< Back to School Policy Hub Consent What is Consent? What Counts as Consent? When to Ask For Consent The Importance of Consent Sexual Assault Victim Resources What is Consent? On a broader note, consent is permission. In this article, we're referring to sexual consent , or an agreement to participate in a sexual act. What Counts as Consent? Consent is a clear, voluntary agreement to participate in a sexual act. We often use the term "FRIES" to remember what is and is not consent: Freely Given This means that consent is something you agree to do without pressure, coercion, or while being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Reversible You can change your mind about whether or not you want to do something at any time. This can be for any reason or no reason at all, even if you're in a relationship with that person. Informed You can't give consent without knowing all of the relevant information. If someone removed a condom without telling you or intentionally withholds or lies about their STI status, there isn't consent! Enthusiastic Real consent means agreeing to something you want to do, not that you feel like you need to do. If you're reluctant or uncomfortable, that's not consent. Specific If you agree to do one thing (like kissing), that doesn't mean you've agreed to do anything else (like have sex). Consent is a continuous process that should be received each step of the way. Consent is NOT: Silence or not responding Not physically resisting Saying "yes" while drunk, high, sleeping, or otherwise unconscious Being forced to say "yes" Assumed because it was given in the past Automatically given because two individuals are in a relationship When to Ask For Consent Whenever one person wants to move to the next level of intimacy, they must ask for and then receive consent before continuing. It is the responsibility of the person initiating a sexual act to make sure the other person is consenting. Consent can be withdrawn. At any point, the other person can withdraw consent and decide they don't want to continue a sexual act. Respect this decision. The Importance of Consent Consent is the foundation of any relationship, sexual or not. Clear, ongoing consent ensures that both parties feel safe, comfortable, and respected. Disregarding consent breaks trust and creates an untrustworthy environment. Sex without consent is sexual assault. Point, blank, period. If clear, ongoing, and sober consent was not received for a sexual act or was revoked, moving forward with the act is sexual assault. Sexual Assault Victim Resources The first thing to remember is it is not your fault. Like we said, it is the responsibility of the person initiating a sexual act to ask for and receive consent before moving forward. If you've been sexually assaulted, you can get assistance at: Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN): 1-(800) 656-4673 If you live in Broward County: Rape Crisis/Victim Hotline: (954) 761-7273 If you live in Miami-Dade County: Rape Crisis/Victim Hotline: (305) 585-7273 Domestic Violence 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-(800) 500-1119 Miami-Dade County Coordinated Victims Assistance Center: ( 305) 285-5900 Miami-Dade Advocates for Victims Hotline: (305) 285-5900 If you live in Palm Beach County: Rape Crisis/Victim Hotline: 1-(866) 891-7273 Palm Beach County Victim Services SART Center: (561) 625-2568 Palm Beach County Victim Services (Belle Glade): (561) 996-4871 Palm Beach County Victim Services (Delray Beach): (561) 274-1500 Palm Beach County Victim Services (Palm Beach Gardens): (561) 625-2568 Palm Beach County Victim Services (West Palm Beach): (561) 355-2383 References What Is Sexual Consent? | Facts About Rape & Sexual Assault . Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/relationships/sexual-consent National Sexual Assault Hotline: Confidential 24/7 Support. Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN). (n.d.). https://www.rainn.org/resources

< Return to Open Positions Data and Research Manager We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Data and Research Manager Position Title Please select the requested option Want to apply for a different position? Click here to browse what's available. Have a question about open positions? Contact us at: careers@prismfl.org In order to keep track of our objectives, maximize the impact of our work, and find new opportunities for growth, our Data & Research Manager will work alongside the rest of our team to conduct surveys and monitor analytics. Candidates local to Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach counties are strongly preferred. Hours: 10-15/wk Pay: $22/hr Responsibilities : Coordinate and develop community needs assessments and other surveying programs, including survey content and oversight of participants Oversee data analysis and reporting of survey data and compile data into interpretable trends, correlations, and other statistical analyses Oversee