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  • Trichomoniasis | PRISM

    < Back to School Policy Hub Trichomoniasis What is Trichomaniasis? How It's Spread Symptoms Getting Tested Testing Positive What is Trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis, or Trich, is an STI caused by the parasite Trichomoniasis Vaginalis. It is one of the most common curable STIs. When we say common, we mean REALLY common. There are about 3.7 million cases of trichomoniasis in America, although only 30% will develop symptoms. It mostly affects older women. Trichomoniasis is treatable. Trichomoniasis is treatable with medication from your healthcare provider. How It's Spread Trichomoniasis is spread by having oral, anal, or vaginal sex with someone who is infected. During sexual intercourse, the parasite travels from the penis to the vagina, the vagina to the penis, and even vagina to vagina. It’s extremely rare for it to spread to anywhere on the body other than the genitalia. Trichomoniasis can be spread regardless of whether or not the infected person shows symptoms. Symptoms Only 30% of people infected with trichomoniasis actually show symptoms. They can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation in the pubic area. Some people show symptoms between 5 and 28 days after being exposed to it, while others may not get them until much later. People with penises may experience: Itching or irritation inside the penis Burning after ejaculation or urinating Discharge from the penis. People with vaginas may experience: Itching, burning, redness, and/or soreness of the genitals Discomfort during urination Thinner discharge and/or increase in the volume of discharge Discharge with an unusual and unpleasant fishy smell. People who are pregnant may also have problems such as underweight babies or premature birth. Getting Tested Testing for Trichomoniasis is generally relatively simple. Your healthcare provider will take a sample of vaginal fluid for women and a urine sample for men and examine it under a microscope. If no parasite can be seen, you will undergo a rapid antigen test and nucleic acid amplification. 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. Like we said earlier, this is a very common infection. If you or your partner have trichomoniasis, it does not necessarily mean anyone cheated. Test results may not detect the infection until well after contracting it. How do I get rid of it? If you have trichomoniasis, you'll need to swallow one large dosage of either metronidazole or tinidazole. Sometimes, your healthcare provider may tell you to take two lower dosages per day for a week. Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours after taking metronidazole and 72 hours after taking tinidazole. If you do, you may experience severe nausea and vomiting. Often, your doctor may give you medicine for both you and your partner(s). It is important that BOTH of you finish your treatment and don't have sex for at least 7 days. For real, getting frisky can wait. If you don't take your medication all the way through, you run the risk of re-infecting your partner or other people. Willingly risking your or your partner's sexual health isn't sexy. Peace of mind is sexy. Always make sure to listen to your doctor to effectively get rid of trichomoniasis. References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, July 22). Trichomoniasis - STD information from CDC . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/default.htm Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2020, April 18). Trichomoniasis . Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trichomoniasis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378613

