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< Back to School Policy Hub Cultural Appropriation What is Appropriation? Identity Pollution Identity Piracy Forms of Cultural Appropriation Appropriation vs Appreciation Avoiding Cultural Appropriation Conclusion What Is Appropriation? Cultural appropriation is the adoption of desirable aspects from a minority culture by a dominant culture, often rebranding them as a product of popular culture and done in ways that can be exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical. This separates the customs from their roots, which often leads to cultural erasure. Rooted in an imbalance of power, appropriation mostly exists as a tool of colonization, whether or not it is intended. Anthropologist Simon Harrison identifies two important threats to any culture: identity pollution and identity piracy . Both can lead to identity erasure, which is the removal of a group’s or individual’s culture. Identity Pollution This is the influx of outside cultures into a space, suppressing the local customs. When we assess maps of European empires over the last several centuries, we see how much colonization has smothered the world. An anachronistic map of British colonization. (Image Source: Wikimedia) An anachronistic map of French colonization. (Image Source: Wikimedia) An anachronistic map of Spanish colonization. (Image Source: Wikimedia) Identity Piracy This is the act of an outside culture depleting another of their privacy and customs by taking them and re-appropriating them. While Simon Harrison describes these threats as asynchronous, considering the areas of the world that have been colonized (identity pollution) and evaluating what peoples seem to experience cultural appropriation in the most harmful ways (identity piracy), we find that these operate more as a two-step attack on indigenous or culturally distinct groups. Because the cultures of the European empires were so heavily enforced via global colonization, the descendants of those conquerors didn’t experience the harm of appropriation. Rather, we even learn to expect to see aspects of European culture worldwide. Forms of Cultural Appropriation Cultural appropriation manifests in diverse ways, often involving ignorance or apathy on the part of appropriators. A common form is when members of a dominant group face no consequences for adopting elements of a minority culture, while members of the minority group may face backlash for the same cultural expressions. An example is the phenomenon known as "blackfishing," where white individuals adopt elements of African American culture without facing the same societal repercussions as their Black counterparts. Kim Kardashian wearing her hair in cornrows at the MTV Awards. (Image Source: Wikimedia) Kim Kardashian The reality star has faced criticism for appropriating black hairstyles, such as cornrows, while simultaneously receiving praise for popularizing them. This highlights the disparity in how certain cultural elements are perceived based on the cultural background of the appropriator. Katy Perry Perry has been accused of cultural appropriation for various instances, including her geisha performance at the 2013 AMAs and the "This Is How We Do" music video, which featured cornrows and caricatured baby hairs. Her actions reinforce the practice of tapping into Asian and black aesthetics for entertainment purposes without understanding the complexity of these cultures. Iggy Azalea at the ACL Music Festival (Source: Wikimedia) Other white artists try to lay claim to their cultural exploits. For instance, in 2013, Iggy Azalea once stated that Miley Cyrus copied her by twerking. Not only is this entirely inaccurate and misguided, but Iggy Azalea later tried to announce that twerking, which she appropriated from Black culture and which has existed for several decades in Black spaces, was “dead.” This shows us the expansive harm of cultural appropriation, particularly of the pop culture pipeline. Cultural appropriation not only submits slices of culture for mass uninformed consumption but also attaches these artifacts with an expiration date. So, when the “trendsetters” (appropriators) decide that something is dead, the people to whom that practice is significant are expected to abandon it and are ridiculed in public spaces if they don’t. Appropriation vs Appreciation Appreciation involves seeking to understand and learn about another culture to broaden one's perspective and connect with others cross-culturally. Appropriation, on the other hand, is the act of taking cultural elements without fully understanding or respecting their significance. Where appropriation is largely theft and easy to do unwittingly, appreciation is intensive and involved. Tips for Avoiding Cultural Appropriation Examine Your Own Culture Reflect on the aspects of your own cultural background that are essential to your identity. Consider how you would feel if someone used these elements without understanding their significance. Listen First Understand and appreciate another culture by actively listening to those who are a part of it. Learn about the cultural implications of the elements that interest you. Consider Context Be aware of the meanings attached to cultural symbols and understand when and where it is appropriate to use them. Share Your Own Culture Engage in mutual cultural exchange, sharing aspects of your own language, food, customs, and traditions while learning from others. TED Talk This powerful talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse narratives and avoiding generalizations. Conclusion With the rise of connectivity on social media, we see explicit clashes between members of cultures and those who seek to invalidate them by attempting to rob them of cultural significance. This exposes how useful appropriation is as a tool for colonization and how it is deteriorating space for cultural coexistence. Navigating the complex terrain of cultural appropriation requires awareness, empathy, and a commitment to mutual understanding. By fostering a culture of respect and genuine interest in different cultures, individuals can contribute to a world where cultural exchange is enriching and inclusive rather than exploitative and harmful. References Acquaye, A. (2018, August 23). Madonna’s VMAs 2018 Outfit Is the Latest Example of Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation | Teen Vogue. Teen Vogue; Teen Vogue. https://www.teenvogue.com/story/cultural-appropriation-appreciation-kim-kardashian Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story | TED. (2009, October 7). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg Clifton, Derrick. (2014, August 5th) 5 things white people need to learn about cultural appropriation. Daily Dot. https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/5-things-white-people-cultural-appropriation/ Cultural Appreciation vs. Cultural Appropriation: Why it Matters | Greenheart International. (n.d.). Greenheart International | Connecting People and Planet. Retrieved February 14, 2024, from https://greenheart.org/blog/greenheart-international/cultural-appreciation-vs-cultural-appropriation-why-it-matters/ cultural appropriation. (n.d.). Encyclopædia Britannica; Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved February 14, 2024, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/cultural-appropriation Harrison, S. (1999). Cultural Boundaries. Anthropology Today, 15(5), 10-13. doi:10.2307/2678369 Raypole, Crystal. (2020, September 16th). There’s a Big Difference Between Cultural Appreciation and Appropriation — Here’s Why It Matters. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/cultural-appreciation#appreciation-defined

