< Return to STI Clinic Search Care Resource Community Health Centers - Oakland Park Call: (954) 567-7141 Website: https://careresource.org/testing-hours-locations/ Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 871 W Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311, USA Hours: Today (Thurs): 8:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Fri: 8:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Sat: Closed Sun: Closed Mon: 8:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Tues: 8:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Wed: 8:15 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. CLOSED NOW Free Testing Walk-Ins Accepted Free Condoms PrEP On-Site PrEP Referral Parking type: Lot Free Parking Tests Offered: HIV (Rapid): Free HIV (Lab): Free Chlamydia : Free Gonorrhea : Free Syphilis (Lab): Free Hepatitis C (Rapid): Free

< Back to School Policy Hub Earring Magic Ken Origin Story The Aftermath EMK and the Barbie Movie Legacy Earring Magic Ken: Origin Story In the early 1990s, Ken was in trouble. Faced with lackluster sales of the doll, Mattel surveyed five-year-old girls and asked them if they thought Barbie should break up with Ken. The children said that they wanted Ken to stay with Barbie, but he needed to be cooler. This was a common sentiment; if you peruse Ken's past, you'll find plenty of mediocrity and bland choices, styles of the times but no doubt lacking. What happens next in the chain of events is uncertain; some sources say that the surveyed children made demands for Ken's new look, and some suggest that Mattel took it into their own hands. Either route, Mattel arrived at one stop: a brand-new Earring Magic Ken, a part of the Earring Magic Barbie line. Ken wearing his cockring necklace. (Image Source: HSW Static) Ken's makeover consisted of some chunky blonde highlights, a purple mesh shirt, a purple pleather vest, and an earring in his left ear. From Madonna’s dancers to Prince to Ballroom, this look was snatched right out of the queer community, and while appropriation was not new, Ken’s shiny new pendant wasn’t going to lose its roots so easily. Author Dan Savage remarked that the outfit was three-year-old rave couture and that the flashy pendant Ken sported was in fact a cockring. Men wore cockrings on a necklace to signal that they were gay to other people in the know, and some men would wear cockrings secured to their vest: on the right if they are a bottom, and on the left if they are a top. A covert communication system, cockrings soon found their way into fashion, as zipper pulls and accessories for the younger gay crowds that had no care for the code. The Aftermath This was during the AIDS crisis, and nobody wanted any part of queer culture outright. So, when Ken hit the scene as a newly out man, the queer community was thrilled. There had been Gay Bob and Billy Doll, proud gay dolls living in the fringes, but out of nowhere there was a mainstream representation of gay rave culture – albeit white and cis – in a time when plenty of people needed to be seen. However, after six months and record sales, Mattel recalled the doll. Shaving Ken featuring extra-long jorts and all blue accessories. (Image Source: Pic Click) Today, you won't find Earring Magic Ken in Mattel’s archives or even in the company’s vernacular. You will find his body recycled in the beach-themed Barbie line that immediately followed. We can guess that the use of the same doll, sans jewelry, was simply to recoup their investment. The next Ken to come was in 1994: Shaving Ken, a noticeably "straighter" doll with clunkier denim-clad fashion, dark brown hair, and a sturdier disposition. He had a literal beard (pun very much intended) that could be washed away with "aftershave" only to "grow" back in time. For the next several years, Ken was buried in heteronormativity. Earring Magic Ken and the Barbie Movie In Barbie (2023), we get to see a little Earring Magic easter egg; In a scene at Weird Barbie's House, you’ll notice a recalled Ken doll donning a purple leather vest. So while the movie didn't explicitly address the issues surrounding this Ken and Mattel's queer erasure, the fact that this Ken was banished as an outcast speaks for itself. Check out our post about gay Ken's movie cameo here on Instagram . Earring Magic Ken's Legacy The masses wanted more than what was deemed fashionable for straight men. Lisa McKendall, Manager of marketing communications for Mattel at the time, is quoted saying, "We never would have done this a few years ago. But now you see more earrings on men. They are more accepted in day-to-day life. We are trying to keep Ken updated." This demonstrates that Mattel’s design team had the intent to prey upon gay culture for notoriety and profit and only changed their tune because they had stepped too far into queerness. If Ken cannot pass for straight, he cannot exist. If gay men can be indescript about their sexuality, they can be appropriated for normative culture - but if they are too queer, if they pass the boundary that allows others complacency, they are worthless and deserve not only to lose their status but also their identity and their history. Unfortunately, this may be the case for Ken’s namesake, Ken Handler, the son of the creator of Barbie who is rumored to have died because of AIDS complications, with the cause of death allegedly being hidden by his family and the Mattel company. References Dupere, K. (June 29th, 2020). THE TRUE STORY OF MATTEL ACCIDENTALLY RELEASING A SUPER GAY KEN DOLL . In The Know. https://www.intheknow.com/2020/06/29/earring-magic-ken-gay/ Grasso, S. (February 16th, 2018). 20 Fabulous Facts About Ken Dolls . Daily Dot. https://www.dailydot.com/irl/ken-doll-barbie/ Savage, D. (1993). Ken Comes Out. Seattle Stranger . The Baltimore Sun. (1993). Toy industry tinkers with gender bending And Barbie’s Ken sports an earring. The Baltimore Sun .