administrative data entry, such as PRISM’s CRM and other platforms Build systems for staff to monitor and report program metrics in line with PRISM’s strategic goals Research, including, but not limited to, finding data collected by other organizations and information about grant funders Required Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree or higher Strong computer literacy skills, including experience with Excel, Google Workspace, etc. Experience conducting surveys and studies involving human beings Experience with data analysis/statistical reporting (e.g., t-tests, ANOVAs, correlation, regression) Strong ability to formulate research questions and generate insights based on existing data Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree or higher Local to Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach counties Institutional review board (IRB) training Exposure to LGBT issues, sexual health/public health, public policy, political science, and/or gender and sexuality Coding experience (e.g., R, Python) 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 Pansexuality What is Pansexuality? Pansexuality and Bisexuality History Issues Symbols Pansexuality means an attraction to all gender identities. The prefix “pan” was chosen because it comes from the Greek root meaning “all.” Oftentimes, pansexuality is also defined as "attraction regardless of gender." Pansexuality and Bisexuality Pansexuality lies under the Bi+ Umbrella. While both bisexual and pansexual refer to attraction to multiple genders, pansexuality is commonly considered a more inclusive label. Bisexuality is often misunderstood as meaning "attraction to men and women," and some find this definition to be too limiting. Hence, individuals may choose pansexuality as their label to include non-binary, transgender, gender fluid, and other gender non-conforming people within the scope of their attraction. Others may identify as pansexual because they consider themselves attracted to others regardless of gender — or, as it's sometimes called, "genderblind." It's important to note, however, that this is not the case for everyone; many pansexuals do have gender preferences. Ultimately, whether a person decides to identify as bisexual or pansexual is a personal choice and should never be invalidated. Pansexual History Multi-gender attraction has been documented in humans—and animals!—throughout history. Although some of the earliest records of the term pansexual come from 1914, when it was called "pan-sexualism," the word as we know it came into play by the 1970s. This era was a pivotal time for LGBTQ+ identities that existed outside of the gay/lesbian box. Pansexuals had carved themselves a place in the bi+ community. Then, in the 1990s, "pansexual" was finally being used to refer to a community that had long been existing and thriving. Because all bi+ identities share a similar history up to a point, check out our Bisexuality article for a more in-depth look at multi-gender attraction throughout time. Pansexual Issues Misconceptions There are many myths surrounding bi+ identities, like pansexuality. Some of these include: Pansexuals are really either gay or straight and just need to figure things out Pansexuality is just a phase — a transition between straight and gay Pansexuals are more likely to cheat because they are attracted to everyone Pansexuals are more likely to sleep around because they are attracted to multiple genders Pansexuals think they are better than bisexuals because they are attracted to people's personalities and not their looks Pansexuals are never allowed to have gender preferences Pansexuals are not allowed to be explicitly sexual because they're supposed to be attracted to people's "souls", not their bodies These myths unfairly marginalize pansexual folx and erase and invalidate their sexuality. To learn more about the issues that affect all bi+ identities, see our Bisexuality article . Pansexual Symbols Pansexual Flag The pansexual pride flag was created in 2010 on the internet and has grown in popularity since. It has three colored bars: pink on top, yellow in the middle, and blue on the bottom. Pink - Attraction to those who identify as female Blue - Attraction to those who identify as male Yellow - Attraction to those who identify outside of the gender binary The P Symbol Another common symbol is a “P” with an arrow and crossed tail. The cross represents the symbol for Venus, which signifies female identity, while the arrow represents the symbol for Mars, signifying male identity. The two combine to form a "P", standing for pansexual. References LGBTQIA+ Wiki. (n.d.). Pansexual https://lgbta.fandom.com/wiki/Pansexual#:~:text=Another%20common%20symbol%20for%20pansexuality The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center. (n.d.). Pride Flags https://www.unco.edu/gender-sexuality-resource-center/resources/pride-flags.aspx#:~:text=The%20pansexual%20pride%20flag%20was,has%20gained%20popularity%20since%20then GLAAD. What is Pansexuality? https://www.glaad.org/blog/what-pansexuality-4-pan-celebs-explain-their-own-words Goldberg, Abbie, ed. (13 April 2016). The SAGE Encyclopedia of LGBTQ Studies . SAGE Publications. p. 833. ISBN 9781483371290 Hayfield, Nikki (2020). Bisexual and Pansexual Identities: Exploring and Challenging Invisibility and Invalidation . Routledge. pp. 1–17. ISBN 9780429875410 HuffPost. Wong, B. (2018, June 27). 