Learn all about being pansexual and the pansexual community! < Return to Resources Pansexual Resources Learn all about being pansexual and the pansexual community! The Basics Sexual Orientation Basics Sexual orientation is a person's gender identity in relation to the gender to which they are attracted. Learn More Pansexuality Pansexuality means an attraction to all gender identities. Learn More Coming Out Tips Check out our tips and advice for how to come out safely. Learn More History The Fight for Marriage Equality For decades, the LGBTQ+ community fought for marriage equality. Here's the story of that struggle. Learn More Stonewall Riots The Stonewall Riots of 1969 were a response to police brutality against the LGBTQ+ community. 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 Black Cat Protests The Black Cat Protests were a series of LGBTQ+ demonstrations against police brutality in the US. Learn More Employment Discrimination It wasn't until 2021 that the LGBTQ+ community was given federal protections against employment discrimination. Learn More Pan Pride Quick View PRISM Pride Backpack: Pansexual Price $48.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Notebook: Pansexual Price $16.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Magic Mug: Pansexual Price $16.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Face Mask: Pansexual Price $19.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Shirt: Pansexual Price $36.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Sweatshirt: Pansexual Price $45.50 1 2 3

< Back to School Policy Hub Transgender What Does Transgender Mean? What is Gender? Transgender Issues What Not to Say Transitioning Trans Symbols How to Get Support What Does Transgender Mean? Transgender individuals are people whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. Conversely, "cisgender" describes a person whose gender identity does align with the sex they were assigned at birth. Transgender is also an umbrella term used to describe many different identities: non-binary , demi-gender, gender non-conforming, trans-masc or femme, transgender man, bigender, agender, and more. What is Gender? Gender is a combination of social, emotional, and cultural ideas that define how humans interact with each other. These can be broken down into two sectors: gender identity and gender expression. Gender Identity Gender identity is how you perceive yourself on the gender spectrum. This can fall anywhere on the gender spectrum and is not limited to male or female. Gender Expression Gender expression is how you display yourself outwardly. This can include the clothes you wear, how you style your hair, or even how you talk. You can learn more about gender identity and expression here . Transgender Issues Transgender people can face many different problems, such as transphobia, gender dysphoria, and deadnaming. Gender Dysphoria This condition, formerly known as Gender Identity Disorder, is the distress a person may feel as a result of their emotional and psychological identity not coinciding with their biological sex. One of the earliest signs of knowing one is transgender is feeling gender dysphoria. Feelings or signs of gender dysphoria are, but are not limited to: A certainty that your gender identity conflicts with your biological sex You only feel comfortable when in the gender role of your preferred identity (may include non-binary) A strong desire to hide or be rid of physical signs of your biological sex, such as breasts or body hair A strong dislike of the genitals you were born with You may feel lonely or isolated from others. You may also face pressure from friends, classmates, coworkers, or family to behave a certain way. It’s important to note that you don’t need to experience gender dysphoria to be transgender. Not all transgender people experience gender dysphoria. Transphobia Transphobia encompasses a range of negative attitudes, feelings, or actions toward transgender people or transness in general. Transphobia can include fear, aversion, hatred, violence, anger, or discomfort felt or expressed towards people who do not conform to social gender expectations. Just like gay or lesbian individuals can deal with homophobia, transgender people can deal with transphobia daily. Transphobia can lead to depression, a greater feeling of gender dysphoria, and a lack of self-confidence and self-esteem. Misgendering and Deadnaming Misgendering is using a former pronoun of a transgender or non-binary person. Deadnaming is using a transgender or non-binary person’s former name. Intentionally deadnaming or misgendering is highly inappropriate and harmful. However, in some cases, deadnaming or misgendering can be accidental. If you knew a transgender person before they discovered their gender identity, you might be used to referring to them by their old pronouns and deadname. It might be a force of habit to refer to someone by their old identity. However, it is still wrong, even if it is accidental. If you accidentally refer to