< Back Mary Eakins-Durand Member Mary Eakins (she/her/ella), Field Manager at Equality Florida, is a first generation US-born Cuban American. Her passions, and professional focuses, are in the areas of reproductive health and justice, criminal justice reform, and building LGBTQIA+ political power in the state. As a Cuban American raised in Hialeah, FL being a progressive, queer, pro-choice, woman was not something that was visible or acceptable in the community. Her strong desire to break down the stigma, and the rampant misinformation in Hispanic communities surrounding reproductive rights, queerness, the patriarchy and racial inequity motivated her to get involved, uplift, educate and advocate around these issues. < Back to Our Team

< Back to School Policy Hub The School To Prison Pipeline What is the School To Prison Pipeline? Historical Context The Devastating Results Case Studies Criminology Impact on Students Abuse of Power Labor Exploitation Conclusion What is the School To Prison Pipeline? The School To Prison Pipeline. It’s a charming little name hiding a deep, dark secret. Racial justice and the myriad of issues surrounding our understanding and conception of race in this country have been at the forefront of our news cycles for years now. The roots of what would eventually become known as the School To Prison Pipeline were planted in the 1970s. Image Source: Unsplash Historical Context Few students (less than four percent in 1973) were sent to out-of-school home suspension, though increasing awareness or fear of crime and violence in schools was growing. This tension applied pressure to state politicians and school districts to adopt policies that necessitated the suspension of students who had a perceived violation of proper conduct. In 1994, the Gun-Free Schools Act was passed, thus striking into law a year-long suspension out of school for any student who was caught bearing a weapon in school. It was called ‘zero-tolerance.’ The Devastating Results Zero-tolerance policies directly resulted in not only a doubling of suspensions since the 1970s, but even downright expulsion. Proponents of these policies may argue this is a good thing—we have to protect our children, right? Critics would say back, however, that these policies are broad, subject to interpretation, and disproportionately affect Black, low-income, and other minority students. Case Studies In Maryland, 2013: A seven-year-old boy was suspended after he chewed a PopTart pastry into a gun shape and aimed the pastry at a friend, apparently endangering his life by way of sugar paste. In 2014, an Ohio boy in the fifth grade was suspended after he pushed his fingers together in the shape of a gun and pretended to shoot one of his classmates. Criminology Part of the problem lies in a classic criminological theory known as ‘the broken windows theory.’ The basic idea is as follows. Neighborhoods with broken windows, loitering, prostitution, etc., are neighborhoods that are uncared for and in a state of decay. Small crimes, such as sex work, smoking marijuana, or other minor offenses, should be the focus of police work, which, in theory, will prevent larger crimes. It was meant to empower local communities, allow the public to take back their spaces, and have police officers prevent major crimes by cracking down on smaller ones. Unfortunately, theory is only ever as good as results. Impact on Students Image Source: Unsplash Though the ‘Broken Windows’ theory was designed to be applied on a larger scale to neighborhoods and communities, its basic principles were being utilized in an already strained and racially separated system: public school. Racial disparities in things like access to education, access to services, and even quality of education had been evident for all to see for decades by this time, but now the problem was compounded. Zero-tolerance policies in schools and suspensions from education disproportionately targeted lower-class and minority school systems. Child ‘offenders’ are routinely taken out of classes for minor infractions or disorderly conduct and transported by police to detention facilities. Lining the hallways of schools and even stationed in classrooms, police officers with guns on their hips observe children wearing Mario-themed backpacks or with Hello Kitty notebooks tucked under their arms as they walk by. Rather than serving as protection, these officers are here to ensure order is maintained and damned be the consequences for the children they are ostensibly there to protect. Abuse of Power In Louisiana, according to Learning for Justice, a complaint was filed with the United States Department of Justice, noting, “school officials have given armed police ‘unfettered authority to stop, frisk, detain, question, search and arrest schoolchildren on and off school grounds.’” In treating children like criminals regardless of whether they have committed an offense or not, we teach them that they are only as good as the system that tells them so. When we push children out of school for minor infractions- some as innocent as forgetting pencils- they end up in the prison system years later as actual criminals. Labor Exploitation This is profitable for states, as the private prison system has boomed in recent decades, making a tidy profit off the labor of incarcerated individuals. Not all of these hardened criminals are adults, either. A healthy number of these so-called ‘crooks’ are children. As Tracie R. Porter from the Arkansas Law Review points out, “‘...The industry of kids-for-cash became so pervasive that [d]etention center workers were told in advance how many juveniles to expect at the end of each day—even before hearings to determine their innocence or guilt.’ Children appeared before the judges following minor crimes such as mocking an assistant principal on a social media page...and stealing DVDs from Wal-Mart.” The need for cheap labor and shrinking government budgets in the face of recessions, pandemics, or even shifts in public attitude means that individuals in prison systems are being used, essentially, as slave labor for as long as their term limits apply. Students being expelled or downright arrested in school equals free labor. Once they are released from whatever minor offense they caused, it is more likely that they will re-offend and end up back in prison than not. Conclusion The Bureau of Justice’s sobering statistics states that two-thirds of released prisoners are arrested again within three years. Data from 2015, according to the Sentencing Project, shows that black students are five times more likely than white students to be incarcerated. With the ever-present tension of racism in our nation, the way we dehumanize black bodies, the way we heavily police neighborhoods and school systems with black students, is it any wonder the outcome for these kids is less than stellar? We are funneling children into a get-rich-quick scheme and pretending that it is somehow in their best interest. Broken windows may be one thing, but we are breaking people.

