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

< Back Fabiana Ungaro Member Fabiana is a queer first-generation Peruvian immigrant. She graduated Pompano Beach High School with a Magnet Diploma and is pursuing her A.A at Broward College with plans of transferring to university to major in Marketing & Communications. Throughout her academic career she has been a part of various student-led LGBTQ+ organizations. She has worked with local South Florida businesses and non-profit organizations to execute communications strategies and cultivate safe and inclusive spaces for the community. She has a passion for writing, nature, and art. < Back to Our Team

< Return to STI Clinic Search FoundCare - Greenwood Call: (561) 848-8701 Website: https://foundcare.org/who-we-are/locations.html#collection-item-lightbox-14892281 Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 5205 Greenwood Ave suite 150, West Palm Beach, FL 33407, USA Hours: Today (Fri): Closed All Day Sat: Closed Sun: Closed Mon: Closed Tues: Closed Wed: Closed Thurs: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. CLOSED NOW Free Testing Walk-Ins Accepted Free Condoms PrEP On-Site PrEP Referral Parking type: Free Parking Tests Offered: HIV (Rapid) : Free Hepatitis C (Lab) : Free

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

< Return to STI Clinic Search AHF Healthcare Center - Coconut Grove Call: (786) 497-4000 Website: https://www.hivcare.org/locations/fl-coconut-grove/ Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 3661 S Miami Ave #806, Miami, FL 33133, USA Hours: Today (Fri): 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sat: Closed Sun: Closed Mon: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tues: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Wed: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Thurs: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CLOSED NOW Free Testing Walk-Ins Accepted Free Condoms PrEP On-Site PrEP Referral Parking type: Lot Free Parking Tests Offered: HIV

< Back to School Policy Hub Hepatitis B What is Hep B? How It's Spread Symptoms Getting Tested Testing Positive Prevention What is Hepatitis B? Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). This is a very common virus. It is a different virus from HSV ( herpes ), HPV, and HIV . When we say common, we mean REALLY common. More than 200,000 people are diagnosed each year. Any age can be affected, although infections are rare outside of those 19-60 years old. Hepatitis B is not treatable. Unfortunately, Hepatitis B has no cure, but it can go away on its own. How It's Spread Hepatitis B is spread by infected blood or contact with infected blood or bodily fluids (semen and saliva). It can be spread by having sexual intercourse with an infected partner or injection drug use that involves syringes, needles, or drug preparation equipment. Contact with blood from the sores of an infected person or birth, if a mother is infected, can also transmit HBV. Sharing certain items with an infected person that can break skin or mucous membranes, like razors and toothbrushes, can result in possible exposure to blood and lead to infection. HBV can last a week outside of the body and still be infectious to anyone who uses it. If you think something may be infected with HBV blood, it should be disinfected with a 1:10 dilution of one part bleach and ten parts water. It is strongly recommended to wear gloves during this process, or you may be infected. Dry blood or not, it is still contaminated and can still infect you. Symptoms Not all people with HBV have symptoms. The signs vary depending on the age of the infected. Most children above the age of 5 and newly infected adults who are immunosuppressed generally don’t have any symptoms. 30%-50% of children under the age of 5 have symptoms. These symptoms are fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, urine pain, clay-colored feces, joint pain, and jaundice. Some people may also contract chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer). You will experience symptoms in a range of 60-150 days after exposure to HBV. Getting Tested When testing for HBV, you will undergo three different serological tests: a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test, a hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) test, and a total hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc). These tests can determine if a patient has an acute or chronic HBV infection and needs post-test counseling and linkage to care if they’re immune to HBV as a result of prior infection or vaccination. or if they are susceptible to infection and in need of vaccination. 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 hepatitis B goes untreated, you are more susceptible to developing severe scarring of the liver, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Click here to find a local testing center Testing Positive So, your results came back positive. The first thing to remember is that this is nothing to be ashamed of. If you or your partner have hepatitis B, it does not necessarily mean anyone cheated. Test results may not detect chronic hepatitis B until well after contracting it. It can take from years to even decades in many cases to show up. How do I get rid of it? Sadly, there is no cure for hepatitis B, but sometimes it will go away on its own. Your doctor can prescribe you medications to help you with long-lasting hepatitis B infections. It can disappear on its own after 4-8 weeks, and 9 in 10 adults completely recover. However, 1 in 20 adults who recover become carriers, which means they have a chronic hepatitis b infection (liver cancer and cirrhosis). About 1 in 5 people die from chronic hepatitis B. Prevention Get vaccinated. You can prevent HBV by getting a vaccine. All infants, unvaccinated children under the age of 19, people at risk for infection by sexual exposure, and people at risk for infection by percutaneous or mucosal exposure to blood should be tested. International travelers to countries with high or intermediate levels of hepatitis B virus infection, people with the hepatitis C virus infection, people with chronic liver disease, people with HIV, and people who are incarcerated should also be tested. Wear protection. If you are sexually active, use latex condoms every time you have sex. It can lower your chances of getting hepatitis B, but not entirely. You can still contract hepatitis B from areas that are not covered by a condom or by coming into contact with infected blood or other fluids. References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, July 28). Hepatitis B questions and answers for Health Professionals . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/hbvfaq.htm#treatment Planned Parenthood (n.d.). Where can I get treated for hepatitis B?: Treatment info . Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hepatitis-b/how-do-i-get-treated-hepatitis-b Hepatitis B Symptoms and Diagnosis . UC Health - UC San Diego. (n.d.). https://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/gastro/areas-expertise/liver-center/hepatitis-b/Pages/about-hepatitis-b.aspx

