< Back to School Policy Hub Chlamydia What is Chlamydia? How It's Spread Symptoms Getting Tested Testing Positive What is Chlamydia? Chlamydia is an easily curable bacterial infection. It is one of the most common STIs. When we say common, we mean REALLY common. ' Around 1.8 MILLION cases of Chlamydia were reported to the CDC in 2019 (mostly between 14 and 24 years old), making it the most commonly reported STI in the US. However, it’s estimated that closer to 3 million people actually contract chlamydia every year in America. Chlamydia is easily treatable. Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics. The sooner you find out you have it, the easier it is to cure. How It's Spread Chlamydia can be spread even if no one ejaculates. Chlamydia is carried in semen, pre-cum, and vaginal fluids. It can infect the penis, vagina, cervix, anus, urethra, eyes, and throat. Generally, this happens through vaginal sex or anal sex. In rare cases, chlamydia can be spread through oral sex, too. Symptoms Part of the reason chlamydia is so common is that there usually are no symptoms . However, some signs can show up: unusual vaginal discharge watery discharge from the penis bleeding outside of periods pain or burning while peeing swollen or tender testicles Chlamydia can also infect your eyes. If this happens, you may notice irritation, redness, or discharge. Getting Tested Testing for chlamydia is generally simple and painless. Often, this just means peeing in a cup. In the case of other infected areas, your doctor may take samples from your throat, vagina, cervix, urethra, or anus with a cotton swab to test for bacteria. Because symptoms for chlamydia and gonorrhea are similar, you'll often be tested for both at the same time. It's important to get tested regularly. If you're sexually active, this means at least once per year. Even if you or your partner don't show symptoms, you should follow this general rule of thumb. Seriously. If left untreated for too long, chlamydia can cause infertility and increase your risk of getting HIV. If you're pregnant, you could also pass it to your baby or have a premature delivery. So, do you and your partner a HUGE favor and put your minds at ease. Click here to find a local testing c enter . Tested Positive So, your results came back positive. The first thing to remember is that this is nothing to be ashamed of. Like we said earlier, this is a very, very common infection. If you or your partner have chlamydia, it does not necessarily mean anyone cheated. Test results may not detect the infection until well after contracting it. How do I get rid of it? Luckily, chlamydia is easily treatable with antibiotics. There are different forms of antibiotics that are used to treat chlamydia, so make sure to follow the instructions from your doctor. Often, your doctor may give you medicine for both you and your partner(s). It is important that BOTH of you finish your treatment and don't have sex for at least 7 days. For real, getting frisky can wait. If you don't take your antibiotics all the way through, you run the risk of re-infecting your partner or other people. 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 chlamydia. References What is Chlamydia?: Causes of Chlamydia Infection . Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/chlamydia . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance 2019 . U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/2019/overview.htm#Chlamydia .

Learn all about being a lesbian and the lesbian community! < Return to Resources Lesbian Resources Learn all about being a lesbian and the lesbian 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 Lesbian Women attracted to women—but is there more to it? Learn More Coming Out Tips Check out our tips and advice for how to come out safely. Learn More History Sappho of Lesbos Learn about the legendary poet Sappho and why she's known as the "lesbian muse." Learn More The Fight for Marriage Equality For decades, the LGBTQ+ community fought for marriage equality. Here's the story of that struggle. Learn More AIDS Crisis The AIDS Crisis ravaged the LGBTQ+ community for decades, and the government did little to help. Learn More 1 2 3 1 ... 1 2 3 ... 3 Lesbian Pride Quick View PRISM Pride Backpack: Lesbian Price $48.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Notebook: Lesbian Price $16.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Magic Mug: Lesbian Price $16.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Face Mask: Lesbian Price $19.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Shirt: Lesbian Price $36.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Sweatshirt: Lesbian Price $45.50 1 2 3

< Return to Get Involved Open Positions Filters: Reset Filters Paid/Volunteer Task Force Remote availability Board Treasurer The Board Treasurer stays on top of PRISM's finances to ensure we're doing all we can to serve LGBTQ+ youth. Apply Youth Advisory Committee Advise our Board on how to best serve young people in South Florida! Apply Grant Writer Grant Writers support grant writing on behalf of PRISM. Apply Board Secretary The Secretary of the Board must keep thorough, accurate minutes of our meetings for our records. They also conduct all communication between the Board and outside parties. Apply Board Member The Board of Directors are the head of PRISM, making all of the final decisions regarding events, fundraising and more! Apply 1 1 ... 1 ... 1 1 1 ... 1 ... 1 1 1 ... 1 ... 1