  • Pubic Lice | PRISM

    < Back to School Policy Hub Pubic Lice What is Public Lice? How It's Spread Symptoms Getting Tested Testing Positive What is Pubic Lice? Public lice are parasitic insects found primarily in the pubic or genital area of humans. They occur in all ethnic groups, races, and levels in society. They have three forms: the egg, aka a nit, the nymph, and the adult. Nits Nits are lice eggs. They can be hard to see and are found firmly attached to the hair shaft. They are oval and usually yellow to white. Pubic lice nits take about 6–10 days to hatch. Nymph The nymph is an immature louse that hatches from the nit. It looks like an adult pubic lice but it is smaller. They take about 2–3 weeks after hatching to mature into adults capable of reproducing. Nymphs feed on blood to live. Adult The adult pubic louse resembles a miniature crab when viewed through a strong magnifying glass. They have six legs. Their two front legs are very large and look like the pincher claws of a crab. This is a reason why they’ve gained the name “crabs.” Adults are tan to greyish-white in color, rather than the yellow from birth. Females are usually larger than males. To live, lice must feed on blood. If they lose contact with the human, they die within 1 - 2 days. How It's Spread Pubic lice are spread through sexual contact and are mostly transferred between two adults. If a child has pubic lice, they often have experienced some sort of sexual abuse or exposure. Occasionally, it can be spread by close contact or clothing, bed linens, and towels that came in contact with an infected person. Pubic lice are not spread by toilet seats. Only on extremely rare occasions can this ever happen. Their feet are not designed to hold on or walk on smooth surfaces like that and will likely die before there’s even a chance. Symptoms Symptoms that you may have pubic lice are itching in the genital area or seeing visible nits and crawling lice. These can be seen in pubic hair or other coarse hair, like armpits, beards, eyebrows, eyelashes, and mustaches. Lice found in hair are not the same thing as pubic lice. Animals cannot and will not spread pubic lice. You can also have eye irritations, which are most commonly seen in children and can lead to pink eye. This means that there are pubic lice on the eyelashes. Discolored skin may also occur, which can develop where pubic lice have been feeding on regularly. Secondary infections are also a symptom of public lice. You may scratch yourself raw and these wounds can be infected in the process. Getting Tested Testing for pubic lice is pretty easy. All you have to do is have a visual examination of your pubic area and your doctor can tell relatively quickly. Lice eggs are also an indication of an infestation. They can cling to hairs and be present, but not alive, even after you’ve undergone successful treatment. Most times you don’t even need to go to get a diagnosis or get a prescription. You can just go to a drugstore or a doctor (your preference) and get an over-the-counter pubic lice treatment. If you have pubic lice, you should also get tested for other sexually transmitted diseases. Click here to find a local testing center. Testing Positive The first thing to remember is that this is nothing to be ashamed of. Three million people in America are diagnosed yearly. There are many different types of treatments that are available. They are easy to use and come in gels, shampoos, liquids, and foam. Follow the directions in the package carefully. If you have pubic lice in your eyelashes or eyebrows, you may need to get an ophthalmic-grade petrolatum ointment that only your doctor can provide. If you’re breastfeeding or pregnant, you must consult your doctor before using any treatment. Anyone you’ve gotten intimate with should also treat themselves at the same time so that it isn’t passed back and forth. Always use freshly cleaned towels, clothes, and bedding after your treatment. It is important that BOTH of you finish your treatment and don't have sex until you're sure all of the nits, nymphs, and adults are gone. You may need to repeat treatment 9-10 days later. For real, getting frisky can wait. Willingly risking your or your partner's sexual health isn't sexy. Peace of mind is sexy. Always make sure to listen to your doctor to effectively get rid of pubic lice.

  • Bayard Rustin | PRISM

    < Back to School Policy Hub Bayard Rustin Who was Bayard Rustin? Early Life Advisor to Dr. King Struggles with Sexuality Death and Legacy Who was Bayard Rustin? Bayard Rustin played a pivotal advising role in the Civil Rights Movement (Image Source: Library of Congress) Bayard Rustin was an American civil rights activist who fought alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. throughout the mid-1960s. Rustin committed himself to a life of non-violence and projected these values when fighting for rights. Bayard Rustin organized and initiated the Freedom Rides and the March on Washington, where he stood beside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as he gave his influential "I Have a Dream" speech. Rustin fought for the rights of others while battling discrimination of his own as he was a Black gay male. Early Life Bayard Rustin was raised into a non-violent lifestyle (Image Source: Library of Congress) Bayard Rustin was born in Pennsylvania in 1912 and raised by his two grandparents alongside his 11 other siblings. Rustin’s grandmother was a part of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), exposing Rustin to many prominent Black leaders at the time, such as W.E.B Dubois. Rustin’s grandparents raised the children in a Quaker household, which influenced his nonviolent ways into adulthood. Rustin attended the City College of New York, where he was involved in many racial justice organizations, such as the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). It was during his time at this college that he was chosen as a youth organizer for the March on Washington. Advisor to Dr. King Civil rights organizer Bayard Rustin, left, with Martin Luther King Jr. Rustin was arrested on a “morals charge” in Pasadena in 1953.(Images: Courtesy of the estate of Bayard Rustin/Monroe Frederick) Rustin first started his relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Having formed a mutual respect, Rustin began teaching Dr. King his nonviolent ways. He used his knowledge from studying the Gandhian lifestyle to educate Dr. King on the value of nonviolent approaches and tactics. Bayard played a large role in bringing Black leaders from the South together to become a united group through the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLS), and he was also instrumental in drafting “Stride Toward Freedom,” the name of Dr.King's memoir. Struggles with Sexuality In 1953, when homosexuality was still rampantly criminalized throughout the United States, Bayard Rustin was arrested for committing a homosexual act. His sexuality was outed to the public as a crime, leading some of his fellow Civil Rights leaders to criticize his identity. Since Bayard's sexuality was now public knowledge, many individuals and politicians who opposed Rustin used this as a point of attack to demean his character. For this reason, Rustin often avoided public speaking or being the face of movements, instead taking an advising role to avoid such attacks. Death and Legacy Bayard Rustin, deputy director, and Cleveland Robinson, chairman of Administrative Committee, March on Washington. (Image Source: World Telegram & Sun photo. Prints and Photographs Division/Orlando Fernandez) One late night in 1987, Bayard Rustin was admitted to the hospital. He was diagnosed with peritonitis and a perforated appendix, which was giving him severe abdominal pain. He underwent surgery, but due to his history of heart issues, he went into cardiac arrest on the operating table and died shortly after. Bayard's legacy lived on by his survivors as a man who spent his life fighting for civil rights and advising many prominent leaders. It was after his death that he was given the name “Mr. March on Washington” by fellow Civil Rights leader A. Philip Randolph. References Bayard Rustin: A Gay Man in the Civil Rights Movement. (2021, February 5). Black History Month 2021. https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/section/bhm-heroes/bayard-rustin-gay-man-in-the-civil-rights-movement/#:~:text=In%20the%20pacifist%20Fellowship%20of,racial%20segregation%20on%20interstate%20busing Bayard Rustin Is Dead at 75; Pacifist and a Rights Activist (Published 1987). (2021). The New York Times . https://www.nytimes.com/1987/08/25/obituaries/bayard-rustin-is-dead-at-75-pacifist-and-a-rights-activist.html Rustin, Bayard . (2017, May 31). The Martin Luther King, Jr., Research and Education Institute. https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/rustin-bayard