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< Back to School Policy Hub Lesbian Being a Lesbian History (Ancient) History (Modern) Issues Symbols What Does it Mean to be a Lesbian? The term lesbian is commonly used by women who are exclusively attracted to other women. However, in recent years, the definition of lesbian identity has undergone a transformation, reflecting a broader understanding of gender and inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community. Traditionally defined as a woman exclusively attracted to other women, the scope of lesbian identity is expanding to be more inclusive of non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals. Some now describe a lesbian as a "non-male who is attracted solely to women." This adjustment aims to recognize and validate the experiences of non-binary and gender-nonconforming (GNC) individuals who identify with the lesbian community. Lesbian History (Ancient) Sappho - The Original Lesbian Sappho and Erinna in a Garden at Mytilene (Source: Simeon Solomon, 1864) Perhaps one of the most iconic lesbians in history is Sappho of Lesbos. An ancient Greek poet from the 600s BCE, Sappho's works are passionate, emotional, and filled with vivid descriptions of love and longing. Her poems primarily focused on the relationships between women, depicting their beauty and allure. Sappho's poems were often written in the first person, which has led readers to speculate that some of her works might have been autobiographical. While scholars may debate the translations of these lyrics and their meaning, Sappho's iconic work inspired the terms "lesbian" and "sapphic" as words to describe love and attraction between women. Other Parts of the World Just like with male homosexuality, female homosexuality is documented around the world. from Ancient Egypt, where women were said to cast "love spells" on other women, to early Imperial China, where lesbian couples were given the term " duìshí," which translates to "paired eating." The Scarcity of Lesbians in History Unfortunately, female homosexuality has overall been documented far less than male homosexuality. Does this mean lesbians were more scarce than gay men? Maybe. But when you consider the prevalence of systemic misogyny in cultures all over the world, you have to wonder if the real issue is not the lack of women attracted to women, but the lack of desire for historians to write about them. Women were also expected and pressured to adhere to gender roles more strongly than men; while men could easily "get away" with non-traditional relationships, women would not be afforded the same privilege. In the end, misogyny is likely a significant factor in society's lack of historical lesbian visibility. Lesbian History (Modern) Lesbians played a vital role in the 1950s-1970s American LGBTQ+ rights movement. As early as 1955, the first lesbian social and political organization was established in the form of the Daughters of Bilitis . This group helped to bring lesbian issues into mainstream culture, having launched its own monthly magazine and appeared on a national radio broadcast. DeLaverie in her iconic drag look In 1969, a " typical New York butch" is said to have kicked off the riot at the Stonewall Inn while resisting a violent arrest and demanding the onlooking crowd "do something." Famous lesbian performer Storme DeLaverie is sometimes credited as the "butch" who started it all. The 1970s were pivotal for queer rights activism, and lesbians played major roles in these movements. On May 1, 1970, a group of radical lesbian feminists forever changed the feminist movement . During the Second Congress to Unite Women in New York City, organizations like the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) and the National Organization for Women (NOW) gathered to discuss feminist rights. Suddenly, the auditorium's lights were suddenly cut, shocking the crowd, and eerie laughter was heard throughout the audience. When the lights came back on, lesbian activists stormed the stage. Bold text on shirts was displayed saying "Lavender Menace." Armed with signs that read, "We are your worst nightmare, your best fantasy," historical figures like Rita Mae Brown, Karla Jay, and Martha Shelley took to the stage for over two hours to fight for lesbian inclusivity in feminism. In 1971, NOW officially adopted lesbian rights as part of its agenda . The AIDS Crisis When gay men were banned from donating blood during the AIDS crisis, lesbians stepped in to offset the decrease in the amount of blood available for transfusions. They are a vital part of AIDS history and a group of lesbians that helped reduce the effects of the blood ban. A major way lesbians helped during the AIDS crisis was