< 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 .

< Back to School Policy Hub Anita Bryant In 1977, Dade County, Florida, issued an ordinance to protect people from discrimination in housing, employment, and other services based on sexual orientation. The same year, Anita Bryant, celebrity singer and spokeswoman for Florida orange juice, started a movement to repeal the new anti-discrimination ordinance. Anti-LGBTQ+ Activism Anita Bryant, 1977 (Source: Word Records/Wikimedia Commons) Formed in opposition to the anti-discrimination ordinance, Save Our Children was the first organized group to actively fight against the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Headed by Bryant, the group spread claims that “homosexuals” were corrupt and recruited youth. The goal was to deceive voters into believing homosexuality was dangerous. The Humans Under Attack Committee (HUAC) was formed to protest against Bryant’s discriminatory and homophobic rhetoric. The HUAC urged consumers to boycott all Florida orange juice products in defense of civil rights. Discussions of LGBTQ+ political rights made headlines, and word of the boycott spread nationwide. Gay bars were no longer serving orange juice and, consequently, screwdriver cocktails. Instead, the bars served the “Anita Bryant” cocktail, a mix of vodka and apple juice. Bryant's anti-queer crusade was a success. In one of the largest turnouts in Dade County’s history of special elections, voters repealed the anti-discrimination ordinance by a majority vote on June 7, 1977. However, the loss was not the end of the fight for civil rights. That very day, openly gay politician Harvey Milk was elected to the San Fransisco Board of Supervisors. At the time, Anita Bryant likely had no idea that she'd find a formidable opponent in Milk, and that he would eventually help to bring about her downfall. The Briggs Initiative Anita Byant Protest in Chicago, 1977 (Source: Queer Music Heritage) Following Anita Bryant's success in 1977, Senator John Briggs of California introduced a bill to fire teachers who "publicly engaged in or promoted homosexuality." Anita Bryant supported the bill, regurgitating the same homophobic rhetoric that the Save Our Children organization used to compel voters. In 1978, Harvey Milk gave "The Hope Speech" on Gay Freedom Day in opposition to the Briggs Initiative, or Proposition 6. Despite losing their fight against Anita Bryant in Miami, Milk referenced the positive impact the initiative had on spreading awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and mobilizing the queer community. Milk said: "Unless you have dialogue, unless you open the walls of dialogue, you can never reach to change people's opinion. In those two weeks, more good and bad, but more about the word homosexual and gay was written than probably in the history of mankind. Once you have dialogue starting, you know you can break down prejudice." On November 7th, 1978, California’s Prop 6 was defeated by over a million votes. This was a huge win and a milestone in the fight for gay rights. The Briggs Initiative was the first anti-gay ballot measure not to be passed by voters. The Downfall of Anita Bryant Although some supported Anita Bryant, backlash from her homophobic crusade and her affiliation with the failed Briggs Initiative caused her to lose sponsorships and work. After the special election in 1977, Anita's husband, Bob Green, claimed her show business was down 70%. She also could not get a record deal for her new song, "There's Nothing Like the Love Between a Woman and a Man." By 1980, Anita Bryant's image fell even farther from grace, even among her own crowd. The Florida Citrus Commission decided not to renew their contract with Anita, dropping her after 12 years as the spokeswoman. During the same year, she divorced her husband. The divorce caused uproar among Christian groups that once supported her. They viewed it as going against the family values she preached. Anita later went on to write a book and open a theater. Due to the immense lack of support and