationalism and Pan-Africanism. Unlike Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X urged his fellow African Americans to protect themselves from white suppression “by any means necessary.” He labeled other civil rights leaders “stooges” of the white world and even labeled Martin Luther King Jr. as a chump. Other Civil Rights leaders worth mentioning include Sojourner Truth and Bayard Rustin . Conclusion The Civil Rights Movement was successful due to its strong leaders and the dedicated work of people of color in America. As Martin Luther King Jr. said in his famous speech: “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” While people of color still fight for absolute equality today, the United States would be a very different place if it weren’t for the Civil Rights Movement. References History.com Editors. (2021, May 17). Civil Rights Movement . HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/civil-rights-movement History.com Editors. (2021, January 21). Reconstruction . HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/reconstruction The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). black code | Laws, History, & Examples . Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/black-code Carson, C. (n.d.). American civil rights movement | Definition, Protests, Activists, & Facts . Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/American-civil-rights-movement The 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution . (n.d.). National Constitution Center – The 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/amendment/amendment-xiii Urofsky, M. I. (n.d.). Jim Crow law | History, Facts, & Examples . Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Jim-Crow-law Nobel Prizes 2020 . (n.d.). NobelPrize.Org. https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1964/king/biographical/ Nichols, C. (2020, February 4). Rosa Parks (1913–2005) BlackPast. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/parks-rosa-1913-2005-0/ History.com Editors. (2021a, January 19). Rosa Parks . HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/rosa-parks History.com Editors. (2009, October 29). Malcolm X . History.com. https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/malcolm-x.

The Content Creation Task Force makes all of our queer-inclusive resources on sexual health, LGBT history, and more--AND we make sure it looks fabulous. < Return to Task Forces Content Creation Task Force (CCTF) CCTF is the backbone of the work PRISM does, providing LGBT-inclusive education and other resources where young people turn to most: online. From cracking open the history books to tell us all about the Stonewall riots to helping us define exactly what differentiates sex from gender (Hint: a lot), our team helps us keep you informed. About Members Join What does the Content Creation Task Force do? The Content Creation Task Force is the backbone of the work PRISM does, providing LGBT-inclusive education and other resources where young people turn to most: online. From cracking open the history books to tell us all about the Stonewall riots to helping us define exactly what differentiates sex from gender (Hint: a lot), our team helps us keep you informed. The Content Creation Task Force also keeps PRISM looking its best! From social media posts to the website you're on now, everything your eyes take in was made by these Adobe wizards and photography experts. Who makes up the Content Creation Task Force? Content Creation Director To keep deadlines met, young people educated, and our brand shining, PRISM's Content Creation Director ensures everyone knows what's expected and how they can help. Website Design Manager Our Website Design Manager develops and maintains our website and monitors social media trends, including developments in design, applications, strategy, and innovation to stay relevant and effective. Visual Designers Masters of the graphics tablet and conquerors of the pen tool, Visual Designers utilize Adobe Creative Suite programs and other design software to create graphics and designs for social media, our website, and promotional material (flyers, info cards, signage, etc.). Interested? Click here to apply! Videographers Videographers use their filming and editing skills to bolster our educational resources with engaging video content. Interested? Click here to apply! Writers If you've read any of our resources , you've benefited from the hard work of these folks. Writers work tirelessly to gather accurate, up-to-date information and put it into a format that can be read and consumed by anyone who needs it. Interested? Click here to apply! Editors These folx have some real fine attention to detail. Editors make sure the articles on PRISM's site are pristine and free of errors. Interested? Click here to apply! Photographers PRISM's very own paparazzi make sure that every smile, laugh, and picture-perfect moment is captured at PRISM events so we can show just how lively our initiatives are (or how cute our outfits were that day.... whatever works). Interested? Click here to apply! How do I join the Content Creation Task Force? We'd love to have you apply for one of the many open positions in the Content Creation Task Force. These are contract-based jobs wherein you join our projects as a freelancer. If you have any questions, please reach out to info@prismfl.org . Back to Top About Join