through volunteer work in hospitals. It was difficult for hospitalized AIDS patients to receive adequate care as doctors and nurses refused to treat them for fear of the virus. The result? A large number of lesbians with medical backgrounds began lending their time in hospitals to help those who were not being properly taken care of. An ACT UP demonstration at the National Institutes of Health (Public Domain) One activist who helped pave the road to a more unified LGBTQ+ community was activist Maxine Wolfe. Wolfe hosted “Dyke Dinners” to create spaces for lesbians to voice their frustrations with the various ways HIV-positive women — most of whom were women of color — were being excluded from AIDS activism. Their voices caused a stir and were the start of lesbians creating real legislative change. Lesbians in the 1990s were caretakers, activists, protesters, lawyers, artists and historians. They had range! Lesbian Issues Homophobia/Lesbophobia Homophobia refers to prejudice, discrimination, or hatred towards people who experience same-gender attraction. It encompasses various forms of bigotry, ranging from verbal harassment and social exclusion to physical violence and legal discrimination. Lesbophobia is a kind of homophobia that specifically targets lesbians. Unlike homophobia, lesbophobia frequently comes from both outside and inside the LGBTQ+ community. Oftentimes, lesbophobia within the community stems from misogyny (prejudice against women). Heteronormativity This is the belief that heterosexuality, or the attraction to the opposite sex on the gender binary, is the normal or default sexual orientation. It assumes that sexual and marital relations are most fitting between people of the opposite sex. Heterosexism This is a system of attitudes, bias, and discrimination in favor of opposite-sex sexuality and relationships. It includes the presumption that other people are heterosexual or that opposite-sex attractions and relationships are the only norm and, therefore, superior. While all members of the LGBTQ+ community face homophobia, gays and lesbians deal with heteronormativity and heterosexism to a different extent. Other members of the LGBTQ+ community can face these problems, but they are most prevalent with gays and lesbians. Lesbian Symbols Lesbian Flag The labrys lesbian flag was created in 1999 by Sean Campbell. It included a labrys, which was a common symbol of empowerment adopted by the lesbian feminist community in the 1970s, on top of the inverted black triangle used during the Holocaust over a violet background. The Lipstick Lesbian flag was introduced on the blog “This Lesbian Life” in 2010. This was later adapted to a variation without the lipstick mark in the top left-hand corner. However, many lesbians oppose the Lipstick Lesbian flag and its derivative due to butch-phobic, biphobic, transphobic, and racist comments on the blog of the original designer, Natalie McGray. This led to a new lesbian pride flag, designed by Emily Gwen in 2018, which uses different colors to represent a wider range of individuals within the lesbian community. PRISM uses a simplified version of this updated pride flag on its PRISM Pride collection with five colors rather than seven. References A short guide to lesbian identity. Rainbow & Co. (2021, July 2). https://rainbowandco.uk/blogs/what-were-saying/a-short-guide-to-lesbian-identity Boehringer, S. (2021, September 7). Female Homosexuality in Ancient Greece and Rome (1st ed.). Routledge. Brekke, K. (2017, April 4). How lesbians' role in the AIDS crisis brought gay men and women together . HuffPost. Retrieved December 8, 2022, from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/aids-crisis-lesbians_n_5616867ae4b0e66ad4c6a7c4 Oxford University. (n.d.). Heteronormative Meaning . Lexico Dictionaries. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/heteronormative . Oxford University. (n.d.). Heterosexism Meaning . Lexico Dictionaries. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/heterosexism . Siclait, A. (2021, June 15). What The Lesbian Pride Flag Means And Where It Comes From . Women's Health. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a36523338/lesbian-pride-flag-meaning/ . Sylvester, E. (2023, April 25). The complexities of lesbian visibility. The Trevor Project. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/the-complexities-of-lesbian-visibility/ The act up historical archive: The tactics of early act up (interviews of Maxine Wolfe). (n.d.). Retrieved December 8, 2022, from https://actupny.org/documents/earlytactics.html Understanding gay & lesbian identities. The Trevor Project. (2022, October 26). https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/understanding-gay-lesbian-identities

