< Back to School Policy Hub Gender-Affirming Care What is Gender Affirming Care? Gender-affirming care refers to a range of support systems that help transgender and gender-diverse people achieve “lasting personal comfort with their gendered selves." Gender-affirming care is highly individualized, based on the unique needs of each person. It includes non-medical forms of support, such as voice therapy and hair removal, as well as medical treatments like puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and surgeries. Gender Dysphoria Puberty Blockers Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Gender-Affirming Surgeries Non-Medical Care Why Gender-Affirming Care Matters Attacks on Gender-Affirming Care Myths about Gender-Affirming Care What is Gender Dysphoria? Transgender people often seek gender-affirming care as a way to reduce gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria describes the deep distress many transgender people feel when their bodies do not match their gender identity. Gender dysphoria is linked to negative mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Not all transgender people experience gender dysphoria. Some transgender people experience gender incongruence, or the feeling of mismatch between their bodies and their gender identities, not deep distress. According to the WPATH’s 2022 Standards of Care, both gender dysphoria and gender incongruence should qualify patients to receive gender-affirming care as long as feelings have been notable and consistent. What are Pubertal Blockers? Physical changes associated with puberty can increase gender dysphoria for trans youth. Puberty-blocking medications suppress the body’s release of sex hormones. This can decrease the growth of facial and body hair, prevent voice deepening, limit the growth of genitalia, limit or stop breast development, and stop menstruation. As with other forms of gender-affirming care for youth, puberty blockers are only prescribed after careful consultations between a medical provider, the patient, and the patient’s parent or legal guardian. If the patient stops taking blockers, pubertal changes will resume. What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)? Hormone Replacement Therapy (or HRT) describes the process of taking hormones to promote physical changes that affirm one’s gender identity. For transmasculine people, taking testosterone can lead to changes like body fat redistribution, facial and body hair growth, and voice deepening. For transfeminine people, taking estrogen can lead to changes like breast development and body fat redistribution. Like all medical procedures, HRT can have side effects, but for many transgender people, the physical and mental health benefits of HRT greatly outweigh any potential risks. What are Gender Affirming Surgeries? Top Surgery Not every trans person wants surgery, but there are lots of options for those who do. For transmasculine people, top surgery involves removing breast tissue, creating a natural chest contour, and removing or altering the nipples. For transfeminine people, top surgery often involves implants that make the chest bigger. Facial reconstruction surgeries can alter the cheekbones, nose, jaw, chin, or Adam’s apple. Bottom Surgery Bottom surgery for transmasculine people is more complicated and less common. Options include metoidioplasty, in which the existing genital tissue is rearranged, or phalloplasty, in which a penis is constructed from grafts and implants. Some transfeminine people get bottom surgery, most commonly a vaginoplasty, in which a vagina and a vulva are created from original genital tissue or grafts. Other Surgeries Transmasculine people who plan to stay on HRT for life often get a hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus. Transfeminine people who plan to stay on HRT for life often get an orchiectomy, or removal of the testes. Non-Medical Care Counseling Counseling from an affirming mental healthcare provider can empower trans individuals to explore their gender identity, plan their social transition, and prepare for gender-affirming surgery if desired. Appearance Experimentation with visual style gives trans folx an opportunity to explore their gender expression. This may include wearing different hair, makeup, or nail styles. Trying different clothing styles and body part occlusion, like binding or tucking, or accentuation, like hip or butt padding, are other avenues by which a trans person may pursue gender affirmation. In some cases, seeking hair removal treatments, such as shaving, waxing, laser, or electrolysis, can contribute to a person's sense of affirmation. Voice For some, changing the pitch, intonation, timbre, speed, or other qualities of the voice may be an important aspect of their gender-affirming journey. Voice training, vocal cord surgery, or changes associated with masculinizing HRT can facilitate such auditory changes. Why Gender Affirming Care Matters Gender-affirming care is a powerful support for the overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being of transgender and gender-diverse youth and adults. It significantly reduces negative mental health outcomes, including depression and suicidality. It also supports the overall physical health of transgender people, ensuring they receive respectful and effective care that centers their needs. Attacks on Gender-Affirming Care Despite the clear evidence for the benefits of gender-affirming care, transphobic politicians and medical providers are working to restrict and even prohibit access to it. In November 2022, the Florida Board of Medicine voted to ban access to puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and gender-affirming surgeries for youth. Then, in April 2023, the Senate advanced a bill that would: Heavily penalize healthcare providers for administering gender-affirming care to patients Revoke the medical licenses of those providers Prohibit Medicaid from covering gender-affirming care Allow the state to remove children from their parent(s) if their parent(s) have authorized — or might authorize — gender-affirming care Classify gender-affirming care as “serious physical harm" despite consensus from the medical community that gender-affirming care is safe and effective for treating dysphoria However, this ban was blocked in June 2023 by a Federal district court on the basis that it violates the Constitution's equal protection clause by singling out trans minors. While this temporary block is in place, minors can still legally access gender-affirming care. Myths About Gender-Affirming Care There is a wealth of misinformation and misunderstanding surrounding gender-affirming care. Visit our article to learn what these myths are and how to counter them. This article was written by Yarrow Koning References Boyle, P. (2022, October 13). What is gender-affirming care? Your questions answered. AAMC . https://www.aamc.org/news/what-gender-affirming-care-your-questions-answered Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Gender affirmation (confirmation) or sex reassignment surgery. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21526-gender-affirmation-confirmation-or-sex-reassignment-surgery Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Voice feminization surgery. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21779-voice-feminization-surgery Coleman, E. et al. (2022) Standards of care for the health of transgender and gender diverse people, version 8. International Journal of Transgender Health. 32 (1). S1-S258. https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2022.2100644 Federal judge blocks Florida ban on Medicaid funds for transgender treatment. (2023, June 22). CBS News . https://www.cbsnews.com/news/florida-ban-medicaid-funds-transgender-treatment-federal-judge-blocks/ Gender affirmation nonsurgical services . (2023, March 8). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/gender-affirmation-nonsurgical-services Hysto.net . (n.d.). Reasons for transgender men to get a hysterectomy. https://www.hysto.net/reasons-transmen-get-hysterectomy.htm Nolan, I. T., Kuhner, C. J., & Dy, G. W. (2019). Demographic and temporal trends in transgender identities and gender confirming surgery. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6626314/ Weiss, E. (2022, September 20). Gender-Affirming Care When Your Gender is Nonbinary . Plume Health. https://getplume.co/blog/gender-affirming-care-when-your-gender-is-nonbinary/