< Back to School Policy Hub AIDS Crisis Initial Outbreak Transmission Health Repercussions Public Reaction Current Overview Initial Outbreak In May 1990, ACT-UP mounted a protest at NIH to bring awareness to the public the biomedical research in combating HIV-AIDS. (Source: Flickr, Public Domain) In June of 1981, the CDC began reporting on unusual cases of pneumonia and cancer in gay men in Los Angeles. The first known display of AIDS was on June 5th, 1981, when the CDC published an article discussing a rare lung infection that was found in 5 young gay men who were previously healthy. Over the next few days, there was an influx of opportunistic illnesses with no obvious origins. By the end of the year, 337 cases had been reported of the mysterious immune deficiency behind these infections, with upwards of 90% of infections found in males whose sexual identity was gay. 130, or around 40%, of patients, were dead by December 31st. This disorder, which would later be named AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), is caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Transmission The virus can be transmitted or "caught" by anyone regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic, but it is most common among gay men. HIV, the precursor to AIDS, is transmitted through blood, vaginal fluid, semen, or breast milk. Check out our comprehensive article on HIV/AIDS, which includes treatment and prevention. Due to a lack of sexual education and resources for the LGBTQ+ community at the time, many men did not use condoms or take precautionary steps, such as getting tested, before engaging in sex, which allowed the virus to spread rapidly through the community without any resistance. Because of this and its prominent effect on the LBGTQ+ community (and the generally homophobic atmosphere of the early 1980s), the public was reluctant to endorse funding and research for the epidemic, coining the term "gay cancer" within a month of the first reported case. HIV would go on to infect 8-10 million people over the next decade. Health Repercussions AIDS activists from the Gay Men's Health Crisis carry a "Stop Hate. Stop AIDS" banner (Source: Wikimedia Commons) At the start of the AIDS crisis, there were no treatments or medications available to help individuals once they contracted HIV. Left untreated, the virus would often develop into AIDS once the number of CD4 cells reached a minimum threshold, which resulted in a severe weakening of one's immune system. Because of this, many infected parties caught other opportunistic illnesses, leading them to lethal infections of pneumonia, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and many more. With AIDS, their immune system was unable to fight off these infections, ultimately leading to death for many. Public Reaction Gay men were the main driving force responding to the AIDS epidemic and working for change and answers to the novel virus. The rest of the public had virtually no response as their communities weren't being as greatly affected, and the views towards the gay community were very controversial. Michael Callen and Richard Berkowitz were two gay men who advocated for sexual education during the epidemic. They published a piece of work explaining the importance of gay men using condoms during sex to prevent the spread of HIV. At the time, people still believed that HIV was restricted to white gay men. However, this was not the case, as the virus could infect anybody. Therefore, activists began emphasizing condom use for people of color and lesbians during their later campaigns. While local communities took initiative against the virus, the federal government was not as active. At the beginning of the crisis, they provided very little funding for research about the virus or preventative measures for affected communities. Activists protesting the alleged slow pace of federal research against AIDS spent the morning of May 21 marching on the NIH campus. Eighty-two demonstrators were arrested, including 21 who broke into the office of Dr. Daniel Hoth, director of NIAID's Division of AIDS. (Source: Flickr, Public Domain) Additionally, many people felt as though the government took too broad of a stance on fighting the virus, focusing their campaigns on "all" for every member of the public rather than honing in on the communities that were being disproportionately affected. The lack of response gave the virus ample time to spread at an unprecedented pace and affect thousands of people, mostly gay men. Current Overview To date, 770,000 people have died from AIDS since 1981. In 2019, 38 million people were living with HIV worldwide—there were 1.2 million in the US alone. However, the flood of support for the LGBTQ+ community within the past two decades has allowed for major developments in HIV/AIDS research. Today, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives if they seek treatment and will likely never develop AIDS. References Content Source: HIV.govDate last updated: May 01, 2019. (2021, April 8). Other health issues of special concern for people living with HIV . HIV.gov. https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/staying-in-hiv-care/other-related-health-issues/other-health-issues-of-special-concern-for-people-living-with-hiv . Fayyad, A. (2019, July 22). The LGBTQ Health Clinic that faced a dark truth about the AIDS crisis . The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2019/07/us-aids-policy-lingering-epidemic/594445/ . Magazine, S. (2013, December 4). The confusing and at-times counterproductive 1980s response to the AIDS epidemic . Smithsonian.com. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-confusing-and-at-times-counterproductive-1980s-response-to-the-aids-epidemic-180948611/ . A timeline of HIV and AIDS . HIV.gov. (2021, September 7). https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/history/hiv-and-aids-timeline .