a transgender person by their old identity, name, or pronouns, simply apologize and correct yourself. What Not to Say If a transgender person discovers themself, even if they have not elected to gender reassignment surgery or hormone replacement therapy, never refer to them as their previous gender identity. For example, someone named David goes down the road of discovery and finds out that they are transgender. David’s new name is Dalia, and they now go by she/her and Dalia only. You should never say: “Dalia was a guy before, and her name was David.” “David was born a man but turned into a girl.” “Dalia is biologically male.” It’s important to note that Dalia was never a man; she was only assigned male at birth. If you want to mention Dalia’s transition (with her permission, of course), consider saying: “Dalia was assigned male at birth, but she now identifies as female.” “Dalia is a transgender woman.” Dalia is also not a drag queen, a transvestite, a transsexual, or "a transgender." To learn about these terms and why they are inaccurate and, oftentimes, offensive, see our Outdated Trans Terms article. Avoid focusing on someone’s transition or presentation. A common term you may hear when discussing transgender people is “passing” or “stealth.” This describes someone who presents themselves in such a way that you “can’t tell” that they’re transgender. Using these terms without a transgender person’s permission is wrong for several reasons. Not only does it imply that transgender people need to physically transform in order to be valid, it also reinforces dangerous gender norms . Ultimately, it's harmful to make a transgender person feel like they are “passing as something they’re not” or “tricking” people. Transitioning Transgender people may use various medical and non-medical interventions or procedures to alter their bodies in a way that aligns with their gender identity. However, it is important to note that not all transgender people do this, and it is not required to be transgender. These interventions and procedures are part of a greater support system known as gender-affirming care (GAC) . You can learn about the many different kinds of GAC, like hormone therapy and surgery, in our Gender-Affirming Care article. Transgender Symbols Transgender Gender Symbol The transgender gender symbol is a combination of the gender symbols for male and female. An alternate version also integrates the symbol for genderqueer. The transgender gender symbol. The transgender gender symbol including the genderqueer symbol. Transgender Flag Transgender Pride Flag (1999) A very prominent symbol of the transgender community, this flag was first designed by transgender woman Monica Helms in 1999 and first used in 2000 at a pride parade in Phoenix, Arizona. Blue represents boys, pink represents girls, and white represents those who are transitioning, intersex, or consider themselves as having an unidentified gender. Black Transgender Pride Flag (2015) Black Transgender Flag A symbol of the transgender community specifically made for Black trans people, this flag was designed by Raquel Willis and first used in 2015. The colors have the same meaning as the more commonly used flag, except the black is meant to symbolize the high levels of transphobia, violence, and racism directed towards Black members of the trans community, especially Black trans women. How to Get Support You always deserve support. We know that the journey to discovering one's self can be a difficult one with plenty of bumps and setbacks and crying-in-the-showers. That's perfectly normal! Just remember that there's an entire community behind you; others have been in your shoes and have felt the same fear, uncertainty, and anxiety. We get it, and we're here for you. If you need help or are struggling to find support, check out our Where To Find Support article. References NHS website. (2021, April 20). Signs. Nhs.Uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/symptoms/ Chakraborti, N. C., & Jon Garland, J. G. (2009). Hate crime : impact, causes and responses : Chakraborti, Neil : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/hatecrimeimpactc00neil/mode/1up Leonard, J. (2019, October 9). What to know about female-to-male surgery. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326590#:%7E:text=Female%2Dto%2Dmale%20surgery%20is,known%20as%20%E2%80%9Cbottom%E2%80%9D%20surgery What is gender reassignment surgery? (2018, September 21). ISSM. https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/what-is-gender-reassignment-surgery/ What Are Appropriate Labels & Terms For Transgender People? (n.d.). Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/gender-identity/transgender/transgender-identity-terms-and-labels GLAAD Media Reference Guide - Transgender. (2021, March 29). GLAAD. https://www.glaad.org/reference/transgender Lopez, G. (2015, February 18). Why you should always use “transgender” instead of “transgendered.” Vox. https://www.vox.com/2015/2/18/8055691/transgender-transgendered-tnr