9 things pansexual people want you to know . https://www.huffpost.com/entry/things-pansexual-people-want-you-to-know_n_5b328d99e4b0b745f17877cc Ka'ahumanu, Lani; Hutchins, Loraine, eds. (2015). Bi Any Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out (2nd ed.). New York: Riverdale Avenue Books . p. 24. ISBN 978-1626011991 Rolling Stone. Zane, Z. (2019, October 4). What's the real difference between bi- and pansexual? https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/whats-the-real-difference-between-bi-and-pansexual-667087/

< Back to School Policy Hub Juneteenth What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is an annual holiday that commemorates the emancipation of slaves in the southern states of the US. It is described as a second independence day and has been celebrated within the African-American community for over a century. History A photograph of the Emancipation Proclamation (Image Source: Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division) Once the Emancipation Proclamation took effect on January 1, 1863, slaves in Confederate states were declared legally free. However, everyone in these states was not immediately free, as the Proclamation couldn’t be properly implemented in places that remained under Confederate control. On June 19th, 1865, Union general Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African-Americans of the end of the Civil War and their freedom. This is what put the Emancipation Proclamation into effect on a larger scale. Juneteenth was named as such by the newly freed people in Texas on that day in 1865. Celebrations Over time, Juneteenth has been celebrated by African-Americans in many different ways, including prayers and celebrations among families. Some who were enslaved, or had descendants who were, would make an annual pilgrimage to Galveston. Now that more people outside of the African-American community are aware of this holiday, big celebrations are becoming more common and large-scale events like music festivals are being organized in major cities. A Juneteenth celebration parade in Philadelphia in 2019(Image Source: Tippman98x on Shutterstock.com) Recognition Former President Joe Biden signing the legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday. (Image Source: White House) Juneteenth only started being recognized officially in 1980, when Texas first made it a state holiday. The most recent states to make it an official holiday were Hawaii and North Dakota in April 2021. Finally, after the Senate and House of Representatives almost unanimously voted in favor of it, President Joe Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday on June 17th, 2021. Importance Juneteenth is important to commemorate because it allows us to reflect on the steps that were made toward freedom and the ways in which African-Americans are still undermined in our society. As this holiday approaches, we must realize the importance of uplifting and supporting Black voices in the fight for equality and justice, both on Juneteenth and throughout the entire year. References HAVE A PROUD AND HAPPY JUNETEENTH! Juneteenth World Wide Celebration. (n.d.). https://juneteenth.com/ . LeBlanc, P., & Stracqualursi, V. (2021, June 18). New national holiday sets off scramble to shut down governments nationwide Friday . CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/17/politics/juneteenth-federal-holiday-government-shut-down/index.html . NBCUniversal News Group. (2021, April 27). Hawaii close to honoring Juneteenth, leaving 1 state holdout . NBCNews.com. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hawaii-close-honoring-juneteenth-leaving-1-state-holdout-n1265564 . Robbins, L. (2020, June 18). These states now recognize Juneteenth, but what are their other holidays? wusa9.com. https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/nation-world/juneteenth-us-states-official-holidays/507-aa8e98a6-8e01-4f39-b3b5-632d3bf8c83b . Smith, K. (2020, June 18). Reflecting on Juneteenth . Facing Today - A Facing History Blog. https://facingtoday.facinghistory.org/reflecting-on-juneteenth . Smithsonian . (n.d.). The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth . National Museum of African American History and Culture. https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/historical-legacy-juneteenth . Taylor, D. B. (2020, June 17). So You Want to Learn About Juneteenth? The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/article/juneteenth-day-celebration.html .