< Back to School Policy Hub DEI Rollbacks: What They Mean for Schools What DEI Rollbacks Really Mean for Florida Schools Across Florida, school districts are quietly repealing or rewriting their policies around diversity, equity, and inclusion, often without public discussion and sometimes without clear justification. These rollbacks are part of a broader political campaign to eliminate DEI programs in public education, but the impacts are deeply personal. They affect who gets hired, how students are supported, and whether schools are equipped to address inequality when they see it. At first glance, DEI might sound like a buzzword. But for many students, it has real meaning. DEI policies are often what ensure schools collect data on discipline disparities, offer cultural competency training to staff, or create advisory groups that include LGBTQ+ students and students of color. Removing these policies does not erase inequity. It just makes it harder to address. What’s Driving the Rollbacks In February 2025, the U.S. Department of Education issued a “Dear Colleague” letter that significantly changed how districts understand their responsibilities under federal law. The letter responded to the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and warned that many DEI initiatives could violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. It stated that schools using race directly or through proxies in any part of their operations might be at risk of losing federal funding. Although the letter is framed as guidance and does not create new law, its forceful language and threat of enforcement led to widespread alarm. Across Florida, school districts began scaling back DEI programs, disbanding equity advisory committees, canceling staff trainings, and removing references to inclusion from their policies. These changes were not driven by local concerns, but by fear of federal consequences. The result is that schools are less prepared to meet the needs of all students. Stripping away the tools that help educators recognize and respond to inequality sends a clear message that equity is no longer a priority. For students who have long relied on these protections, the rollback of DEI is not abstract. It is a loss of safety, support, and visibility in the very places that should be helping them succeed. What This Looks Like in Practice In Miami-Dade County, the school board recently approved first readings of two revised policies that reflect a broader rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. In G-5, which amends School Board Policy 9142 titled "Diversity Equity and Excellence Advisory Committee," the board voted to rename the committee to the "Educational Opportunity and Access Advisory Committee." The amended policy also adds a new requirement that all committee recommendations must comply with state and federal law. Although compliance with the law has always been expected, writing it into the policy text for the first time signals a shift. Advocates are concerned that this change may be used to restrict bold or forward-thinking proposals. Separately, in G-4, the board moved to repeal Policy 6320.06 titled "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Business Operations and Practices." The stated purpose of this action is to eliminate duplication and consolidate related content under other procurement policies such as Policy 6320.02 and Policy 6465. In Palm Beach County, the school board repealed five DEI policies in a single vote, despite months of public outcry. These included protections for inclusive hiring, supplier diversity, and culturally responsive instruction. Students, educators, and community leaders testified about the importance of these programs, but the board moved forward anyway. These changes may seem procedural, but they send a clear message about whose needs matter and whose don’t. What You Can Do Request transparency. Ask your school board whether they are considering changes to DEI policies. Demand public input and clear explanations before any vote. Review agendas and track changes. Look at how policies are labeled or renamed. Many rollbacks are presented as “updates” or “clarifications,” even when they remove critical language. Speak up at meetings. Florida law allows you to speak on any item up for vote. Bring your story and show why DEI matters in practice, not just on paper. Connect with educators and staff. Even if policies are repealed, many educators still want to support inclusive classrooms. Partner with them to find ways forward. Why This Matters DEI policies do not guarantee equity on their own. But they are a starting point—a public commitment to fairness, data-informed decision making, and shared responsibility for inclusion. When schools roll them back, they are not just changing words on a page. They are walking away from students who need support the most. These rollbacks are not just political moves. They affect who feels seen in the classroom, who gets resources when problems arise, and whether students can trust their schools to stand up for them. PRISM is committed to helping students, teachers, and parents push back against these changes. We believe every student deserves a school that recognizes their full identity and meets their needs with dignity, equity, and care.