< Back to School Policy Hub LGBTQ+ Organizations Urge Miami-Dade School Board to Recognize LGBTQ History Month On September 7th, the Miami-Dade County School Board will vote on whether to recognize LGBTQ+ History Month in October. Now, LGBT organizations, activists, students, parents, and teachers are calling on the school board to remain steadfast in their commitment to supporting every student in the district. The recognition of LGBTQ History Month promotes education about the historical impacts, achievements, and contributions of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community. Maxx Fenning, a youth activist and the founder and President of PRISM, said, "LGBT people have existed since the dawn of history itself. LGBTQ+ history is American history because LGBTQ+ Americans are Americans." While MDCPS voted 7-1 to recognize LGBTQ+ History Month in 2021, a surge of anti-LGBT rhetoric puts the pending resolution at risk. This year’s resolution also directs the Superintendent to look into the feasibility of providing optional resources for teachers to discuss landmark Supreme Court cases Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) and Bostock v. Clayton County in 12th grade US Government classes. "Miami-Dade County has always been a front runner in human rights. We are watching and waiting with bated breath at what the extremists will do and say to roll back the traditions of freedom, justice, liberty, and equal rights," said Orlando Gonzalez, Executive Director of SAVE. Scott Galvin, Executive Director of Safe Schools South Florida and North Miami City Council member, echoed this, stating, "Those who think they can turn back time are always wrong." Since PRISM launched an online petition to support the resolution, they have received over 600 signatures from parents, students, and teachers in the district. They’ve also launched a letter-writing campaign to members of the school board. You can find PRISM’s petition here and letter campaign here .