< Back to School Policy Hub Bathroom Access: What Students Need to Know Bathroom access has become one of the most personal and politicized issues facing transgender and nonbinary students in Florida. At its core, this is not about politics—it is about safety, dignity, and whether students can get through the school day without fear or disruption. What Florida Law Requires In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed HB 1521, the Safety in Private Spaces Act . It applies to: K–12 public and many private schools Public colleges and universities Certain private colleges and universities (through a Department of Education rule for institutions licensed by the Commission for Independent Education or exempt under s. 1005.06(1)(b)–(f), F.S.) Under HB 1521 and related DOE rules : Restrooms and changing facilities must be designated for exclusive use by males or females, as defined by sex assigned at birth, or be a single-occupancy unisex facility that meets privacy standards (floor-to-ceiling walls, locking door). Students, staff, and others can be disciplined only if they willfully enter a facility for the “opposite sex” and refuse to leave when asked by authorized personnel. Exceptions exist for emergencies, maintenance, accompanying certain people (such as children under 12 or someone with a disability), or when a designated facility is out of order. For private postsecondary institutions, policies must be updated in student and employee handbooks, disciplinary procedures must be in place, and students and staff must be told they can file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General if the school fails to comply. The Role of Single-Stall and Unisex Bathrooms The law explicitly allows single-stall unisex restrooms and unisex changing facilities as alternatives. These are often the safest and most dignified harm-reduction option for transgender and nonbinary students. If your school or campus has one, you can request to use it—this is permitted under state law. What Federal Law Protects Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education, has been interpreted by courts and the U.S. Department of Education to include protections for transgender students. While Florida law is restrictive, Title IX still applies, and related cases are ongoing. This means you may still have legal recourse if you are denied access in a way that violates your federal rights. What Students and Families Can Do Request a meeting : Discuss accommodations such as access to a single-stall unisex restroom or other privacy measures. Document incidents : If you are denied access or told to leave, write down the date, time, and names of those involved. Seek support : Contact PRISM for guidance and resources. File a complaint : You may file with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights under Title IX or, in some cases, with the Florida Attorney General if your institution fails to meet state facility requirements. Why It Matters Bathroom access affects health, emotional wellbeing, and the ability to focus on learning. While current Florida law limits options, advocacy can still make a difference. Some schools and campuses continue to support students, and others may be open to change when students, families, and allies speak up. If you or your child is being denied access or made to feel unsafe, you are not alone. PRISM is here to help you understand your rights, navigate your options, and take action when necessary.

< Return to Open Positions Copy Editor We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Copy Editor 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. Editors ensure the highest quality of PRISM's articles, social media captions, and other forms of written work. Candidates local to Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach are strongly preferred. Pay : $50 Standard $75 Rush Edit Responsibilities : Review articles, captions, and other tasks for spelling, grammatical, punctuation, or formatting errors Ensure that educational topics are conveyed in a well-formatted, easy-to-read manner Maintain accuracy of information provided, both through peer-editing and continuous review of published resources While not required, it is preferred that Editors 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 Editors should also have experience in proofreading and editing. Editors are assessed in their technical abilities prior to hiring through various mock tasks. 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

