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

< Back to School Policy Hub Gender Expression in Asian Cultures Asian and Pacific Islander (API) identities add a unique layer to the gender identity and expression of queer people. Asia has a rich, diverse, and vibrant history of queerness, particularly regarding life outside of the gender binary. Japan China Indonesia India Philippines Japan Then Samurai and Wakashu by Miyagawa Isshō, early 18th century (Source: JSTOR) During Japan's Edo period, gender roles encompassed a “third gender:” the Wakashu . Broadly speaking, Wakashu were born-male youths transitioning between childhood and adulthood. However, their role went beyond a transitory phase - they had their own unique rules, conventions, and styles, and occupied their own societal niche. The transitory nature of being a Wakashu was intertwined with sexuality; Wakashu were socially free from the responsibilities of adulthood but were considered sexually mature. As such, they had sex with both males and females, with social rules dictating them taking a more dominant role with women and a submissive one with men. With the rise of Christian/Victorian ethics from exposure to Western ideals during the Meiji period, the gender binary became more strictly defined, and Wakashu were ridiculed, condemned, or ignored — effectively erasing their societal role. Now In Japan today, there is a resurgence of gender expression outside traditional norms. In the Harajuku district of Tokyo, the “jendaresu-kei”, or genderless style, has gained popularity. There is still a long way to go regarding legislation for individuals who don’t conform to the gender binary. Japan's laws for changing your legal gender , for example, are regressive and invasive and operate under the idea that being transgender is a mental illness. China Then The blurring of the gender binary has a foothold in traditional Chinese opera. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, restrictive gender norms forced opera troupes to be separated by gender, so cross-dressing was necessary to fill gaps in roles. Male actors specializing in playing females were referred to as “nandan”, and were trained to aspire to a feminine ideal. They not only dressed in traditionally feminine clothing, but also were expected to take on the actions, habits, and mindset of a woman both on- and off-stage, occasionally as singing waiters and courtesans . Though this was generally accepted in entertainment, Qing laws criminalized individuals assigned male at birth who lived their lives as women, which could suppress their gender presentation. Renown nanda Mei Lanfang performing Peking Opera (Source: gb.ci.cn) Now Today, for individuals with non-conforming gender identities and expressions, there is no comprehensive anti-discrimination policy, especially one that specifically mentions transgender individuals . Of social institutions, families have the lowest degree of acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals , but there is limited research on public attitudes specifically towards transgender acceptance in China. However, there is growing visibility of transgender individuals , such as Jin Xing, an openly transgender woman, who is one of the most popular talk show hosts in China, and younger generations are growing more accepting. Indonesia Then Indonesia’s pre-colonial era has long been accommodating towards gender diversity. One of the more populous ethnic groups, the Bugis people in South Sulawesi, recognize five genders: man ( oroane ), woman ( makkunrai ), male woman ( calabai ), female man ( calalai ) and androgynous priest ( bissu ). Another ethnic group, the Torajan people, recognize a third gender, or to burake tambolang . To burake tambolang played an important role in spiritual tradition, and people would admire and honor a village with one . However, beginning in the 1950s, bissu and calabi individuals faced violent persecution. Engel, center front, a bissu in the town of Bone in South Sulawesi (Source: Al Jazeera) Now Today, people can legally change their gender ; however, there is no option to change your legal gender to a third gender. Additionally, legal gender changes can be subject to medical opinion , proof of gender reassignment surgery, and family testimony. Additionally, organizations like Latar Nusa are pushing for greater acceptance of bissu and calabi. India Then In Hindu, epic texts like Ramayana and Mahabharata feature multiple heroic characters : Shikhandi, (a key figure in the war in Mahabharata), Chitrangada (whose gender changes through the course of the story), and Vishnu (a god in his female form of Mohini), have presented their gender in fluid ways. Hijras, a third gender, also had recognized roles in ancient India. Mughal emperors were generous patrons of them. Hijras are treated with both fear and respect due to their cultural role in Hindu religious ceremonies; a hijra’s blessings would confer fertility, prosperity, and long life on a baby. A hijra’s curse is also taken seriously, so families often welcome hijras in and pay for their services. With the rise of colonialism and Victorian ethics, hijra became villainized. A group of Hijra in Bangladesh (Source: USAID Bangladesh) Now Today, hijra are marginalized in Indian society, though there has been some progress made. In 2014 , the landmark Indian Supreme Court case National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) v. Union of India established the legal recognition of the “third gender.” However, the verdict lumps in hijra and transgender individuals, who aren’t necessarily