< 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 .

< Back to School Policy Hub Malcolm X Who was Malcolm X? Early Life Sexuality Civil Rights Movement Death and Legacy Who was Malcolm X? Malcolm X in 1964: (Image Source: Library of Congress) Malcolm X was an American Muslim minister who became popular during the civil rights movement in the 1960s for his “By all means necessary” approach to gaining freedom and justice for African Americans. After facing many hardships and spending years in prison, Malcolm X turned his life around upon converting to Islam and began advocating for black unity and the use of self-defense to achieve justice for African Americans once he regained his freedom. He founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity to further fight for his ideas that racism was the greatest enemy of African Americans. Early Life Malcolm X's 1944 mugshot. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) Malcolm X was born in 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska, an area with intense discrimination and violence against Black people during that time. He was no stranger to hardship, with his father being murdered in 1931 and his mother being institutionalized in 1939. After living with a white adoptive family and facing adversity at school due to his race, Malcolm moved in with his sister in Boston. There, he saw differing living conditions between middle-class and lower-class black people and worked as an intermediary for drugs, alcohol, and prostitution from age 16. Upon moving to New York later on, Malcolm started selling and doing drugs and betting, and was eventually arrested when he moved back to Boston. Malcolm’s life transformed in prison, starting with his conversion to Islam under the Nation of Islam, which he left a few years after joining. After being released on parole and meeting the Nation of Islam’s leader, Elijah Muhammad, he started his advocacy for black unity and militancy, for which he became famous. Sexuality Malcolm X didn’t outwardly identify as or come out as bisexual in his lifetime; the little known about his identity as a bisexual man is in his work servicing men and from third-person accounts. From age 20, Malcolm worked servicing rich white men for pay, which he is said to have bragged about and enjoyed to an extent. According to a past schoolmate, Malcolm used to experiment with other boys when he was young and boasted about these experiences, and also often spent nights with a “gay transvestite named Willie Mae.” Role in the Civil Rights Movement Malcolm X speaking to members of the African-American Students Foundation in 1959. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) As an important influence during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, Malcolm’s approaches to achieving justice for African Americans differed from the more common pacifist approaches proposed by others like Martin Luther King Jr. However, he fought for a common goal of ending racism and fighting for justice for African Americans. He further fought to make a difference by creating the Organization of Afro-American Unity, which called for a connection between African Americans and African heritage and promoted the self-determination of African Americans. His organization also focused greatly on education to counteract the still-present effects of slavery. Death and Legacy Malcolm X with Martin Luther King Jr. (Image Source: Marion S. Trikosko, United States Library of Congress's Prints and Photographs division) On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was lecturing at Harlem’s Audubon Ballroom about his organization after weeks of attempts to end his life by whom he suspected were members of the Nation of Islam. While on stage, he was shot by three men whose identities have been controversial since the assassination. Although he was taken to the hospital, the dozen or so bullets caused his heart to fail several times until he was eventually declared dead. His legacy and admiration for him have grown since his assassination because of his passion for fighting oppression and willingness to fight for the freedom of African-Americans through any means necessary. Since his assassination and the release of his autobiography, he gained more respect than he had during his time alive, and his ideas are still relevant to this day. References Burnett, L. (2019, August 1). Organization of AFRO-AMERICAN unity (OAAU) 1965 . https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/organization-afro-american-unity-oaau-1965/. Malcolm X Assassinated . (2009, November 24). https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/malcolm-x-assassinated . Ott, T. (2021, January 13). The assassination of Malcolm X . https://www.biography.com/news/malcolm-x-assassination . Szymanski, M. (2015, March 1). Malcolm X's BISEXUALITY . https://bi.org/en/articles/malcolm-xs-bisexuality . Worland, J. (2015, February 20). Malcolm X assassination ANNIVERSARY: His legacy after 50 years . https://time.com/3715164/50-years-malcolm-x/ . X., M., Haley, A., Shabazz, A., Handler, M. S., & Davis, O. (2015). The Autobiography of Malcolm X . Ballantine Books.

