< Back to School Policy Hub Myths About Gender-Affirming Care There are numerous myths, falsehoods, and flat-out lies being used to justify anti-trans legislation and attacks against gender-affirming care . In this post, we take a look at some of the most common myths and explain what they get wrong. "De-transitoning is common." "Transitioning does more harm than good." "Kids are too young to understand gender." Myth 1: "De-transitioning is common." The desire to de-transition after gender-affirming care, particularly surgery, is rare. Many studies find that only about 1% of those surveyed regret transitioning. This means fewer adults regret transitioning than regret getting breast implants or plastic surgery. De-Transitioning Among Youth The Trans Youth Project is a recent study from 2017 to 2022. Its purpose was to provide the first estimates on retransition within trans youth. The sample size included 317 initially binary trans youth between the ages of 3 and 12. Over five years, the youth participants and their parents reported data on their current gender identity. The results found that by the end of the study, 94% of the children continued to identify with their binary trans identity. Another 3.5% later identified as nonbinary, and only 2.5% of participants identified as cisgender. Myth 2: "Transitioning does more harm than good." Some claim that puberty blockers lead to side effects like infertility and abnormal social and mental development. In reality, there is no substantial evidence backing these claims. The only way puberty blockers interfere with fertility is by pausing the production of sperm or eggs. However, it is not permanent, and production can start again by stopping treatment. Puberty blockers have been shown to have positive effects, such as reducing suicidality in trans people. Myth 3: "Kids are too young to understand gender." It’s also falsely believed that children are too young to understand something as complex as gender and what they identify as, or that being trans is “just a phase.” Although many children and adolescents go through phases and explore their identities, the notion that they’re completely clueless is false. Most children can identify their own gender by age 3. As they continue to socialize, they’re able to recognize the disconnect between their actual gender and the one they were assigned. It’s common for trans people to have dysphoric thoughts at an early age– most dysphoria occurs by the time they’re 7 years old. References 20220420-gender-dysphoria-press-release | Florida Department of Health . (2022, April 20). Florida Health. https://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2022/04/20220420-gender-dysphoria-press-release.pr.html Branigin, A. (2022, April 20). Florida memo on gender dysphoria contradicts leading medical guidance . The Washington Post. Retrieved August 3, 2022, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/04/20/florida-gender-dysphoria-memo/ Caputo, M. (2022, June 3). DeSantis moves to ban transition care for transgender youths, Medicaid recipients . NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/desantis-moves-ban-transition-care-transgender-youth-medicaid-recipien-rcna31736 Children and gender identity: Supporting your child . (2022, February 23). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/children-and-gender-identity/art-20266811#:%7E:text=Most%20children%20typically%20develop%20the,gender%20by%20age%203%20years. Fenway Health. (n.d.). Puberty-Suppression-Risks-and-Benefits-English.pdf . https://fenwayhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/Puberty-Suppression-Risks-and-Benefits-English.pdf Most Gender Dysphoria Established by Age 7, Study Finds . (2020, June 16). Cedars-Sinai. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/most-gender-dysphoria-established-by-age-7-study-finds/ Olson, K. R., Durwood, L., Horton, R., Gallagher, N. M., & Devor, A. (2022, July 13). Gender Identity 5 Years After Social Transition . American Academy of Pediatrics. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/2/e2021056082/186992/Gender-Identity-5-Years-After-Social-Transition?autologincheck=redirected O’Neil, T. (2022, July 11). California ex-trans teen backs Florida ban on Medicaid funds for transgender medical interventions . Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/health/california-ex-trans-teen-backs-florida-ban-medicaid-funds-transgender-medical-interventions Turban, J. L., King, D., Carswell, J. M., & Keuroghlian, A. S. (2020). Pubertal Suppression for Transgender Youth and Risk of Suicidal Ideation. Pediatrics , 145 (2), e20191725. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-1725