of the same identity. India also has a 2016 transgender bill; however, this bill doesn’t allow an individual to self-identify as trans without medical confirmation . Philippines Then The Tansug people of the Southern Philippines believed in a third gender called bakla , a Tagalog sexual/gender category that refers to individuals assigned male at birth who exhibit or are suspected of exhibiting sexual and gender non-normative behavior. They can be considered a Filipino “third gender.” Oftentimes, they served as babalayan , or shamans, who were either women or effeminate men called bayog (Tagalog) or asog (Visayan). They had important roles as the healers of both natural and spiritual illness, assisted in rituals for prayer, birth, and death, and overall, were respected members of the community who were held on the same level as the ruling class. Bakla Protester During Pride March (Source: Arvinjaygaa - Own work) Now Today, trans Filipinos face barriers legally in accessing social institutions like education and healthcare and in seeking justice. Though no national laws exist prohibiting cross-gender behavior, individuals still may be turned away from establishments without facing recourse. Resources Aggleton, P. (2006). Men who sell sex international perspectives on male prostitution and HIV/AIDS . Taylor and Francis. Anderson, M. (2016, August 15). Beyond binary: Five genders of the bugis . Akkadium College. https://learn.akkadium.com/beyond-binary-five-genders-of-the-bugis/ Bohnke, C. (2021, December 22). The disappearance of japan’s “third gender” - JSTOR daily . The Disappearance of Japan’s “Third Gender.” https://daily.jstor.org/the-disappearance-of-japans-third-gender/ Cornell, T. (2019, August 20). Nandan: The Yin & Yang of Chinese cross-gender performers > culturs - lifestyle media for cross-cultural Identity . CULTURS. https://www.cultursmag.com/nandan/ Hijras and the legacy of British colonial rule in India . Engenderings. (2019, June 17). https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/gender/2019/06/17/hijras-and-the-legacy-of-british-colonial-rule-in-india/ Hinduism Case Study. (2018). The third gender and Hijras . Religion and Public Life at Harvard Divinity School. https://rpl.hds.harvard.edu/religion-context/case-studies/gender/third-gender-and-hijras The human rights situation of transgender people in the Philippines Submission of the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP) to the 13th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review . . (n.d.). https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/lib-docs/HRBodies/UPR/Documents/session13/PH/JS1_UPR_PHL_S13_2012_JointSubmission1_E.pdf Knight, K. (2023, March 28). “A really high hurdle.” Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/report/2019/03/20/really-high-hurdle/japans-abusive-transgender-legal-recognition-process Luhur, W., Brown, T., Liu, M., & Shaw, A. (2021, June). Public opinion - williams institute . Williams Institute. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Public-Opinion-Trans-Mexico-English-Dec-2020.pdf Nooy-Palm, H. (1979). The sa’dan toraja: A study of their social life and religion . Oxis. https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/3BBC444821210944F0E9579A28009215/S0041977X00105014a.pdf/hetty_nooypalm_the_sadan_toraja_a_study_of_their_social_life_and_religion_vol_i_organization_symbols_and_beliefs_verhandelingen_van_het_koninklijk_instituut_voor_taal_land_en_volkenkunde_87_xii_338_pp_16_plates_the_hague_martinus_nijhoff_1979.pdf Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center. (2021, April 8). Ang babaylan nga nahimong bayot. Babaylan. https://smithsonianapa.org/babaylan/#:~:text=(The%20healer),through%20herbs%2C%20remedies%20and%20antidotes. Stables, D. (2022, February 25). Asia’s isle of five separate genders . BBC Travel. https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210411-asias-isle-of-five-separate-genders Stanford The Clayman Institute for Gender Research. (2022, July 27). The persecution of M-F crossing in Imperial China . The Clayman Institute for Gender Research. https://gender.stanford.edu/news/persecution-m-f-crossing-imperial-china Stonewall. (2021, July 1). Global workplace briefings . Stonewall. https://www.stonewall.org.uk/global-workplace-briefings Tian, C. (2018, August 29). What Chinese opera can teach us about gender . Sixth Tone. https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1002838 Tiwari, A., & Pal, K. (2020). Journey of Gender Identity in India from Mythology to the Third Gender. Palarch’s Journal Of Archaeology Of Egypt/Egyptology , 17 (6), 20–28. UNDP and China Women’s University. (2018). Legal gender recognition in China - United Nations Development Programme. https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/migration/asia_pacific_rbap/UNDP-CH-Legal-gender-recognition---China-180805.pdf Universal Periodic Review. (2017). Joint Submission of the Civic Society Organisations on the Situation of LGBTIQ Persons in the Philippines . The ASEAN SOGIE Caucus - the ASEAN SOGIE Caucus. https://aseansogiecaucus.org/images/resources/upr-reports/Philippines/Philippines-UPR-JointReport-3rdCycle.pdf Wemer, D. (2020, December 22). India’s hijras find themselves further marginalized amid the pandemic . Atlantic Council. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/indias-hijras-find-themselves-further-marginalized-amid-the-pandemic/ Wu, G. (2016). Mustache as resistance: Representation and reception of Mei Lanfang’s masculinity. TDR/The Drama Review , 60 (2), 122–138. https://doi.org/10.1162/dram_a_00551