< Back to School Policy Hub How to Report Violations How to Report Violations and Stand Up for Your Rights When a student’s rights are violated at school—whether it’s misgendering, being denied bathroom access, having a GSA silenced, or witnessing censorship—it can feel overwhelming. But students, parents, and teachers are not powerless. There are systems in place for reporting harm and holding schools accountable. The process is not always easy or fast, but it matters. Knowing how to document what happened and where to bring your complaint is the first step in making sure your voice is heard. Start with Documentation The moment something happens that feels wrong, write it down. Whether it’s a conversation, a denial of access, or a disciplinary action, keeping a record is key. Include: Date, time, and location Names of staff or students involved A clear description of what happened Screenshots or emails, if relevant Even a short summary can be valuable. If you feel unsafe doing this alone, ask a friend, GSA advisor, or trusted adult to help you document what occurred. Report to Your School Most school districts require that complaints start at the school level. This may involve submitting a written statement to your principal, guidance counselor, or designated Title IX Coordinator. Every school district is required to have someone in that role, even if their contact information isn’t easy to find. Miami-Dade: District Title IX Coordinator Ms. Nicole B. Rutherford (305) 995-1580 nrobertson@dadeschools.net Broward: District Title IX Coordinator Wladimir G. Alvarez (754) 321-2150 wladimir.alvarez@browardschools.com Palm Beach: District Title IX Coordinator Eunice Vivar (561) 792-8686 TitleIX@palmbeachschools.org Request a response in writing. If the school does not follow up within a reasonable time, typically ten business days, you can escalate. In cases where school policy itself is the problem—for example, if your district refuses to recognize GSAs, denies bathroom access, or has adopted discriminatory curriculum rules—you can also file a complaint with the Florida Department of Education. But be aware: the state has backed many of these rollbacks, so outcomes may vary. Use Federal Civil Rights Protections If your situation involves discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or disability, you can file a federal civil rights complaint. This includes: Title IX for sex-based discrimination, including anti-LGBTQ+ harassment or denial of access Section 504 or Title II of the ADA for disability-related issues Title VI for racial or ethnic discrimination These complaints go through the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR). You do not need a lawyer, and there is no cost to file. Complaints must typically be submitted within 180 days of the incident. You can file online here: https://ocrcas.ed.gov Why Reporting Matters Filing a complaint doesn’t always lead to an immediate fix. But it creates a record. It signals that students and families are paying attention. It can lead to investigations, policy changes, and accountability—even if it takes time. It also shows other students that they’re not alone. Some of the most important changes in school policy happen not through new laws, but because someone filed a complaint, told their story, and refused to accept silence. PRISM Can Help If you’re not sure where to start, PRISM is here to walk you through it. We can help draft complaints, identify the right contact, and provide support throughout the process. Whether you’re a student, parent, or teacher, you do not have to navigate this alone. When your rights are violated, speaking up is an act of courage—and a step toward something better.

< 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.