work Anita received after her divorce, she would file for bankruptcy twice by 2001. She has mostly stayed out of the public eye for the past 20 years, but Anita now must decide what is more important to her: her family or her values. In 2021, Anita's granddaughter, Sarah Green, publicly came out as gay after getting engaged. Green states Anita expressed her old views regarding her granddaughter's sexuality. It is unclear whether Anita will attend the wedding. Legacy Anita Bryant was the catalyst for individuals to unite and take a stand against homophobic rhetoric and anti-gay politics. LGBTQ+ activist groups, like HUAC and Human Rights for Everyone (HERE), were formed nationwide. Only months after Anita's crusade, Harvey Milk became the first openly gay elected official in California. By 1980, 120 companies and 40 cities had passed various protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Anita Bryant won the 1977 battle in Dade County, but she lost the war on long-term LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. References Boas Hayes, C. (2013, September 22). Florida Gay Rights Activists Boycott Orange Juice, 1977-1980 | Global Nonviolent Action Database . https://nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/content/florida-gay-rights-activists-boycott-orange-juice-1977-1980#case-study-detail California Proposition 6, the Briggs Initiative (1978) . (n.d.). Ballotpedia. https://ballotpedia.org/California_Proposition_6,_the_Briggs_Initiative_(1978) D’Emilio, J. (n.d.). Dade County, USA, 1977—Chicago Stories by John D’Emilio . OutHistory. https://outhistory.org/exhibits/show/chicago-stories/dade-county-usa-1977// Douglas, D. (1977). Florida Orange Juice Boycott and Referendum. Gay Scene , 7 (10). Archives of Sexuality and Gender. http://link.gale.com/apps/doc/YPADEH852562881/AHSI?u=csuf_main&sid=zotero&xid=d0af32e0 Endres, N. (2009). Bryant, Anita (b. 1940) . Glbtq. http://www.glbtqarchive.com/ssh/bryant_anita_S.pdf Higgins, B. W. (2012, June 8). The strange but true history of Indianapolis’ gay bars . The Indianapolis Star. https://www.indystar.com/story/life/2013/12/12/indianapolis-gay-bars/3997591/ Josh Levin. (n.d.). Anita Bryant’s War on Gay Rights (No. 1). https://slate.com/transcripts/cWNjZ0ZuOU1TdjBUR0p3MHVIbVdvZG9MNWxNNHlvdXZCd2JaNXhIM053bz0= Kohler, W. (2020, November 7). Gay History - November 7, 1978: Prop 6 aka The Briggs Initiative Defeated . Back2Stonewall. http://www.back2stonewall.com/2020/11/gay-history-november-7-1978-prop-6briggs-initiative-defeated.html Milk, H. (1978). The Hope Speech . https://terpconnect.umd.edu/~jklumpp/ARD/MilkSpeech.pdf Monuments, P., & Perez, F. (n.d.). H.E.R.E. (Human Rights for Everyone) Activists Unite Against Anita Baker—June 18, 1977 . New Orleans Historical. https://neworleanshistorical.org/items/show/1429 Ring, T. (2018, August 31). The Briggs Initiative: Remembering a Crucial Moment in Gay History . Advocate. https://www.advocate.com/politics/2018/8/31/briggs-initiative-remembering-crucial-moment-gay-history Rosen, R. J. (2014, February 26). A Glimpse Into 1970s Gay Activism . The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/02/a-glimpse-into-1970s-gay-activism/284077/ Smith, H. (2009, June 24). Stonewall at 40: The Voice Articles That Sparked a Final Night of Rioting . The Village Voice. https://www.villagevoice.com/2009/06/24/stonewall-at-40-the-voice-articles-that-sparked-a-final-night-of-rioting/ Stutz, C. (2019, November 8). LGBTQ History Critical Points From 1966 to Present | Equality Nevada [Equality Nevada]. https://www.equalitynv.org/2019/11/08/lgbtq-history-critical-points-from-1966-to-present/, https://www.equalitynv.org/2019/11/08/lgbtq-history-critical-points-from-1966-to-present/ The Nation: The Gaycott Turns Ugly. (1977, November 21). Time . http://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,915719,00.html Tobin, T. (2002, October 2). Bankruptcy, ill will plague Bryant . St. Petersburg Times. http://web.archive.org/web/20021002013002/http://sptimes.com/2002/04/28/State/Bankruptcy__ill_will_.shtml