< Return to Open Positions Analyst We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Analyst 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 PRISM relies on the dedicated contributions of volunteers to further its initiatives. Analysts gather and interpret data in PRISM’s research programs. This is an unpaid volunteer position. What you get: An opportunity to make a difference in the LGBT community, improve your leadership skills, a chance to make an impact, and a new experience to add to your resume Responsibilities : Gather information and data related to specific research programs Compile data into interpretable trends and correlations Qualifications : Experience with data analysis/statistical reporting Exposure to LGBT issues, sexual health/public health, or gender and sexuality 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 Contraception What is Contraception? Contraception is the use of artificial methods to prevent pregnancy when engaging in sexual intercourse. Type of Contraception Contraception can be broken into five main types: Condoms Diaphragms Cervical Caps Birth Control Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) Implants Sterilization You can click on any of these to find out more information. The Importance of Contraception Contraception can prevent unwanted pregnancies. Using contraceptive methods allows you and anyone you have sex with to determine when you have children, how many you want to have, and when to stop having children. Barrier methods protect you from STIs. Barrier methods, such as condoms and dental dams , are extremely effective in protecting you from a host of sexually transmitted infections. Learn how to talk to your partner about using contraception.

< Back to School Policy Hub Homosexuality in Medieval Europe The Church and Gay Sex Laws on Homosexuality Female Homosexuality Medieval Homosexuality Sources Central Europe, 919-1125 CE (University of Texas Libraries: Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection) Medieval times, also called the Middle Ages, describe the period after the fall of the Western Roman Empire (around 500 CE) and before the Renaissance (1500s). Since there was no unified government or state, the Catholic church became the main source of authority in Europe. Later, homosexuality was largely viewed and upheld by society as a sin. The Medieval Church and Sex The medieval owner of these manuscripts censured certain sexual acts. (J. Paul Getty Museum) The connection between sexual deviancy and homosexuality by the church wasn’t really pushed until the later, or “High”, Middle Ages. Individual cases of homosexuality were often overlooked in day-to-day life in the earlier Middle Ages. The distinction was not really between gay and straight but between reproductive and non-reproductive sex. The medieval church only sanctified exclusive and procreative marriages, meaning “opposite-sex” activity that was not for reproduction, was also not considered acceptable. However, as the church began facing criticism from scholars, they became increasingly concerned with preventing scandals that could diminish their authority. There was the theologian Peter Damian, who coined the term “sodomy” in the 1000s in relation to clerical homosexual relationships. (However, this term was used for any non-procreative sexual acts.) He wrote an entire book addressed to Pope Leo IX about the “corruptions” (including homosexual relations) within the church and monastery, calling for a reformation. Pope Leo IX responded by promising action against those who committed “crimes against nature.” Another theologian, Thomas Aquinas, also used the discourse of “nature” to cast any non-reproductive sex as sinful. So, the church eventually began targeting homosexuality and enforcing stricter discipline in monasteries. Medieval Laws on Homosexual Relations Artist depiction of the torment of unchaste monks and nuns. (J. Paul Getty Museum) These reform movements led to the development of specific laws towards homosexuality, therefore expressing “authoritative” views toward it. There was a large increase in municipal (city) laws regarding homosexuality. The actual prosecution of same-sex activity often wasn’t in royal or ecclesiastical (church) courts but in urban cities. Many towns, especially in Italy, legislated about homosexual acts. These called for various punishments, including maiming, death, fines, or exile. The cities of Lucca, Venice, and Florence even created special legal structures in the 1400s to manage sodomy accusations. Still, there weren’t many actual prosecutions for same-sex activity. Medieval Female Homosexuality There is even less recorded evidence of female homosexuality in Medieval Europe than in Ancient Europe. Some historians theorize that this is because their homosexuality did not prevent them from bearing children to legal husbands and also because of the general misogyny of the times. Medieval Homosexuality Sources It’s important to note that we don’t have many surviving sources to reconstruct the experience of medieval homosexuals. Homosexual images in medieval texts and artifacts are few and far between. Most texts dealing with homosexuality are related to clerics and/or are found in homophobic contexts, often in the form of legislation. Therefore, what little we know about homosexuality in the Middle Ages is very broad and often with a negative connotation. References Cheng, D. (2017) Homosexuality in High Medieval Europe: Reformist Thought and its Effect on Queer Subculture, JUST, Vol. V, No. 1. https://ojs.trentu.ca › ojs › just › article › view Damien, P. (1982). Book of Gomorrah: An Eleventh-Century Treatise Against Clerical Homosexual Practices. (P. Payer, Trans. And Intro.). (Original work published 1051.) https://books.google.com/books?id=hr4VAAAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_atb#v=onepage&q&f=false Karras, R. M. (2012). Sexuality in Medieval Europe: doing unto others . Routledge. Karras, R.M. (2020) The Regulation of “Sodomy” in the Latin East and West, Journal of The Medieval Academy of America: Speculum: Vol. 95: Iss. 4. https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/710639 Lacopo, F.P. (2016) Medieval Europe and the Culture of Contempt in the Age of the Lateran Councils, Grand Valley Journal of History: Vol. 4: No. 2, Article 1. https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gvjh/vol4/iss2/1