< Back Auxmary Valdez P-SAP Manager Auxmary Valdez is a queer woman and daughter of first-generation Venezuelan and Nicaraguan immigrants. She is a former sex educator and current University of Central Florida student, double majoring in Political Science and Biomedical Sciences. < Back to Our Team

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.

< 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 (Wed): 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Thurs: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 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. CLOSED NOW Free Testing Walk-Ins Accepted Free Condoms PrEP On-Site PrEP Referral Parking type: Lot Free Parking Tests Offered: HIV

< Return to Open Positions Youth Advisory Committee We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Youth Advisory Committee Position Title Please select the requested option Want to apply for a different position? Click here to browse what's available. Have a question about open positions? Contact us at: careers@prismfl.org The Board of Directors is the head of PRISM, making all of the final decisions regarding events, fundraising and more! The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) advises our Board on how to best serve young people in South Florida by uplifting the voices of young people themselves! This is an unpaid volunteer position. What you get : An opportunity to make a difference in the LGBTQ+ community, improve your leadership skills, a chance to make an impact, and a new experience to add to your resume. Responsibilities: Attend monthly YAC meetings Review all items introduced by the Board of Directors and make recommendations Ensure that PRISM is carrying out its overall mission Required Qualifications: 14-18 years old by July 10th, 2024 Local to Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach (Strongly Preferred) Preferred Qualifications: Experience with LGBT advocacy, student organizing, or content creation Knowledge of parliamentary procedure Qualities We’re Looking For: Detail-oriented Creative and willing to improve upon our existing structures, designs, and philosophies Reliable Collaborative 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

< Return to STI Clinic Search CAN Community Health - Lake Worth Call: (561) 867-9991 Website: https://www.cancommunityhealth.org/lake-worth/ Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 201 N Dixie Hwy, Lake Worth, FL 33460, USA Hours: Today (Wed): 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Thurs: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Fri: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sat: Closed Sun: Closed Mon: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Tues: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. CLOSED NOW Free Testing Walk-Ins Accepted Free Condoms PrEP On-Site PrEP Referral Parking type: Lot Free Parking Tests Offered: HIV (Rapid): Free HIV (Lab): Free Chlamydia : Free Gonorrhea : Free Syphilis (Rapid): Free Hepatitis C (Lab): Free All treatment is $35

< 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.

< Back to School Policy Hub Florida LGBTQ+ Organizations Launch #StayGay Campaign With the adoption of the infamous "Don't Say Gay" law on July 1st and other anti-LGBT bills sweeping across the country, PRISM FL, Inc. and several LGBTQ+ organizations throughout Florida have launched a new social media campaign and movement called "#SayGay" to place public pressure on companies to support LGBTQ+ organizations year-round. Rainbow capitalism or pink capitalism is a marketing tactic used by companies to embed LGBTQ+ topics into advertising and merchandise in order to make a profit, most commonly seen during Pride Month. Generally, LGBTQ+ marketing is seen as rainbow capitalism when companies also make contributions to anti-LGBT causes or political campaigns or when they do little to provide tangible support to the LGBTQ+ community. "Rainbow capitalism negatively impacts the entirety of the community worldwide," said CJ Walden, Vice-President of PRISM. "Corporations who gain profit from pride-related merchandise without giving back to the LGBTQ+ community only do us harm." #StayGay, which launches on June 20th, not only makes it known just how much companies contribute to anti-LGBT campaigns and the LGBT community, but it also shows companies how they can connect with LGBT nonprofits in the state. "With the Don’t Say Gay bill going into effect the day after pride month, it is so important that companies put their money where their mouth is," said Maxx Fenning, President of PRISM. "In June, they #SayGay. The other eleven months, they should #StayGay." Those interested in learning more are encouraged to visit www.staygay.org or contact PRISM FL, Inc. at staygay@prismfl.org .