Learn about how LGBT rights got to where they are and the amazing people who fought along the way. < Return to Learn LGBTQ+ History What led us here From the history of the pride flag to marriage equality, learn all about the journey of our fight for equal rights Ancient History Homosexuality in Latin America The history of homosexuality in pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial Latin America. Learn More Homosexuality in Ancient China Learn about Homosexuality in Ancient China, how gender and class affected same-sex relationships and the history of the term "cut-sleeve." Learn More Homosexuality in the Pre-Colonial Americas Learn about how homosexuality is intrinsically linked with the diverse gender structure of native tribes. Learn More Gender Expression in East Asian Cultures East Asia has a vibrant history of queerness, particularly regarding life outside of the gender binary. Learn More Homosexuality in Medieval Europe Learn about the history and laws surrounding homosexuality in Medieval Europe. Learn More Sappho of Lesbos Learn about the legendary poet Sappho and why she's known as the "lesbian muse." Learn More Homosexuality in Ancient Europe Although "homosexuality" is a modern term, same-gender attraction has been documented since ancient times. Learn More Modern History Earring Magic Ken The scandalous story of Earring Magic Ken—the first, and maybe only, accidentally gay Barbie doll. Learn More 70s and 80s Club Culture Gay clubs of the 70s and 80s were vibrant safe spaces, especially for queer and trans people of color. Learn More The Fight for Marriage Equality For decades, the LGBTQ+ community fought for marriage equality. Here's the story of that struggle. Learn More Homosexuality as a Mental Illness It wasn't until 1973 that homosexuality was declassified as a mental illness by the American Psychiatric Association. Learn More Pulse Shooting The Pulse nightclub shooting was a devastating tragedy for the LGBTQ+ community. Learn More Stonewall Riots The Stonewall Riots of 1969 were a response to police brutality against the LGBTQ+ community. Learn More 1 2 1 ... 1 2 ... 2 LGBTQ+ Historical Figures Bayard Rustin Bayard Rustin was an American civil rights activist who fought alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Learn More Malcolm X Malcolm X was an American Muslim minister and Civil Rights activist. Learn More Willi Ninja Willi Ninja was an African American dancer and choreographer known as the "Godfather of Voguing." Learn More Alan Turing Alan Turing was an openly gay British mathematician considered to be the father of the modern-day computer. Learn More Harvey Milk Harvey Milk was a fearless advocate and the first openly gay elected official in the United States. Learn More Sylvia Rivera Sylvia Rivera was a Latina LGBTQ+ activist and pioneer of the queer civil rights movement. Learn More 1 2 1 ... 1 2 ... 2

< Back to School Policy Hub Respecting LGBTQ+ Boundaries A personal coming out story by Adrianna Gutierrez There's nothing I appreciate more than having a supportive family, especially a supportive mom. The kind of supportive mom who, even though she may not understand everything, goes out of her way to buy all the rainbow trinkets she can for you. I've also been lucky enough in my lifetime to surround myself with people that support me as well, ranging from close friends to acquaintances and even strangers. However, as grateful as I am to be supported, a lot of that support has come at the risk of my boundaries being disrespected and walked on. When I came out socially, I was in the 6th grade, and I had friends who accepted me for who I was. The only people I hadn't come out to were my family. I knew I had queer cousins who frequently interacted with my family and one whose wife we treated like family. So there was no issue, right? It was clear I had a supportive family, right? But it was still hard. Coming out was a very big step for me. Supportive family or not, I didn't want their opinions of me to change. What if me coming out specifically wasn't a good move? What if it was only a problem if I wasn't straight? So, in order to prepare myself before spilling all of these feelings, I put them in a journal that was given to me by my best friend. I learned very quickly that was a mistake. A couple of days later, my mom picked me up from school. When I got in the car, she said four words I'll never forget: "We need to talk." The whole ride home my heart was racing. What did I do? Did I say something? Did I forget something? I couldn't figure it out. We got home and she told me that she found my journal, and I had no choice but to come out to her at that moment. I cried for a couple of reasons then. I was relieved I'd done nothing wrong and was coming down from a rush of anxiety. I was relieved she accepted me, but there was one other thing. She had gone through my journal and breached my privacy. I stowed the journal away and feared using it, or any journal for that matter, ever again. I feared her breaking that boundary again, and I feared having to cry to her on our living room couch again. I feared being publicly out in my household, and I feared another family member would sit me down and make me come out again and relive the same feelings. Soon enough, to my surprise, I figured out my mom had gone on to tell my sister... and my dad... and my aunt… All without consulting me first or even telling me afterward. Do you see the pattern here? Finding out I was queer led to a blatant disregard for any privacy regarding my identity, twice . But even when my brother and sister got into their first straight relationship, they didn’t get the same treatment I did. Some might say my mom was just going to others in order to figure out what to do because she’s never had a queer child before. Nevertheless, it didn't excuse the fact that I wasn’t even told before or after. Having my boundaries overstepped led to a significant amount of discomfort and fear when it came to opening up to my family. It made me grow distant from the idea of telling them any personal feelings I was experiencing out of the same fear that someone else would be made aware without my consent. Since coming out, I’ve even had people I’ve never spoken to come up and ask me things like “How do lesbians ‘do it’?” and other blatantly sexual questions, diminishing my orientation to merely sex. Not only is being sexualized an entirely separate issue, these questions violated my privacy. People that ask me these questions tend to be straight and supportive but coat their questions with “I’m just curious!” or “I just want to learn!” Asking intrusive questions like these makes queer people very uncomfortable, puts them on the spot, and forces them to answer questions they might not even want to discuss with close friends. Queer folx may fear situations like these, which could lead them to hide information about being queer from the public. For those who are closeted, it may lead them to fear coming out at all. Dear straight people: While I and many other queer people do appreciate the straight community’s willingness to learn, there are two important questions to keep in mind in order to respect the privacy of LGBTQ+ individuals: Would you ask a straight person this? Would you appreciate it if someone asked you the same question? If your answer to either of these questions is no: then don’t ask. If you wouldn’t ask a straight person, or you’d be upset if someone asked you, why ask a queer person? While your support is appreciated, it’s no excuse to completely ignore and disrespect the privacy of someone else, especially if it’s someone you don’t know. Overall Part of allyship is ensuring that queer individuals don’t feel alienated in any context, which gives full meaning to the phrase “treat others the way you want to be treated." It means treating queer folks as equals and not talking to them or treating them any differently than you would a straight person. If you have a question and feel it may be inappropriate to ask a queer person, look it up! The internet is a vast and easily accessible resource, equipped with all the resources necessary to help you find the answers to any questions you may have.