  • Pansexuality | PRISM

    < Back to School Policy Hub Pansexuality What is Pansexuality? Pansexuality and Bisexuality History Issues Symbols Pansexuality means an attraction to all gender identities. The prefix “pan” was chosen because it comes from the Greek root meaning “all.” Oftentimes, pansexuality is also defined as "attraction regardless of gender." Pansexuality and Bisexuality Pansexuality lies under the Bi+ Umbrella. While both bisexual and pansexual refer to attraction to multiple genders, pansexuality is commonly considered a more inclusive label. Bisexuality is often misunderstood as meaning "attraction to men and women," and some find this definition to be too limiting. Hence, individuals may choose pansexuality as their label to include non-binary, transgender, gender fluid, and other gender non-conforming people within the scope of their attraction. Others may identify as pansexual because they consider themselves attracted to others regardless of gender — or, as it's sometimes called, "genderblind." It's important to note, however, that this is not the case for everyone; many pansexuals do have gender preferences. Ultimately, whether a person decides to identify as bisexual or pansexual is a personal choice and should never be invalidated. Pansexual History Multi-gender attraction has been documented in humans—and animals!—throughout history. Although some of the earliest records of the term pansexual come from 1914, when it was called "pan-sexualism," the word as we know it came into play by the 1970s. This era was a pivotal time for LGBTQ+ identities that existed outside of the gay/lesbian box. Pansexuals had carved themselves a place in the bi+ community. Then, in the 1990s, "pansexual" was finally being used to refer to a community that had long been existing and thriving. Because all bi+ identities share a similar history up to a point, check out our Bisexuality article for a more in-depth look at multi-gender attraction throughout time. Pansexual Issues Misconceptions There are many myths surrounding bi+ identities, like pansexuality. Some of these include: Pansexuals are really either gay or straight and just need to figure things out Pansexuality is just a phase — a transition between straight and gay Pansexuals are more likely to cheat because they are attracted to everyone Pansexuals are more likely to sleep around because they are attracted to multiple genders Pansexuals think they are better than bisexuals because they are attracted to people's personalities and not their looks Pansexuals are never allowed to have gender preferences Pansexuals are not allowed to be explicitly sexual because they're supposed to be attracted to people's "souls", not their bodies These myths unfairly marginalize pansexual folx and erase and invalidate their sexuality. To learn more about the issues that affect all bi+ identities, see our Bisexuality article . Pansexual Symbols Pansexual Flag The pansexual pride flag was created in 2010 on the internet and has grown in popularity since. It has three colored bars: pink on top, yellow in the middle, and blue on the bottom. Pink - Attraction to those who identify as female Blue - Attraction to those who identify as male Yellow - Attraction to those who identify outside of the gender binary The P Symbol Another common symbol is a “P” with an arrow and crossed tail. The cross represents the symbol for Venus, which signifies female identity, while the arrow represents the symbol for Mars, signifying male identity. The two combine to form a "P", standing for pansexual. References LGBTQIA+ Wiki. (n.d.). Pansexual https://lgbta.fandom.com/wiki/Pansexual#:~:text=Another%20common%20symbol%20for%20pansexuality The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center. (n.d.). Pride Flags https://www.unco.edu/gender-sexuality-resource-center/resources/pride-flags.aspx#:~:text=The%20pansexual%20pride%20flag%20was,has%20gained%20popularity%20since%20then GLAAD. What is Pansexuality? https://www.glaad.org/blog/what-pansexuality-4-pan-celebs-explain-their-own-words Goldberg, Abbie, ed. (13 April 2016). The SAGE Encyclopedia of LGBTQ Studies . SAGE Publications. p. 833. ISBN 9781483371290 Hayfield, Nikki (2020). Bisexual and Pansexual Identities: Exploring and Challenging Invisibility and Invalidation . Routledge. pp. 1–17. ISBN 9780429875410 HuffPost. Wong, B. (2018, June 27). 9 things pansexual people want you to know . https://www.huffpost.com/entry/things-pansexual-people-want-you-to-know_n_5b328d99e4b0b745f17877cc Ka'ahumanu, Lani; Hutchins, Loraine, eds. (2015). Bi Any Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out (2nd ed.). New York: Riverdale Avenue Books . p. 24. ISBN 978-1626011991 Rolling Stone. Zane, Z. (2019, October 4). What's the real difference between bi- and pansexual? https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/whats-the-real-difference-between-bi-and-pansexual-667087/