< Back to School Policy Hub Black Cat Protests What are the Black Cat Protests? Battle in Courts Legacy What are the Black Cat Protests? On February 11, 1967, the first documented LGBTQ+ civil rights demonstration against police brutality in the nation took place at a small tavern named the Black Cat in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Hundreds of members of the LGBTQ+ community as well as known activist organizations such as PRIDE and SCCHR came together for a demonstration to peacefully protest the rampant police brutality and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. Protests outside the Black Cat bar, Feb. 11, 1967. (Image Source: ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives at the USC Libraries) The demonstration was, more specifically, in response to a police raid that occurred the previous New Year's Eve. Eight undercover police officers barged into a gay bar just as many of the patrons were sharing their New Year's kiss and violently tore apart couples and beat men, ultimately resulting in a total of fourteen arrests. This historic and monumental demonstration of gay rights activists took place nearly two years prior to the well-known Stonewall Riots and is seen by many as the spark that ignited the LGBTQ civil rights movement. Battle in the Courts Black Cat Tavern in 1966 (Image Source: Unknown) The Black Cat constantly faced harassment from the police, who tried to do everything in their power to shut down and punish those who chose to gather there, which was, unsurprisingly, many gay males. The San Francisco Police Department worked closely with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission to use its power against the bar despite the recent repeal of prior prohibition laws. With increased crowds of gay community members flocking to the bar at night, the police took this opportunity to charge the owner with a variety of crimes, including “keeping a disorderly conduct” and “illegal and immoral acts,” which resulted in the bar getting their liquor license voided, meaning the bar could no longer legally distribute alcohol to patrons. The court case appealing this ruling, Stouman vs. Riley (Stouman being the bar owner), made its way to the California Supreme Court. This court case marked one of the first official wins for LGBTQ+ rights in the court system. The judge ruled that the Black Cat’s liquor license was suspended under inadequate circumstances. The ruling confirmed that the fact that the bar served as a common gathering place for gay individuals was not a good enough cause to suspend their license. This ruling was one of the first rulings seen to protect LGBTQ+ rights. Fighting the System Following this ruling, California passed a constitutional amendment forming the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, which used its broad powers to again shut down the Black Cat bar as well as many other prominently gay establishments for being a “resort for sexual perverts.” A new case was once again brought to the California Supreme Court, which upheld its previous protections for gay bars and ruled the law used to get them to shut down as unconstitutional. Despite the ruling in favor of gay establishments, it was not a complete victory since even though gay individuals could gather legally, they could not touch physically in any way, or else it would be criminalized. Another battle in court involved 6 out of the 14 men who were arrested who were forced to register as sex offenders after kissing on New Year's Eve while the police raid occurred. The lawyer of these men used their sexual orientation to demand equal protection of rights under the 14th Amendment. This is the first time that sexual orientation was argued as a characteristic protected by the 14th Amendment. Legacy The Black Cat Protests preceded the well-known Stonewall riots by approximately two years. It is remembered today as one of the very first demonstrations from the LGBTQ community demanding equal rights and fair treatment in light of the ongoing police harassment. The Gay Pride parade on Hollywood Boulevard in 1975 (Image Source: The Bruce Torrence Hollywood Photograph Collection) References Branson-Potts, H. (2017, February 8). Before Stonewall, there was the Black Cat; LGBTQ leaders to mark 50th anniversary of protests at Silver Lake . Los Angeles Times; Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-silver-lake-black-cat-lgbtq-20170208-story.html Dominguez, Laura. (2017, February 11). LGBTQ Activism Started Here: L.A. and the Black Cat Protests of 1967 . KCET. https://www.kcet.org/shows/lost-la/the-black-cat-harbinger-of-lgbtq-civil-rights Wikipedia Contributors. (2021, December 1). Black Cat Tavern . Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Cat_Tavern