Outreach Correspondents use their bountiful charisma (and sometimes terrifyingly undying enthusiasm) to share PRISM and expand our volunteer base. < Return to Task Forces Outreach Task Force (OTF) The Outreach Task Force coordinates events and other activities to spread awareness of the amazing work PRISM does and build connections with the community. Our outreach correspondants are spreading the word, one connection at a time. About Members Programs Join What does the Outreach Task Force do? The Outreach Task Force coordinates events and other activities to spread awareness of the amazing work PRISM does and builds connections with the community. Who makes up the Outreach Task Force? Outreach Director The Outreach Director helps get the word out about PRISM at events and online! From volunteer recruitment to coordinating in-person events, the love and soul they provide makes PRISM all the more lively. Volunteer Outreach Correspondents The social butterflies of PRISM's membership, Outreach Correspondents share PRISM by actively seeking out volunteers, donors, and supporters through social media or at Outreach events. How does the Outreach Task Force share PRISM? Get The Word Out Events One of the most prominent methods that Outreach Correspondents gain support for PRISM is through Get The Word Out events, where volunteers go out into the community to share PRISM and answer questions. These can be markets, festivals, fundraisers, and more! And More! Our Outreach Task Force is always developing new ways to get the word out about PRISM. Check back here or sign up for our newsletter to find out about future initiatives! How do I join the Outreach Task Force? Interested in helping out? We'd love to have you. You can start by filling out a Volunteer Application Form , applying to one of the many positions in the Outreach Task Force, or contacting us directly. Back to Top About Members Join

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

< Back Steven Rocha Policy Director Steven is a queer trans man and a second-generation Colombian immigrant. These identities are integral to his work for social justice causes, as he strives to center the perspectives of underrepresented groups and to demonstrate the intersectionality of LGBTQ issues. In his free time, Steven enjoys western animation, gaming, and studying languages. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Languages & Literatures from the University of Miami with a minor in French language. He hopes to pursue a legal career and apply those skills to the fight for LGBTQ liberation. < Back to Our Team

< Return to STI Clinic Search Care Resource Community Health Centers - Little Havana Call: (305) 576-1234 Website: https://careresource.org/testing-hours-locations/ Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 1901 SW 1st St, Miami, FL 33135, USA Free Testing Walk-Ins Accepted Free Condoms/Contraception PrEP On-Site PrEP Referral Parking type: Lot Free Parking Tests Offered: HIV (Rapid): Free HIV (Lab): Free Chlamydia : Free Gonorrhea : Free Syphilis (Lab): Free Hepatitis C (Rapid): Free Hours: Mon 8:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. Tues 8:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. Wed 8:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. Thurs 8:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. Fri 8:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. Sat Closed Sun Closed