< Back to School Policy Hub Sexual Orientation Basics What is Sexual Orientation? Discovering your Sexuality Sexuality Resources What is Sexual Orientation? Sexual orientation, or sexuality, is a term used to refer to a person's pattern of emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction to people of a particular gender. There are a variety of sexual orientations, and it is often said that everyone falls on a spectrum of sexuality depending on how strongly they are attracted to a certain gender. Discovering Your Sexuality Sexual orientation is complicated. Firstly, it isn't a choice. No one chooses to be gay, lesbian, or bisexual, just as no one chooses to be heterosexual (straight). Discovering where you fall on this spectrum is a process unique to you; each journey to discovery is different. There are all sorts of different sexualities, and it's not something that you need to decide overnight. You are allowed to experiment and find out who and what you are attracted to. Sexuality Resources We have several helpful pages where you can learn about different orientations—the basics, the history, the people, the symbols, and more! Gay Resources Lesbian Resources Bisexual Resources Asexual Resources Pansexual Resources

< Back to School Policy Hub Talking About Using Protection What is Contraception? The Importance of Protection Talking to Your Partner About Using Protection Responding to Pushback What is Contraception? Contraception is a variety of methods used to prevent pregnancy and STIs. There are many medications, surgeries, and other devices that fall into this category, but generally when we say "protection", we're referring to barrier methods , such as condoms, dental dams, and other physical coverings. The Importance of Protection Protection greatly reduces the risk of pregnancy and contracting an STI. Condoms, for example, are 98% effective at protecting against pregnancy and STIs when used correctly. Wearing protection means that you and your partner don't need to worry about the possibility of contracting an STI or getting pregnant and can focus more on the... *ahem* task at hand. Talking to Your Partner About Using Protection The best way to discuss using protection is to be open and honest. Although it may be uncomfortable or awkward, voice your need to use protection early on, especially if you are not 100% sure of your partner's STI status or are a female who does not use another method of birth control. Make sure to remain steadfast. If your partner isn't receptive to wearing protection, let them know that you want to use it for your own health and for theirs. We recommend watching Planned Parenthood's video on discussing protection with your partner: Responding to Pushback The most important thing to remember is that your body is YOUR body. If you care about your sexual health and your partner doesn't respect your concerns, this can spell major trouble for your relationship with them moving forward. Question whether or not it's worth it to engage with someone who doesn't care about your sexual health or their own. Willingly risking your or your partner's sexual health isn't sexy. Peace of mind is sexy.

< Return to STI Clinic Search Latinos Salud - North Miami Call: (786) 631-4538 Website: https://www.latinossalud.org Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 640 NE 124th St, North Miami, FL, USA Hours: Today (Fri): 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sat: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Sun: Closed Mon: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Tues: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Wed: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Thurs: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 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): Free Chlamydia : Free Gonorrhea : Free Syphilis (Lab): Free Hepatitis C (Rapid): Free Hepatitis C (Lab): Free