< Return to Open Positions Policy Director We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Policy Director 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 The Policy Director oversees our Policy Task Force, which works to solve challenges at the local, state, and national levels, with an emphasis on fighting for the LGBTQ+ community, especially LGBTQ+ people of color across South Florida. Candidates local to Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach are strongly preferred. Hours: 30/wk Pay: $22/hr Responsibilities : Organizing grassroots actions and events to influence public opinion on key policy initiatives Recruit and train grassroots activists and community members for public policy work Coordinate scheduling and logistics for lobbying initiatives Support and assist in the direction of cross-task force engagement in policy programs Organize coalition support for legislative priorities and provide support to partners for legislative priorities Draft regular legislative and school board tracking updates Qualifications : Strong event planning and organizing skills Strong communication and public speaking skill Be comfortable communicating professionally to large audiences, especially those with opposing viewpoints Be able to work digitally, with reliable internet access Be able to travel long distances for in-person initiatives, with reliable transportation Lobbying experience strongly preferred Understanding of laws and policies that impact LGBTQ+ youth, sexual health, and public education preferred Familiarity with Google Suite preferred 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 Pubic Lice What is Public Lice? How It's Spread Symptoms Getting Tested Testing Positive What is Pubic Lice? Public lice are parasitic insects found primarily in the pubic or genital area of humans. They occur in all ethnic groups, races, and levels in society. They have three forms: the egg, aka a nit, the nymph, and the adult. Nits Nits are lice eggs. They can be hard to see and are found firmly attached to the hair shaft. They are oval and usually yellow to white. Pubic lice nits take about 6–10 days to hatch. Nymph The nymph is an immature louse that hatches from the nit. It looks like an adult pubic lice but it is smaller. They take about 2–3 weeks after hatching to mature into adults capable of reproducing. Nymphs feed on blood to live. Adult The adult pubic louse resembles a miniature crab when viewed through a strong magnifying glass. They have six legs. Their two front legs are very large and look like the pincher claws of a crab. This is a reason why they’ve gained the name “crabs.” Adults are tan to greyish-white in color, rather than the yellow from birth. Females are usually larger than males. To live, lice must feed on blood. If they lose contact with the human, they die within 1 - 2 days. How It's Spread Pubic lice are spread through sexual contact and are mostly transferred between two adults. If a child has pubic lice, they often have experienced some sort of sexual abuse or exposure. Occasionally, it can be spread by close contact or clothing, bed linens, and towels that came in contact with an infected person. Pubic lice are not spread by toilet seats. Only on extremely rare occasions can this ever happen. Their feet are not designed to hold on or walk on smooth surfaces like that and will likely die before there’s even a chance. Symptoms Symptoms that you may have pubic lice are itching in the genital area or seeing visible nits and crawling lice. These can be seen in pubic hair or other coarse hair, like armpits, beards, eyebrows, eyelashes, and mustaches. Lice found in hair are not the same thing as pubic lice. Animals cannot and will not spread pubic lice. You can also have eye irritations, which are most commonly seen in children and can lead to pink eye. This means that there are pubic lice on the eyelashes. Discolored skin may also occur, which can develop where pubic lice have been feeding on regularly. Secondary infections are also a symptom of public lice. You may scratch yourself raw and these wounds can be infected in the process. Getting Tested Testing for pubic lice is pretty easy. All you have to do is have a visual examination of your pubic area and your doctor can tell relatively quickly. Lice eggs are also an indication of an infestation. They can cling to hairs and be present, but not alive, even after you’ve undergone successful treatment. Most times you don’t even need to go to get a diagnosis or get a prescription. You can just go to a drugstore or a doctor (your preference) and get an over-the-counter pubic lice treatment. If you have pubic lice, you should also get tested for other sexually transmitted diseases. Click here to find a local testing center. Testing Positive The first thing to remember is that this is nothing to be ashamed of. Three million people in America are diagnosed yearly. There are many different types of treatments that are available. They are easy to use and come in gels, shampoos, liquids, and foam. Follow the directions in the package carefully. If you have pubic lice in your eyelashes or eyebrows, you may need to get an ophthalmic-grade petrolatum ointment that only your doctor can provide. If you’re breastfeeding or pregnant, you must consult your doctor before using any treatment. Anyone you’ve gotten intimate with should also treat themselves at the same time so that it isn’t passed back and forth. Always use freshly cleaned towels, clothes, and bedding after your treatment. It is important that BOTH of you finish your treatment and don't have sex until you're sure all of the nits, nymphs, and adults are gone. You may need to repeat treatment 9-10 days later. For real, getting frisky can wait. Willingly risking your or your partner's sexual health isn't sexy. Peace of mind is sexy. Always make sure to listen to your doctor to effectively get rid of pubic lice.