Need the anti-bullying resources formally listed on the Florida Department of Education website? Check here! < Return to Resources Anti-Bullying Resources Know your rights and how to defend them Read on to learn why these resources are paramount to protecting students. Click here to skip directly to the list of anti-bullying resources. First, some context. On December 6th, 2021, the Florida Department of Education (DOE) removed countless anti-bullying resources from its site, including guidance on preventing bullying against LGBTQ+ youth. These resources, which provide guidance on how to prevent bullying for educators and students alike, are paramount to the safety of all students, not just those in the LGBTQ+ community. DOE Director of Communications Jared Ochs said the following in a statement confirming the removal: “Unfortunately, the links we reviewed were to U.S. DOE webpages that had previously provided helpful guidance and information, but now are being used as platforms for advocacy.” One glaring question arises from this: What is so “unfortunate” about advocating for our most vulnerable youth? We know exactly why the DOE finds this to be an issue. Empowering educators, staff, and students with resources to create a learning environment that is safe for all students is directly at odds with the mission of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has continuously eroded away protections for LGBTQ+ students by preventing transgender girls from participating in womens’ sports and limiting discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation in schools . We believe in providing easily accessible resources for LGBTQ+ youth, both on and off-campus. That’s why we’re fighting back. Below, you can find all of the anti-bullying resources previously provided on the FLDOE website. This will remain the top link until the DOE restores these resources on their own site in full. These resources were pulled from the Internet Archives' Wayback Machine , which maintains a record of almost every iteration of every website from the past two decades. These resources are exactly as they were displayed (aside from our own gorgeous fonts, of course) on the FLDOE website as of October 6th, 2021. Bullying Prevention Bullying in schools is of increasing focus for Florida schools, districts, and for the Florida Department of Education. Florida Statute 1006.147, also known as The Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act, requires school districts to adopt an official policy prohibiting bullying and harassment of students and staff on school grounds, at school-sponsored events, and through school computer networks. Bullying Resources for Educators | Bullying Resources for Parents | Bullying Resources for Youth Bullying/Harassment Definition: Systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students or employees that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment; or unreasonably interfere with the individual’s school performance or participation. Bullying Law and Policy Florida's Anti-Bullying Law - s.1006.147, F.S. DOE's Revised Model Anti-Bullying Policy (Word) Criteria Checklist for Model Policy (Word) Guidance on Federal Anti-Discrimination Law (PDF) Key Policy Letters on Bullying from the U.S. Department of Education Discrimination and Harassment Based on Race, Religion, or National Origin (December 31, 2015) Bullying and Harassment of Students with Disabilities (October 21, 2014) Bullying and Harassment of Students with Disabilities (August 20, 2013) (PDF) Enclosure (PDF) Bullying and Harassment of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Students (June 14, 2011) Bullying and Federal Anti-discrimination Laws (October 26, 2010) Bullying Resources StopBullying.gov (Developed by the U.S. Health and Human Services, Education Department, Centers for Disease Control, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) What is Bullying Warning Signs that a Child is Being Bullied Bullying and Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, or Transgender Youth Bullying and Youth with Disabilities and Special Needs Respond to Bullying Bullying Awareness & Prevention (Learn Psychology) Cyberbullying Resources Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN): Anti-Bullying Resources Bullying Resources for Educators How can I create a bully-free school environment? Adult intervention is one of the best defenses against bullying. Educators can first learn the warning signs as well as the myths of bullying, especially of social bullying, which research indicates is more difficult for adults to identify than other forms of bullying. Educators can intervene when they see bullying occur and can send a clear message that the school does not tolerate bullying. Some steps that schools can take to ensure a bully-free school environment include the following: (1) identify where and when bullying occurs; (2) train all school personnel to recognize bullying; (3) increase adult supervision at campus "hot spots"; (4) create an anti-bullying task force charged with educating students and staff; and (5) integrate anti-bullying materials into curriculum for discussion and role-play. Educators can use staff meetings, assemblies, parent conferences, and most importantly daily interactions with students to establish a culture of acceptance, tolerance and respect. Training Resources Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment in Our Nation's Classrooms. This training toolkit is made up of two modules to address bullying in classrooms. Specifically, it is designed to assist teachers in cultivating meaningful relationships with students while creating a positive climate in the classroom. Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment on Our Nation's School Buses. This training toolkit is made up of two modules to address bullying on school buses. Specifically, it is designed to assist school bus drivers in cultivating meaningful relationships with students while creating a positive climate on the bus. StopBullying.gov Prevention at School Stop It on the Spot Monique Burr Foundation: Prevention Education Programs Bullying: A Module for Teachers (American Psychological Association) Bullying Prevention (National Association of School Psychologists) National School Safety Center: Bullying in Schools Bullying for Educators (podcast) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Technology and Youth: Protecting your Child from Electronic Aggression (PDF) Hamilton Fish: The 411 on Bullying (PDF) Bullying programs - OJJDP Model Programs Guide School-Based Bullying Prevention - OJJDP Model Programs Guide Bullying Resources for Parents How can I support my child if he or she is bullied at school? Avoid blaming your child for the harassment. Think twice before giving advice - your child may have already tried the strategies you are going to suggest. Get as much information as you can. Talk with your child’s teacher, principal, or counselor and ask them to help your child be safe. Their intervention may include consequences for the bully, increased supervision, and helping your child make more friends if he or she is isolated. Ask your child what she has already tried to resolve the problem. Praise her for all the things she has tried. Give him permission to stop doing the things that haven't worked to stop the bullying. Encourage him to keep telling you and other adults. Help him to think about what has worked- or what might work. If your child is isolated, help her make connections through activities, hobbies, or clubs. StopBullying.gov How to Talk About Bullying What to Do if Your Child is Being Bullied (PDF) How to Talk with Your Child's Educators (PDF) Bullying and Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, or Bisexual (LGBT) Youth Prevent Cyberbullying Technology and Youth: Protecting your Child from Electronic Aggression (PDF) For bullying and harassment using social media (such as Facebook, MySpace, Tumblr and Formspring), parents can follow the social media site's "Help" link to report abuse or policy violations such as imposter accounts, bullying, hate speech, pornography, etc. Bullying Prevention (National Association of School Psychologists) Bullying of Children with Special Needs Bullying Prevention for Parents (podcast) Bullying Resources for Youth There is a good chance that you have experienced bullying yourself, or that you have been the bully yourself. Probably, you have seen someone else being bullied. Bullying can take the form of words or deeds. It can be done from electronic devices. It includes repeatedly calling someone names, or repeatedly excluding someone from the group, or physically harassing someone. If you feel like you are being mistreated or isolated and it is happening again and again, talk to an adult. Know there is help. If you find yourself bullying someone else, stop the behavior and make it right. Apologize. Focus on doing things differently from now on. Ask for help with your behavior. If you see someone being bullied, take a stand and support that person. If you feel safe, tell the person doing the bullying to stop. If you don't feel safe, walk away and try to bring the victim with you. Whether you are being bullied, being the bully, or seeing someone being bullied, know that there is help. Start by talking to an adult you can trust. StopBullying.gov What Should I Do If I'm Bullied? (PDF) What You Can Do Support the Kids Involved What Can Students and Youth Do to "Lend a Hand?" (PDF) Bullying and Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, or Bisexual (LGBT) Youth Contact: Office of Safe Schools 325 West Gaines Street, Room 1302 Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400 Educators Parents Youth Start