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

< Back to School Policy Hub Josephine Baker Who was Josephine Baker? Early Life Life as an Entertainer Working as a World War II Spy Fighting Against Segregation Death and Legacy Who was Josephine Baker? Josephine Baker on October 20, 1949 (Image Source: Carl Van Vechten, Van Vechten Collection at Library of Congress) Josephine Baker was an American-born French entertainer and performer, French Resistance agent, World War II spy, and civil rights activist. Baker’s career shows the ways entertainers can utilize their platforms to influence society and change the world. Josephine Baker became one of the most successful black performers France has ever seen. While she had four marriages with men, she was bisexual and had several relationships with women. When Hitler and the German army invaded France during World War II, Baker joined the fight against the Nazi regime. She transported secrets she heard while performing for the enemies with invisible ink, wiring messages, and information on her sheet music. Early Life A portrait of Josephine Baker in one of her extravagant performance looks. Baker was known for her unique style both in terms of looks and dance. (Image Source: General Photographic Agency/Getty Images) In the early summer in St. Louis, Missouri, Josephine Baker was born by the name Freda Josephine McDonald on June 3, 1906. Baker was raised by her two parents, who were also performers, and often found herself on stage with them as they performed throughout the Midwest, which was greatly segregated. Like many at the time, Baker’s parents never succeeded in their entertainment careers, forcing Josephine to make ends meet herself. To do this, Baker would often dance in the streets to collect money, much like street performers do in New York and other major cities today. While dancing one day at the age of 15, she was noticed by an African-American theatre troupe and asked to perform with them. Around the same time, Josephine got married, took on her husband's last name, Baker, and claimed her middle name, Josephine, as her first. Thus, she is now known as Josephine Baker. Life as an Entertainer Josephine Baker became among the most popular and sought-after performers, especially in France. Her unique choreography, which embodied traditional African styles and costumes, made her an unforgettable entertainer. Baker starred in many Vaudeville shows, a theatrical style of performance throughout the 20th century. She later moved to New York and immersed herself in the performance seen there. At this time, New York was experiencing the Harlem Renaissance, which was a revival and appreciation of African-American art and entertainment. After her time in New York, Baker moved her entertainment internationally to Paris, where she won over audiences, predominately white ones. Working as a World War II Spy Due to the outbreak of World War II, Josephine's career as a performer was put on hold. With the rise of Hitler and the Nazis, Baker found herself checking off all the boxes the Nazis were against. She was now in her third marriage, an interracial relationship with a French-Jewish man, as an openly bisexual woman. As Hitler and his army invaded their way into Paris, Baker, along with thousands of others, fled the city for her own safety. Once in Southern France, Baker was recruited by Jacques Abtey to take part in espionage for resistance against the Nazis as her celebrity status allowed for easier and more protected travel between countries. Baker was recruited by the French Resistance as a spy during World War II against Hitler and the Nazis. She utilized her celebrity status as well as a variety of espionage tactics in order to gather and spread information regarding the enemy. (Image Source: Studio Harcourt/Public Domain) Josephine Baker housed many other resistance fighters and provided them with the resources they needed. Due to her celebrity status, she was able to attend highly-ranked diplomatic parties and gatherings where she observed and took note of any behaviors or plans she noticed. She would write on her skin, pin notes in her underwear, and use invisible ink on her sheet music in order to record and pass on messages because she knew, as a celebrity, no security would suspect her of espionage or strip search her. Fighting Against Segregation After World War 2, Baker returned home to St. Louis, where she was shocked to see the widespread segregation that she had not fully understood as a child. Baker took it upon herself to stand up to segregation and once again used her platform as an entertainer to make change. Baker refused to perform for any segregated audiences, which often forced venues to integrate audiences if they wanted the prestige of having such a famous performer at their venue. Baker was recognized by the NAACP and was given the honor of speaking at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Death and Legacy Josephine Baker is a prime example of celebrities using their platforms for positive social change. Throughout her career, Baker formed her “rainbow tribe,” which consisted of her 12 adopted children. She showed people could exist in harmony despite racial or cultural differences. Josephine Baker performed late into her life up until her passing on April 12, 1975. Josephine Baker adopted 12 children with varying backgrounds, nationalities, and ethnicities. She called her family the “Rainbow Tribe” and promoted the idea that people can live together and love despite the differences they may have. She fought against segregation and racism and showed that one’s skin color does not determine their worth or need to be loved. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) References Josephine Baker . (2017). National Women’s History Museum. https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/josephine-baker Siren of the Resistance: The Artistry and Espionage of Josephine Baker | The National WWII Museum | New Orleans . (2020, February). The National WWII Museum | New Orleans. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/siren-resistance-artistry-and-espionage-josephine-baker#:~:text=Iconic%20entertainer%20of%20the%20Jazz,to%20high%2Dranking%20Axis%20officials