Learn all the ins and outs of gender identity and sexuality. < Return to Learn Gender & Sexuality Perfect just the way you are Learn all the ins and outs of gender identity and sexuality Sexuality Sexual Orientation Basics Learn all about sexuality. Learn More Bisexuality Attraction to more than one gender—it's that simple! Learn More Lesbian Women who love women, or is there more to it? Learn More Pansexuality Attraction to all gender or regardless of gender. Learn More Gay Same-gender attraction. Learn More Asexuality and Aromanticism Little to no sexual or romantic attraction. Learn More Gender Sex Vs Gender Sex and gender are very different things, and here's why. Learn More Gender Norms Learn about societal expectations of gender. Learn More Myths About Gender-Affirming Care We break down common and just plain inaccurate myths. Learn More Transgender When your gender doesn't align with the one you were assigned at birth. Learn More Pronouns 101 What's a pronoun? Learn that and more. Learn More Outdated Trans Terms Things you should not say to or call trans folx. Learn More Non-Binary Gender identities that don't fit into the boxes of male or female. Learn More Gender-Affirming Care Learn about both medical and non-medical forms. Learn More Coming Out Coming Out Tips Coming out can be scary, but we've got you covered. Learn More The Importance of Being Out and Proud Live and love our authentic selves! Learn More How to Respond to Someone Coming Out Tips for respectfully responding to someone's coming out. Learn More Respecting LGBTQ+ Boundaries It's important not to diminish someone's coming out journey. Learn More Where to Find Support Resources to remind you that you're not alone. Learn More

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. < Return to Get Involved Task Forces The six pillars of our initiatives PRISM's work takes place in six task forces. Click any of them below to learn more and see how you can get involved! Research Surveys, data collection, and data analysis Outreach Events, awareness, connection-building Content Creation Content writing, graphic design, videography Fundraising Grant writing, fundraisers, promotions BIPOC Advocates Accountability, advocacy, racial justice Policy Grassroots activism at every level of politics

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

< Back to School Policy Hub Stonewall Riots Context: Criminalization of Gay Bars The Stonewall Riots Legacy Context: Criminalization of Gay Bars The Stonewall Riots were a violent uprising in 1969 speaking out against police brutality following a raid of the Stonewall Inn. The Stonewall Inn was a popular gay bar run by the Mafia in Greenwich Village of New York City. During the 1960s, however, same-sex relations were illegal in many places, including New York City. As such, the New York State Liquor Authority sanctioned frequent police raids of known gay bars, claiming that the gathering of homosexual individuals was “disorderly.” While these restrictions were overturned in 1966, police harassment of gay bars continued until much later, particularly as many operated without a liquor license due to their being owned by the Mafia. The Stonewall Riots A crowd of protesters confronting the police during the Stonewall Riots. On the morning of June 28th, 1969, rather than dispersing during the police raid that occurred, a violent crowd formed , and the Stonewall Riots began. The difference between this particular police raid and previous instances was that it came without warning and led to the NYPD roughly shoving both patrons and employees alike into police vehicles to be arrested. Starting with one woman shouting, “Why don’t you guys do something!” things quickly escalated as a crowd of hundreds formed, throwing bottles, pennies, and rocks at the police. Although it is not known for sure, it is alleged that the first brick was thrown by Marsha P. Johnson , an outspoken and notable activist for LGBTQ+ rights. The rioting and protesting continued for six continuous days, and the uprising is known as one of the first major protests bringing new attention to the movement for equal rights for LGBTQ+ people. Legacy The Stonewall Inn in 2019 (Image Source: Antigng/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY SA ) The Stonewall Riots, also known as the Stonewall uprising, was an important event in sparking new fervor for the LGBTQ+ rights movement. As a result of the riots, various new LGBTQ+ rights groups were begun, such as the Gay Liberation Front. Although the Stonewall riots did not begin the LGBTQ+ rights movement, they were crucial to bringing new attention to LGBTQ+ activism and generating newfound support for the movement. For information about LGBTQ+ activism preceding the Stonewall Riots, visit our article on the Black Cat Protests .