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.

< 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 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.

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

< 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

< Return to Open Positions Board Member We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Board Member 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 As PRISM is a nonprofit organization, we need members on our board to make deciding factors for the entire organization and to lead all aspects of PRISM. As we are a nonprofit, this is an unpaid position. Responsibilities : Attend monthly board meetings Develop the overall mission of the organization Maintain the financial viability of the organization Ensure the organization follows all applicable laws and regulations Create and develop large-scale policies Oversee the Executive Director and ensure that they are carrying out the mission of the Board and organization as a whole Preferred Qualifications: Understanding of parliamentary procedure Prior Board experience Nonprofit management experience Understanding of nonprofit law Grant writing/fundraising experience Experience with LGBTQ advocacy, education, public health, or youth services 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 Willi Ninja Who was Willi Ninja? Early Life Sexuality House of Ninja Death and Legacy Who is Willi Ninja? Willi Ninja in the 1990 film "Paris is Burning" (Image Source: IMDb) William Rosco Leake, or Willi Ninja, was an African American dancer and choreographer. Known as the godfather of voguing, he appeared in “Paris is Burning," a documentary film about the New York ball scene and the lives of the Black and Latino LGBTQ+ members involved. Early Life Willi Ninja had an unorthodox queer experience for the time (Image Source: Isabella B83/Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0 ) Willi was born on April 12, 1961, in New Hyde Park, New York. Born to a single mother, Willi lived in Flushing, Queens, where he first started teaching himself to dance. After high school, Willi went to beauty school and moved to Greenwich Village. It was in his early twenties that he started to perfect his style of voguing. While he did not invent Voguing, he perfected and pioneered the technique, drawing from Fred Astaire, Kemetic hieroglyphs, and martial arts to name a few. Sexuality While not much is known about his childhood, Willi talked in an interview with Joan Rivers about how he never really came out. His mother actually confronted him about it and said “A mother always knows” in reference to his homosexuality. She told him that he was her son and she would always love him. This was in stark contrast to most queer youth of the time. The support his mother gave is really what nurtured his vogue and led to him becoming the artist and house “mother” he was. House of Ninja Willi Ninja and friends voguing at "Mars", a nightclub in New York City, in 1988. Ninja founded the House of Ninja, a safe space for struggling queer youth. Willi was a prominent figure in the New York drag ball scene. Balls were parties thrown by queer people starting in the 1920s as a way to come together in a safe space and have some fun. With rising political race tensions through the 50’s and 60’s the scene was fractured and balls became segregated, often with black or black and Latino-only houses competing. Houses in the scene were not formed until the early 70’s starting with the first house, the House of LeBeija. These houses served as a chosen family for queer youth who were either abandoned by their families or ran away from home. Headed by a “mother”, each house was known for certain characteristics. For example, members of the House of Xtraviganza were known for their natural beauty while the House of Ninja was known for their dance skills. Houses competed against each other for prizes and the title of the best house. Willi founded the House of Ninja along with Sandy Apollonia Ninja, formerly from the House of LeBeija, where they served as house mothers. The House of Ninja serves as a multiracial family and currently has 220 members worldwide. Want to learn more about gay club culture in the 70s and 80s? Click here. Death and Legacy Willi Ninja pushed vogue, and queer club culture as a whole, into the mainstream. Willi Ninja died on September 2nd, 2006, of AIDS-related heart failure. Even until his death at age 46, Willi mentored upcoming dancers and models, as well as contributed to the discussion of HIV/AIDS awareness in the queer community. His legacy is felt even now as his work inspires many artists and continues to inspire dancers and queer people today. Willi was featured in Malcome McLaren's “Deep in Vogue” music video and inspired Madonna’s number one song, “Vogue.” He is also a central figure in LGBTQ+ and gender studies for his passionate and nonconforming expression as an artist.

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