< Back to School Policy Hub Non-Binary What Does Non-Binary Mean? History Issues Symbols What Does Non-Binary Mean? Non-binary is an umbrella term used to refer to a wide range of gender identities that do not fit into the binary of man or woman. Examples of non-binary identities are genderqueer, genderfluid, agender, bigender, gender non-conforming, and more. However, it's not uncommon for someone to identify as simply "non-binary" or even as a mix of several of these identities. Non-Binary History Non-binary identities are not unique to the 21st century. While some people may claim that non-binary identities were a concept created by the current generation, a record of non-binary gender has existed since the beginning of written history, as far back as Mesopotamia. At the time, Mesopotamians referred to a third gender of people who often performed religious duties. This third gender continued to be recognized in many civilizations throughout history. We see many examples of gender non-conforming, trans, and non-binary identities in Asian culture throughout history. In our article Gender Expression in East Asian Cultures , we explore these vibrant histories. Non-Binary Issues Non-binary individuals face a variety of issues in today’s society. Among these difficulties are transphobia, misgendering, deadnaming, and gender dysphoria. Gender Dysphoria Gender dysphoria is the feeling that one’s gender identity differs from their biological sex or assigned gender. Gender dysphoria may lead a non-binary or transgender person to be uncomfortable with the characteristics of their assigned gender or biological sex, including the gender roles society associates with that sex or their physical appearance and body. It’s important to note that you don’t need to experience gender dysphoria to be non-binary. Not all non-binary people experience gender dysphoria. Transphobia Transphobia is a range of negative reactions to people who do not conform to social gender norms and expectations, such as people who are non-binary. Transphobia can result in non-binary and transgender individuals experiencing a lack of acceptance and violence from those around them. As such, non-binary individuals facing transphobia may suffer from both physical and emotional harm simply because they fall outside of society’s expectations. Misgendering and Deadnaming Misgendering is using a former pronoun of a transgender or non-binary person. Deadnaming is using a transgender or non-binary person’s former name. Intentionally deadnaming or misgendering is highly inappropriate and harmful. However, in some cases, deadnaming or misgendering can be accidental. If you knew a transgender person before they discovered their gender identity, you might be used to referring to them by their old pronouns and deadname. It might be a force of habit to refer to someone by their old identity. However, it is still wrong, even if it is accidental. If you accidentally refer to a transgender person by their old identity, name, or pronouns, simply apologize and correct yourself. Non-Binary Symbols Genderqueer Flag Genderqueer Pride Flag (2011) The genderqueer flag, featuring lavender, white, and chartreuse stripes, was designed by Marilyn Roxie in 2011. Lavender - Represents androgyny and queerness White - Represents people who identify as having no gender or are agender Chartreuse - Represents identities outside of the gender binary. Non-Binary Flag The non-binary flag was created in 2014 by Kye Rowan. Yellow - Represents something as its own and, therefore, those who identify outside of the gender binary White - Represents multigender identities, as it is made of all other colors mixed together Purple - Represents people who identify as a mix of the male and female genders Black - Represents people who identify as agender, as black is the absence of color. Non-Binary Pride Flag (2014)

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

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Put yourself in the shoes of a bisexual person in this immersive, Choose Your Own Adventure game! Make choices that directly impact how your journey unfolds. < Return to Resources Either/Or A bisexual Choose Your Own Adventure game Start your adventure... Welcome to Either/Or ! In this game, you step into the shoes of a bisexual person as you make choices that shape how your journey unfolds. Feel free to stop and pick back up any time. Your progress will be saved. We are currently releasing the game in installments. Right now, you can play through Chapter 1 where you'll get to make your first big decision. Have fun, and remember that bi issues are queer issues. Found a technical issue in the game? Let us know! First Name Email Write a message Submit Thanks for sharing!

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