< 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 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 .

Content Task Force Student program Ambassador

In March 2022, Florida passed HB1557, the "Parental Rights in Education" bill, into law. Among advocates and activists, the law is referred to as "Don't Say LGBTQ" because it heinously restricts and censors queerness in schools. Don't Say LGBTQ+ Florida has signed "Don't Say LGBTQ+" into law. Here's what the law is, what it does, and how PRISM is fighting back. What is "Don't Say LGBTQ+"? The Don't Say LGBTQ+ Law , or the Parental Rights in Education Act (HB 1557), bans classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in certain grade levels or in a specified manner. What began as a ban in K-3rd grade was then expanded to K-8 with the passage of HB 1069 last year. However, the biggest effect of the bill lies in its vague and ambiguous language- and that’s by design. Many teachers and school staff felt it was best to fully avoid the conversation than to risk accidentally violating the law. The Settlement In March of this year, a legal settlement clarified what restrictions are imposed by the Don't Say LGBTQ+ Law. Here's what that included: LGBTQ+ in the Classroom Students and teachers can now discuss LGBTQ+ issues. However, teachers cannot provide lessons or instruction on gender or sexual orientation. References to LGBTQ+ people, relationships, and families are allowed, and students can discuss LGBTQ+ issues and history in school assignments. Representation LGBTQ+ teachers are also allowed to display pictures of their same-sex spouses, and teachers can keep up safe space signage and stickers to show support (including pride flags). Books Back on Shelves This agreement clarified that books featuring LGBTQ+ characters can be accessible in school libraries. Though they cannot be studied in the classroom as part of a lesson on gender identity and sexual orientation, the books are now accessible to students. LGBTQ+ Student Organizations GSAs are protected, providing students with essential support and advocacy spaces. Additionally, participation in and support of LGBTQ+ student clubs and cultural presentations remain unaffected. Responding to supporters of the bill: It can be exhausting to fight Internet trolls on this left and right, so we've got you covered. PRISM has broken down all of the myths that have been thrown around to support this harmful piece of legislation. Don’t worry, our sources are cited. You can also catch these as one, complete video on our TikTok page . Join us in fighting back. Just because the law has passed doesn't mean there aren't ways to fight back. Keep an eye on our Upcoming Events , because we regularly plan protests and speak out against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation during school board meetings.