< Back Maxx Fenning Executive Director A staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and sexual health education, Maxx is the Executive Director of PRISM. Maxx recently earned his degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida, and is now pursuing a Master of Public Policy at the University of Miami. He is also an active creator on TikTok, where he educates on many of the same topics that PRISM addresses. In his free time, Maxx enjoys singing and graphic design. < Back to Our Team

< Back to School Policy Hub Cervical Caps Much like diaphragms , cervical caps cover your cervix to prevent sperm from reaching the uterus. Cervical caps are smaller than diaphragms and shaped differently. While you can leave a cervical cap in longer (up to 2 days), diaphragms are more effective in preventing pregnancy. Cervical caps do not protect against STIs. Condoms and dental dams are the only forms of contraception that can prevent STIs. How to Use a Cervical Cap Cervical caps must be used with spermicide to prevent pregnancy. Spermicide is a foam, gel, or cream that kills sperm. Diagram of how to use an internal condom (Image Source: PRISM FL, Inc / Sarah Bruso) Apply 1/4 teaspoon of spermicide to the inside of the cup, as well as around the flat part of the brim. Apply 1/2 teaspoon of spermicide in the groove between the brim and the dome. Squeeze the rim of the cap with one hand. Insert the cervical cap into the vagina so that the side with the strap faces down. Push the cervical cap as far back as it will go. If you have sex more than once, apply more spermicide to the vagina without removing the cap. After sex, leave the cervical cap in for at least 6 hours. Push against the dome to release the suction. Hook your finger around the strap and pull the cap down and out. Safety Practices Do not use a cervical cap during your period. A cervical cap can be inserted up to 6 hours before sex Do not leave your cervical cap in for more than 48 hours, as this can cause side effects