< Back to School Policy Hub Sex Education in Florida Sex education has long been a contested topic in Florida classrooms. But in recent years, what was once basic health instruction has been stripped down, delayed, or blocked entirely. For many students—especially LGBTQ+ youth—this shift has left them without the information they need to navigate relationships, consent, or their own bodies. These changes didn’t happen by accident. They are the result of state-level laws and pressure that restrict what schools can teach, who can say it, and when. What the Law Says Under HB 1069, passed in 2023, schools are prohibited from teaching sexual orientation or gender identity in grades K–8 and must follow “state-approved standards” in grades 9–12. The law also expands parental opt-out rights, requires that all instructional materials be posted online, and opens the door to administrative discipline for teachers who stray from approved content. These rules are now codified in Florida Statutes § 1006.40 and § 1003.42, and they’ve had a chilling effect across the state. Some districts have removed sex education from classrooms altogether, while others have delayed instruction until the very end of the school year—if they offer it at all. What’s Happening in Schools In many schools, sex ed now focuses narrowly on reproduction and abstinence. Lessons about consent, contraception, healthy communication, or LGBTQ+ inclusion have disappeared. Some teachers report being told not to answer student questions if the topic involves gender or sexual orientation. This has left students confused and under-informed. And in some counties, no sex education is being taught at all. But there are exceptions. Broward County: A Case Study in Resistance In May 2025, after months of back-and-forth with the state, Broward County Public Schools received approval to teach sex education in the final week of the school year. The district’s original curriculum was rejected by the Florida Department of Education. Only after requesting to adopt a state-approved version from another district was permission granted. The last-minute approval allowed Broward students to receive sex education before summer break—but only narrowly, and only after significant pressure. The situation highlights how restrictive laws are being used to delay or deny instruction, even when districts try to comply. It also shows that organized, persistent efforts can still lead to limited wins—though they often come late and with strings attached. What Students, Families, and Educators Can Do If you are a student and you feel like you’re not being taught what you need to know, speak up. Ask what curriculum is being used. Find a trusted adult to talk to. You have a right to understand your body and your health. Parents can review materials, opt out, or opt in. But they can also demand more from school districts. If your school is failing to provide basic health education, raise the issue publicly—especially at school board meetings or through local coalitions. Educators are in a difficult position, but you still have the power to advocate for clarity and push back on disinformation. Know what your district has approved. Work with colleagues to defend what is allowed under law, and find ways to keep students informed through whatever channels remain open. Why This Matters When schools erase sex education, students do not stop needing it. They just stop getting it from trusted, evidence-based sources. That gap can lead to harm, confusion, and preventable health risks. Florida’s restrictions are part of a broader campaign to control public education through fear and censorship. But students still have questions. Families still want answers. And teachers still care. PRISM is here to help ensure that all young people have access to honest, inclusive information—no matter what the legislature does next.

Do you love design? Are you great at public speaking? Maybe your passion is educating others. Whatever it is, there's a place in PRISM for everyone. Get Involved Hi, we’re PRISM ! We’re a youth-led nonprofit that works to expand access to LGBT-inclusive education and sexual health resources for young people in South Florida. Want to help out? Scroll down to see how you can join the movement. Volunteer Form Open Positions STI Clinic Vetting Program Share Donate Task Forces

So, someone just came out to you as gay. We've provided some helpful resources to break it down! < Return to Resources So, someone just came out to you as Gay 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. How to Respond to Someone Coming Out Learn how to respectfully respond to someone coming out to you. Maxx Fenning Gay What does it mean to be gay? The word gay is a broad, inclusive term that encompasses people who experience same-gender attraction. PRISM Inc. The Basics History 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." Sitao Lin The Fight for Marriage Equality For decades, the LGBTQ+ community fought for marriage equality. Here's the story of that struggle. Lex Costello Homosexuality in Medieval Europe Learn about the history and laws surrounding homosexuality in Medieval Europe. Jaymie Stopforth 1 2 3 4 5 Gay Pride Quick View PRISM Pride Backpack: Gay Price $48.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Notebook: Gay Price $16.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Magic Mug: Gay Price $16.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Face Mask: Gay Price $19.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Shirt: Gay Price $36.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Sweatshirt: Gay Price $45.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Unisex Bomber Jacket: Gay Price $59.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Hoodie: Gay Price $59.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Leggings: Gay Price $37.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Plus Size Leggings: Gay Price $39.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Socks: Gay Price $16.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Fanny Pack: Gay Price $34.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Pillow Case: Gay Price $22.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Sticker: Gay Price $2.50

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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.