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< Back to School Policy Hub Lesbian Being a Lesbian History (Ancient) History (Modern) Issues Symbols What Does it Mean to be a Lesbian? The term lesbian is commonly used by women who are exclusively attracted to other women. However, in recent years, the definition of lesbian identity has undergone a transformation, reflecting a broader understanding of gender and inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community. Traditionally defined as a woman exclusively attracted to other women, the scope of lesbian identity is expanding to be more inclusive of non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals. Some now describe a lesbian as a "non-male who is attracted solely to women." This adjustment aims to recognize and validate the experiences of non-binary and gender-nonconforming (GNC) individuals who identify with the lesbian community. Lesbian History (Ancient) Sappho - The Original Lesbian Sappho and Erinna in a Garden at Mytilene (Source: Simeon Solomon, 1864) Perhaps one of the most iconic lesbians in history is Sappho of Lesbos. An ancient Greek poet from the 600s BCE, Sappho's works are passionate, emotional, and filled with vivid descriptions of love and longing. Her poems primarily focused on the relationships between women, depicting their beauty and allure. Sappho's poems were often written in the first person, which has led readers to speculate that some of her works might have been autobiographical. While scholars may debate the translations of these lyrics and their meaning, Sappho's iconic work inspired the terms "lesbian" and "sapphic" as words to describe love and attraction between women. Other Parts of the World Just like with male homosexuality, female homosexuality is documented around the world. from Ancient Egypt, where women were said to cast "love spells" on other women, to early Imperial China, where lesbian couples were given the term " duìshí," which translates to "paired eating." The Scarcity of Lesbians in History Unfortunately, female homosexuality has overall been documented far less than male homosexuality. Does this mean lesbians were more scarce than gay men? Maybe. But when you consider the prevalence of systemic misogyny in cultures all over the world, you have to wonder if the real issue is not the lack of women attracted to women, but the lack of desire for historians to write about them. Women were also expected and pressured to adhere to gender roles more strongly than men; while men could easily "get away" with non-traditional relationships, women would not be afforded the same privilege. In the end, misogyny is likely a significant factor in society's lack of historical lesbian visibility. Lesbian History (Modern) Lesbians played a vital role in the 1950s-1970s American LGBTQ+ rights movement. As early as 1955, the first lesbian social and political organization was established in the form of the Daughters of Bilitis . This group helped to bring lesbian issues into mainstream culture, having launched its own monthly magazine and appeared on a national radio broadcast. DeLaverie in her iconic drag look In 1969, a " typical New York butch" is said to have kicked off the riot at the Stonewall Inn while resisting a violent arrest and demanding the onlooking crowd "do something." Famous lesbian performer Storme DeLaverie is sometimes credited as the "butch" who started it all. The 1970s were pivotal for queer rights activism, and lesbians played major roles in these movements. On May 1, 1970, a group of radical lesbian feminists forever changed the feminist movement . During the Second Congress to Unite Women in New York City, organizations like the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) and the National Organization for Women (NOW) gathered to discuss feminist rights. Suddenly, the auditorium's lights were suddenly cut, shocking the crowd, and eerie laughter was heard throughout the audience. When the lights came back on, lesbian activists stormed the stage. Bold text on shirts was displayed saying "Lavender Menace." Armed with signs that read, "We are your worst nightmare, your best fantasy," historical figures like Rita Mae Brown, Karla Jay, and Martha Shelley took to the stage for over two hours to fight for lesbian inclusivity in feminism. In 1971, NOW officially adopted lesbian rights as part of its agenda . The AIDS Crisis When gay men were banned from donating blood during the AIDS crisis, lesbians stepped in to offset the decrease in the amount of blood available for transfusions. They are a vital part of AIDS history and a group of lesbians that helped reduce the effects of the blood ban. A major way lesbians helped during the AIDS crisis was through volunteer work in hospitals. It was difficult for hospitalized AIDS patients to receive adequate care as doctors and nurses refused to treat them for fear of the virus. The result? A large number of lesbians with medical backgrounds began lending their time in hospitals to help those who were not being properly taken care