< Back to School Policy Hub Coming Out Tips What is "Coming Out"? Right Time, Right People Find a Solid Support Group You Don't Need to Come Out What is "Coming Out"? “Coming Out” is the act of disclosing one’s own sexuality or gender identity to someone. Coming out is revealing your own sexuality or gender identity to someone. However, coming out is not disclosing or revealing someone else’s sexuality or gender identity. Unless that person is out of the closet already and is fine with people telling others then it is not ok to ever reveal someone else’s sexuality or gender identity. Right Time, Right People Make sure the people you come out to are accepting before coming out. If you’re worried that they might not be, always have a backup plan (especially if it’s someone you depend on, like a parent). We know it can be heartbreaking, but you must have a backup plan. If someone is not accepting of you, you must rise above their negativity and take the high road. If they become verbally and or physically abusive, then you must remove them from your life, no matter who it is. Find A Solid Support Group There are plenty of organizations and LGBTQ+ groups throughout the globe. It can be scary to get involved, but it’s rewarding in the end. PRISM prides itself on promoting a safe, welcoming environment for everyone involved on our Discord Server. Click here to join! You Don’t Need To Come Out The most important thing to remember is that if you don’t feel comfortable coming out, you don’t need to. You’re not “lying” or “fake.” It’s your business. Your business is your business. While there is a heavy glorification surrounding coming out in media and online, you do not have to tell anyone your sexuality if you do not feel comfortable. If you feel pressured by anyone or any group, then the best thing to do is refrain from including that influence in your life. References Coming out: A resource for LGBTQ students . GLSEN. (n.d.). https://www.glsen.org/activity/coming-out-resource-lgbtq-students. Coming Out Resources . HRC. (n.d.). https://www.hrc.org/resources/coming-out. What's "coming out"? Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sexual-orientation/sexual-orientation/whats-coming-out.

< Back to School Policy Hub Harvey Milk Who was Harvey Milk? Early Life Sexuality Political Career Death and Legacy Who was Harvey Milk? Harvey Milk was the first openly gay elected official in California. Harvey Milk was the first openly gay elected official in the United States. In 1977, he won his seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and became a strong advocate for civil and human rights. His election gave hope to the LGBTQ community as this was the first representation they had ever seen in politics. Unfortunately, Harvey Milk was assassinated quite early into his career prematurely ending his life and sparking his legacy. Early Life Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977 (Image Source: Daniel Nicoletta) Milk was born in Woodmere, New York, in 1930 into a Lithuanian family. His family practiced the Jewish religion, and his father was a member of the U.S. Navy. Harvey Milk went on to study at the New York State College for Teachers, where he first started bringing up the debate of diversity. After graduating in 1951, he enlisted in the Navy, following in his father's footsteps. Sexuality After leaving the Navy around the 1960s, Milk spent some time in Rhode Island as a driving instructor until his sexual orientation was questioned, and he left. Harvey then moved back to New York, where he took on many different roles. He was a teacher, stock analyst, and at one point a production associate on Broadway. Over the next decade, Harvey Milk began to involve himself more in politics, starting with advocating against the Vietnam War. In 1972, Milk moved to San Francisco, where he was truly able to start embracing his identity. Surrounded by an emerging LGBTQ+ community, he was able to explore and become more confident in himself. Milk and his fellow activists founded the Castro Village Agency, the first organization of primarily LGBTQ+ businesses in the nation. This supported existing LGBTQ+ companies and paved the way for the development of new LGBTQ+ organizations. Political Career Harvey Milk fought vehemently for gay rights in California (Image Source: San Jose University Collection/Ted Sahl) In 1972 and 1974, Harvey Milk ran for the supervisor position in San Francisco and lost both times. This, however, didn’t stop him, as his continuous involvement established his name as one not to be reckoned with in the political world. Following another loss when running for State Assembly, Milk realized that if he rallied up all the voters involved in the Castro’s Village Agency, he would have a much greater chance at succeeding in running as a candidate. This campaign worked, and on January 9, 1978, Harvey Milk was inaugurated as the San Francisco City Council Supervisor. The news of his election as the first openly gay elected official quickly spread throughout the nation. Harvey Milk not only worked to serve the LGBTQ+ community, but many others as well. Some of the main points on his political agenda were to protect LGBTQ and other minority rights, provide low-cost housing, reform tax codes to assist the industry, and provide working mothers with daycares. He advocated for many measures to make the city of San Francisco an overall safer place. Harvey Milk and the Brigg's Initiative One of Milk's major victories was defeating the Brigg's Initiative, a ballot measure that would have prohibited LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ-supporting people from teaching in California's public schools. Learn more about Milk and the Brigg's Initiative here. Death and Legacy Milk's dedication to ending LGBT discrimination paved the way for future LGBT legislation (Image Source: Daniel Nicoletta/Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0 ) On November 27, 1978, Harvey Milk's life was tragically taken by Dan White, who was able to sneak into the city hall and assassinate him. His death, however, was not the end of his legacy and did not stop his message from being shared. On the day of his death, many Americans across the country found the courage to come out to honor his life and his belief that no one should live in fear in the closet. His position opened the door for many more LGBTQ+ politicians to step up and get involved. His death shed light on the true horrors of the discrimination and violence faced by the LGBTQ+ community and inspired others to fight for gay rights in his name and to carry on his legacy. References Milk Foundation.org» The Official HARVEY MILK Biography. (2014). Milkfoundation.org. https://milkfoundation.org/about/harvey-milk-biography/