< Return to Open Positions Writer We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Writer Position Title Please select the requested option Want to apply for a different position? Click here to browse what's available. Have a question about open positions? Contact us at: careers@prismfl.org Part of our work is creating educational resources for LGBTQ+ youth and queer people of color. Writers take the necessary information and compose easily understood articles, social media captions, and other forms of written work. Candidates local to Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach are strongly preferred. Pay : $100 Standard Post $50 Rewrite Post $75 Script $125 Rush Post $100 Rush Script Responsibilities : Research and gather information about proposed topics Convey educational topics in a well-formatted, easy-to-read manner Write a total of four social media captions or two articles per month Complete tasks in a timely manner Maintain accuracy of information provided, both through peer-editing and continuous review of published resources. While not required, it is preferred that Writers have prior exposure to information regarding one or more of the following : Sexual health LGBT issues Racial topics Black history/culture LatinX history/culture Asian history/culture LGBT history PRISM pays a specified amount for each piece created, which may vary from project to project. 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

< Return to STI Clinic Search CAN Community Health - Fort Lauderdale Call: (754) 701-6920 Website: https://www.cancommunityhealth.org/ft-lauderdale/ Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 315 SE 14th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, USA Hours: Today (Fri): 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sat: Closed Sun: Closed Mon: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Tues: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Wed: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Thurs: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. CLOSED NOW Free Testing Walk-Ins Accepted Free Condoms PrEP On-Site PrEP Referral Parking type: Lot Free Parking Tests Offered: HIV Chlamydia Gonorrhea Syphilis Hepatitis C

In 2021, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) recognized October as LGBTQ History Month for the first time within our schools. But in 2022 and 2023, the school board voted against renewing that recognition after intimidation from alt-right hate groups and our state government. In 2021, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) recognized October as LGBTQ History Month for the first time within our schools. But for the past three years, the school board voted against renewing that recognition after intimidation from alt-right hate groups and our state government. LGBTQ+ history is American history because LGBTQ+ Americans are Americans. LGBTQ-inclusive education benefits all students. It's time to teach OUR history. It's time to school the school board. We're flooding MDCPS's public hearing with the same stories of our rich LGBTQ+ history that they've deprived of students in our schools. Tune in, show support, and learn from the people of Miami as they detail the shoulders we stand on. RSVP to learn how to watch online or sign up to speak yourself! SIGN UP Watch It Live

< Return to Open Positions Social Media Manager (Instagram) We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Social Media Manager (Instagram) 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 PRISM relies on the dedicated contributions of volunteers to further its initiatives. PRISM conducts many initiatives digitally, which makes building a solid brand image and marketing extremely important. Social Media Managers oversee specific social media platforms utilized by PRISM. Social Media Managers do not receive a paycheck, but they do receive the satisfaction that they are helping an organization for LGBT youth. There is potential for a paid position in the future. Social Media Managers have the following responsibilities: Develop and organize social media campaigns and posts Ensure that social media posts are uploaded in a timely manner through communicating with Visual Design Managers and Social Media Drafters Coordinate paid promotions and advertisements on social media platforms Applicants must have experience with one or more of the following: Social Media coordination Market analysis Instagram's business and fundraising tools LGBT issues Sexual health/Public health Gender and sexuality Youth services Next