of. An ACT UP demonstration at the National Institutes of Health (Public Domain) One activist who helped pave the road to a more unified LGBTQ+ community was activist Maxine Wolfe. Wolfe hosted “Dyke Dinners” to create spaces for lesbians to voice their frustrations with the various ways HIV-positive women — most of whom were women of color — were being excluded from AIDS activism. Their voices caused a stir and were the start of lesbians creating real legislative change. Lesbians in the 1990s were caretakers, activists, protesters, lawyers, artists and historians. They had range! Lesbian Issues Homophobia/Lesbophobia Homophobia refers to prejudice, discrimination, or hatred towards people who experience same-gender attraction. It encompasses various forms of bigotry, ranging from verbal harassment and social exclusion to physical violence and legal discrimination. Lesbophobia is a kind of homophobia that specifically targets lesbians. Unlike homophobia, lesbophobia frequently comes from both outside and inside the LGBTQ+ community. Oftentimes, lesbophobia within the community stems from misogyny (prejudice against women). Heteronormativity This is the belief that heterosexuality, or the attraction to the opposite sex on the gender binary, is the normal or default sexual orientation. It assumes that sexual and marital relations are most fitting between people of the opposite sex. Heterosexism This is a system of attitudes, bias, and discrimination in favor of opposite-sex sexuality and relationships. It includes the presumption that other people are heterosexual or that opposite-sex attractions and relationships are the only norm and, therefore, superior. While all members of the LGBTQ+ community face homophobia, gays and lesbians deal with heteronormativity and heterosexism to a different extent. Other members of the LGBTQ+ community can face these problems, but they are most prevalent with gays and lesbians. Lesbian Symbols Lesbian Flag The labrys lesbian flag was created in 1999 by Sean Campbell. It included a labrys, which was a common symbol of empowerment adopted by the lesbian feminist community in the 1970s, on top of the inverted black triangle used during the Holocaust over a violet background. The Lipstick Lesbian flag was introduced on the blog “This Lesbian Life” in 2010. This was later adapted to a variation without the lipstick mark in the top left-hand corner. However, many lesbians oppose the Lipstick Lesbian flag and its derivative due to butch-phobic, biphobic, transphobic, and racist comments on the blog of the original designer, Natalie McGray. This led to a new lesbian pride flag, designed by Emily Gwen in 2018, which uses different colors to represent a wider range of individuals within the lesbian community. PRISM uses a simplified version of this updated pride flag on its PRISM Pride collection with five colors rather than seven. References A short guide to lesbian identity. Rainbow & Co. (2021, July 2). https://rainbowandco.uk/blogs/what-were-saying/a-short-guide-to-lesbian-identity Boehringer, S. (2021, September 7). Female Homosexuality in Ancient Greece and Rome (1st ed.). Routledge. Brekke, K. (2017, April 4). How lesbians' role in the AIDS crisis brought gay men and women together . HuffPost. Retrieved December 8, 2022, from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/aids-crisis-lesbians_n_5616867ae4b0e66ad4c6a7c4 Oxford University. (n.d.). Heteronormative Meaning . Lexico Dictionaries. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/heteronormative . Oxford University. (n.d.). Heterosexism Meaning . Lexico Dictionaries. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/heterosexism . Siclait, A. (2021, June 15). What The Lesbian Pride Flag Means And Where It Comes From . Women's Health. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a36523338/lesbian-pride-flag-meaning/ . Sylvester, E. (2023, April 25). The complexities of lesbian visibility. The Trevor Project. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/the-complexities-of-lesbian-visibility/ The act up historical archive: The tactics of early act up (interviews of Maxine Wolfe). (n.d.). Retrieved December 8, 2022, from https://actupny.org/documents/earlytactics.html Understanding gay & lesbian identities. The Trevor Project. (2022, October 26). https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/understanding-gay-lesbian-identities