Learn all about bisexuality and the bi+ community! < Return to Resources Bisexual Resources Learn all about bisexuality and the bi+ community! The Basics Sexual Orientation Basics Sexual orientation is a person's gender identity in relation to the gender to which they are attracted. Learn More Coming Out Tips Check out our tips and advice for how to come out safely. Learn More Bisexuality Bisexuality is the attraction to more than one gender. Many sexualities are often considered subgroups of.... Learn More History The Fight for Marriage Equality For decades, the LGBTQ+ community fought for marriage equality. Here's the story of that struggle. Learn More Malcolm X Malcolm X was an American Muslim minister and Civil Rights activist. Learn More Homosexuality in Ancient Europe Although "homosexuality" is a modern term, same-gender attraction has been documented since ancient times. Learn More Josephine Baker Josephine Baker was an entertainer, French Resistance agent, spy, and Civil Rights activist. Learn More AIDS Crisis The AIDS Crisis ravaged the LGBTQ+ community for decades, and the government did little to help. 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 1 2 1 ... 1 2 ... 2 Bi Pride Quick View PRISM Pride Backpack: Bisexual Price $48.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Notebook: Bisexual Price $16.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Magic Mug: Bisexual Price $16.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Face Mask: Bisexual Price $19.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Shirt: Bisexual Price $36.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Sweatshirt: Bisexual Price $45.50 1 2 3

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

So, someone just came out to you as transgender. We've provided some helpful resources to break it down! < Return to Resources So, someone just came out to you as Transgender 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! Sex Vs Gender Learn the differences between sex, gender identity, and gender expression. Maxx Fenning Outdated Trans Terms Learn about how to respectfully refer to trans folx and the transgender community. PRISM Inc. Gender-Affirming Care Gender-affirming care refers to a range of support systems that help trans folx achieve lasting personal comfort with their gendered selves. PRISM Inc. 1 2 3 The Basics History Gender Expression in Asian Cultures East Asia has a vibrant history of queerness, particularly regarding life outside of the gender binary. 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 Homosexuality in the Pre-colonial Americas Learn about how homosexuality is intrinsically linked with the diverse gender structure of native tribes. PRISM Inc. 1 2 3 Transgender Pride Quick View PRISM Pride Backpack: Transgender Price $48.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Notebook: Transgender Price $16.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Magic Mug: Transgender Price $16.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Face Mask: Transgender Price $19.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Shirt: Transgender Price $36.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Sweatshirt: Transgender Price $45.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Bomber Jacket: Transgender Price $68.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Hoodie: Transgender Price $59.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Leggings: Transgender Price $37.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Plus Size Leggings: Transgender Price $42.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Socks: Transgender Price $16.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Fanny Pack: Transgender Price $34.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Pillow Case: Transgender Price $22.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Sticker: Transgender Price $2.50

Want to get involved with PRISM? Fill out a volunteer application to get started. < Return to Get Involved Volunteer Form Join us in our mission to make the world a better place Are you great at public speaking? Maybe your passion is educating others. Whatever it is, there's a place in PRISM for everyone.

Interested in joining the Youth Support Group? Apply here! < Return to Youth Support Group Youth Support Group Form Interested in joining the Youth Support Group? Apply below! PRISM's LGBTQ+ Youth Support Group is open to youth ages 14-17 who live in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade County. First Name Last Name Preferred Name (If Different) Date of Birth * required Email Phone Street Address City State/Territory Zip Code A few words about you Next