< Back to School Policy Hub Anti-Bullying and Non-Discrimination Policies What Protects LGBTQ+ Students from Bullying and What Might Not Every student deserves to feel safe at school. But for many LGBTQ+ students in Florida, bullying and harassment remain an everyday challenge. Whether it shows up in the form of slurs in the hallway, online harassment, or teachers looking the other way, the message to these students is often that they are on their own. That message is wrong. What Florida Law Says Florida Statute 1006.147, known as the Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act, requires every public school district to adopt a policy that prohibits bullying and harassment. These policies must protect all students and employees and must include specific procedures for reporting, investigating, and responding to incidents. The law defines bullying as behavior that inflicts physical harm or substantial emotional distress. Harassment is defined as conduct that creates an intimidating or offensive environment. Importantly, while the statute allows districts to list specific protected characteristics, it does not require them to include sexual orientation or gender identity. That choice is left to local school boards. In places like Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach County, local policies explicitly cover sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. For example: Miami-Dade County includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in its Policy 5517.01 – Bullying and Harassment. Broward County includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression protections in Policy 5900 – Anti-Bullying. Palm Beach County includes sexual orientation, gender identity or expression in Policy 5.002 – Prohibition of Bullying and Harassment. The Gap Between Policy and Reality Even when districts do have inclusive policies, that does not mean they are followed. Students regularly report that their concerns are ignored, minimized, or even blamed on them. One PRISM member in Palm Beach County was told to “lay low” after reporting repeated slurs and threats. The school’s response was to pull them out of activities instead of addressing the harm. At the same time, Florida’s recent laws around instruction on identity have created fear and confusion. Some teachers believe they cannot affirm a student’s identity without violating the law. This misinterpretation has made schools more hesitant to intervene when LGBTQ+ students are targeted, especially if the harassment is tied to name changes or pronoun use. What You Can Do If you are a student being bullied, or if you are a teacher or parent supporting someone who is, there are clear steps you can take. Start by documenting everything. Keep a written log of what happened, when, and who was involved. Save any screenshots or messages. File a formal report. Every school should have a process in place. Submit the report in writing and keep a copy. Check your district’s anti-bullying policy: Miami-Dade Broward Palm Beach Follow up. District policies usually set deadlines for investigating complaints. Ask for updates in writing. Miami-Dade schools must begin responding to a credible bullying report within 24 hours and complete documentation within 30 school days of the incident. Broward schools must start investigating within 5 school days of the report and finish within 10 school days, with a one-time 5-day extension if needed. Palm Beach schools do not publicly list a specific deadline for completing bullying investigations. Go further if necessary. If the school fails to act, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education . If the bullying is connected to gender or perceived identity, you may also be protected under Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools. Why This Matters When schools fail to protect LGBTQ+ students, the impact is serious. Harassment is linked to lower academic achievement, chronic absenteeism, and long-term mental health issues. Policies on paper mean little without action and accountability. Schools have a legal obligation to protect all students. But they also have a moral responsibility to create spaces where every young person can thrive. That only happens when bullying is taken seriously, when policies are enforced, and when LGBTQ+ students are seen and supported. PRISM is here to help you navigate this process and fight for change where it is needed. If your school is not doing enough, we are ready to stand with you. Because your safety is not negotiable.

So, someone just came out to you as gay. We've provided some helpful resources to break it down! < Return to Resources So, someone just came out to you as Gay What does that mean, and how should you respond? We've provided some helpful resources below to break it down! So, someone just came out to you. You may be feeling a lot of things, and trust us, that's completely normal. We've put together a collection of some of our resources below to process and understand, as well as some extra ways to show your support! Sexual Orientation Basics Sexual orientation is a person's gender identity in relation to the gender to which they are attracted. PRISM Inc. How to Respond to Someone Coming Out Learn how to respectfully respond to someone coming out to you. Maxx Fenning Gay What does it mean to be gay? The word gay is a broad, inclusive term that encompasses people who experience same-gender attraction. PRISM Inc. The Basics History Homosexuality In Ancient China Learn about Homosexuality in Ancient China, how gender and class affected same-sex relationships and the history of the term "cut-sleeve." Sitao Lin The Fight for Marriage Equality For decades, the LGBTQ+ community fought for marriage equality. Here's the story of that struggle. Lex Costello Homosexuality in Medieval Europe Learn about the history and laws surrounding homosexuality in Medieval Europe. Jaymie Stopforth 1 2 3 4 5 Gay Pride Quick View PRISM Pride Backpack: Gay Price $48.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Notebook: Gay Price $16.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Magic Mug: Gay Price $16.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Face Mask: Gay Price $19.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Shirt: Gay Price $36.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Sweatshirt: Gay Price $45.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Unisex Bomber Jacket: Gay Price $59.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Hoodie: Gay Price $59.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Leggings: Gay Price $37.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Plus Size Leggings: Gay Price $39.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Socks: Gay Price $16.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Fanny Pack: Gay Price $34.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Pillow Case: Gay Price $22.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Sticker: Gay Price $2.50