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< Back to School Policy Hub Victory for Sexual Health Education in Miami Dade On Wednesday, July 20th, the school board of Miami Dade County held a meeting to decide whether to keep or reject the previously approved "human growth and development" curriculum. In other words, sex ed materials. The materials were approved in April, but 278 objections were filed against the textbook. The point of contention was the book's inclusion of contraception, abortion, and other topics. This spurred a hearing where a neutral judge affirmed that the textbooks were in line with state standards. Several groups mobilized in support of the textbook, including PRISM. Knowledge about sexual health is important to the health and safety of all, but particularly to the marginalized youth we seek to serve. Upwards of 90% of speakers were in support. Detractors argued the textbook enabled sexual grooming and jumped to accusations of communism and censorship. These talking points are not only irrelevant to the conversation but are well-established canards used by reactionary movements. At the initial meeting, three separate "concerned parents" associated with conservative nonprofit Moms for Liberty yelled at students and other speakers. . School board members, security staff, and onlookers in the audience were subjected to a flurry of screamed insults as all three were forcibly escorted from the building. During that meeting, the board voted 5-4 to remove the textbook from the curriculum. This put the district out of compliance with state standards (which require schools to teach sexual health curriculum), so another meeting was held just last Thursday to discuss how the board would move forward. In just three days, we and several other organizations mobilized hundreds of parents in Miami, creating a petition that garnered over 2800 signatures, an online tool that sent over 300 emails to each board member, and dozens of speakers at the special meeting. After several hours of discussion, Chairwoman Perla Tabares Hantman reversed her vote– meaning there were finally enough votes to keep the textbook, in another 5-4 decision.

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< Back to School Policy Hub School Board Advocacy School Board Advocacy: Why It Matters and How to Get Involved School boards have enormous influence over what happens in classrooms. From bathroom policies to club recognition, from curriculum rules to teacher training, these elected bodies decide what is allowed, what is encouraged, and what is erased. For LGBTQ+ students and families, this is where many of the most important fights are happening. While state laws set the framework, school boards often determine how those laws are interpreted and enforced. That means speaking up at a school board meeting can directly impact your school and your district. What School Boards Decide In Florida, each of the state’s 67 school districts has its own school board. These boards vote on official policies, approve instructional materials, decide whether to recognize student clubs, and adopt or repeal diversity protections. They are also responsible for enforcing state mandates like the Parental Rights in Education Act and HB 1521. But how they enforce those laws can vary. Some school boards move quickly to restrict LGBTQ+ expression. Others find ways to protect students while staying within legal limits. Broward County Public Schools is a clear example. In recent years, its board has passed public resolutions supporting LGBTQ+ History Month and affirming the existence of GSAs. These are not just symbolic. They create space for student-led visibility and signal that affirming practices are still possible. How to Speak at a Meeting Anyone can sign up to speak at a Florida school board meeting. You do not need to be 18 or have a parent’s permission. Here are the basics: Check the board website for meeting dates and speaker deadlines. Some require sign-up one or two days in advance. Look at the agenda to see if items related to LGBTQ+ rights, curriculum, or student groups are listed. Some items appear on the consent agenda, which can be passed without discussion unless someone pulls them. Prepare a short comment. Most districts allow one to three minutes. Focus on what the policy means for you or someone you care about. Be specific. Ask the board to vote yes or no on a particular item, or to make a clear change to an existing rule or practice. If you are nervous, bring a friend or speak as a group. You can also submit written comment by email if you cannot attend in person. What You Can Expect Sometimes board members will thank you. Sometimes they will ignore you. Sometimes you will be speaking in a room where people are hostile to LGBTQ+ rights. That does not mean you are doing it wrong. It means your voice is needed. Even if the policy passes, your words become part of the public record. They shape future conversations. They give others the courage to speak next time. Change is often slow. But when students and families show up consistently, it makes a difference. Why Local Action Still Matters In recent years, LGBTQ+ advocates have stopped book bans, protected GSAs, and slowed the repeal of equity policies—all by organizing around school boards. These are winnable fights. But they take coordination, courage, and presence. PRISM is here to help. We offer reminders, speaker training, talking points, and on-the-ground support for school board advocacy across Florida. Whether you are giving your first public comment or leading your entire GSA, we want to work with you. Your story can change the conversation. Your voice can shape policy. And your presence can shift power.