< Back to School Policy Hub Homosexuality In Ancient China Introduction China is one of the oldest countries in the world, with a history spanning more than 5,000 years. So why is it that you don’t hear much about homosexuality and queer relationships in China? Part of that has to do with the culture of ancient China and Western influences that erased the history of gay people. Similar to the rest of the world, gay people have always existed—the difference is how societies dealt with their queer history. So let’s talk about the queer history of ancient China! Records of Homosexuality "Woman Spying on Male Lovers" (Image Source: Chinese Sexual Culture Museum) Similar to homosexuality in ancient Greece, same-sex rituals and activities occurred in China between men of different socioeconomic classes. It was not looked at the same way our modern world perceives sexuality. It was part of the culture but not widely discussed. One Western chronicler, Galeote Pereira, recorded instances of prostitution in Beijing where young men were bought and taught the art of dance, music, and other skills related to being a host, similar to geishas in Japan. Due to China being very patriarchal, records were essentially all written by men for men, so records of same-sex relationships between women were scarce, if not non-existent. Factors of Same-Sex Relationships When it came to the power balance of same-sex relationships between men, the hierarchy was dictated by three different factors: gender, age, and status. Women were already seen as socially inferior to men at this time, so when relationships occurred between two men, other factors such as age and status determined the roles in both a sexual encounter and social encounter. It was not always a romantic relationship—there were instances of political marriage. What is a "Cut Sleeve?" An illustration of Dong Xian and Emperor Ai depicting the story of Passion of the cut sleeve (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) The term “cut-sleeve,” or duàn xiù, was coined by historians based on the story of the late Emperor Ai of the Han Dynasty. The story goes that Emperor Ai had a lover named Don Xian. One afternoon, in order to not disturb the sleeping lover on his arm, Emperor Ai cut off the sleeve from his robe. Thereafter the term “cut-sleeve” was used by historians as a euphemism for men loving men. The term 斷袖之癖 (duàn xiù zhī pǐ) translates to “the passion of the cut sleeve.” Being Gay in Modern China Despite the somewhat cute story behind the term “cut-sleeve,” having one of the largest dating apps geared towards gay and bisexual men, and claiming to support same-sex rights at the UN, China is still a difficult place to live for LGBTQ individuals. While there are organizations and cities known to be LGBTQ-friendly, there is still a stigma around the topic of queer people in China. Even with the younger generation being more accepting, advocates in China still face obstacles from the government and older generations, so the fight for the queer community in China is still ongoing. But, one last reminder for everyone: there have been and always will be queer people in China, changing the world one separated sleeve at a time. References Daily JSTOR. (2020, June 10). In Han Dynasty China, Bisexuality Was the Norm . Deck, A., & Yang, W. (2021, August 27). To survive, China's biggest gay dating app became a pharmacy. Rest of World . https://restofworld.org/2021/china-bluecity-healthcare-dating-apps/ Hinsch, B. (1990). Passions of the Cut Sleeve: The Male Homosexual Tradition in China . University of California Press. https://www.amazon.com/Passions-Cut-Sleeve-Bret-Hinsch/dp/0520078691

< Back to School Policy Hub DoxyPEP What is DoxyPEP? How Does DoxyPEP Work? Who Can Benefit From DoxyPEP? Considerations and Risks Get Tested Today DoxyPEP is a little pill you can take to prevent exposure to STIs . If you're looking for information on PEP and/or PrEP, which prevent exposure to HIV, check out our other article . What is DoxyPEP? Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) is an emerging strategy to prevent certain bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It involves taking the antibiotic doxycycline after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of acquiring STIs like syphilis and chlamydia. How Does DoxyPEP Work? DoxyPEP entails taking a 200 mg dose of doxycycline as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours — but no later than 72 hours — after unprotected sex. Doing so aims to prevent the establishment of bacterial infections following exposure. Who Benefits From DoxyPEP? Research has shown that DoxyPEP is most effective in reducing the risk of syphilis and chlamydia among gay and bisexual men and transgender women. Considerations and Risks While DoxyPEP shows promise, it’s essential to consider potential risks: Antibiotic Resistance: Overuse of antibiotics can lead to resistance, making infections harder to treat. Side Effects: Doxycycline can cause side effects like nausea, sensitivity to sunlight, and digestive issues. Consult Your Healthcare Provider Before starting DoxyPEP, discuss it with a healthcare professional to determine if it’s suitable for you. They can provide guidance based on your health history and potential risks. Stayed Informed As research evolves, guidelines may change. Stay updated on the latest recommendations from trusted health sources. DoxyPEP represents a proactive approach to STI prevention, offering an additional layer of protection for those at higher risk. However, it is crucial to use this strategy responsibly and in consultation with healthcare providers. Get Tested Today HIV testing is fast and easy. The Affordable Care Act ensures HIV screening is covered by health insurance without a copay, and some sites offer free testing without insurance. Check out the STI Clinic Search to find out where you can be tested in South Florida. References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Doxy PEP for Bacterial STI Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/sti/hcp/doxy-pep/index.html NAM aidsmap. (2024). DoxyPEP: Using antibiotics to prevent STIs. Retrieved from https://www.aidsmap.com/about-hiv/doxypep-using-antibiotics-prevent-stis

< Back Connor Corzine Chair Connor is a lifelong south Floridian, communications professional, and proud LGBTQ+ activist. He graduated with honors from the University of Florida with a Bachelors in Telecommunication. Connor has extensive knowledge and experience in global communications, non-profit marketing, and government relations. Connor currently serves as a Member of PRISM's Board of Directors and strives to advance PRISM's mission and LGBTQ+ inclusivity in south Florida. An avid nature-lover, Connor cares deeply about south Florida's natural ecosystems and climate resilience. < Back to Our Team

< 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.