  • Bisexuality | PRISM

    < Back to School Policy Hub Bisexuality What is Bisexuality? History Issues Symbols What is Bisexuality? Bisexuality is the attraction to two or more genders. Although bisexuality is commonly misunderstood as an attraction to "men and women," in reality, the term is far more inclusive! The Bi+ Umbrella Many sexualities are often considered subgroups of bisexuality. That's why we refer to bisexuality as an "umbrella term." Sexualities that fall under the umbrella include: Pansexuality - Attraction all gender, or attraction regardless of gender Omnisexuality - Attraction to all genders Polysexuality - Attraction to multiple genders While these may sound confusingly similar to bisexuality, it’s important to remember that the term(s) a person chooses to use is something personal to them, and that no one term is more valid than the other. Ultimately, all of these terms signify attraction to more than one gender. To learn more about these various identities in-depth, check out our Bi+ Umbrella post . Bisexual History Bisexuality has been documented in humans—and animals!—throughout history. In 1859, the word bisexual was first used, and its original meaning had nothing to do with sexual orientation. Anatomist Robert Bentley Todd was the first to use the word in its original definition: someone with male and female sex characteristics, which we now know as intersex. It wasn’t until 1892 that the modern use of the word was found in the book Psychopathia Sexualis . Of course, bisexuality didn’t just pop up when the term was first coined. Forms of bisexuality have been apparent across cultures throughout history. In both ancient Japanese and Greek culture, there were several contexts where relationships between men were not only encouraged but expected. The admittedly problematic ideal was for a young man to be mentored and trained by an older man, eventually leading to a relationship. This bond and wisdom would be lifelong, but the relationship would eventually end when the young man found a wife later on. People who experienced attraction to more than one gender typically didn’t label themselves, primarily because there was no word to describe this specific experience. Ancient texts didn’t differentiate bisexuality from homosexuality. In Western culture, bisexuality was just as condemned as homosexuality. The before-mentioned book, Psychopathia Sexualis , was one of the first works on homosexuality/bisexuality in men. It concluded that these were "mental disorders" caused by degenerate heredity. The U.S. treated bisexuality as a disorder until the declassification of homosexuality as a disorder in the 1970s. Treatment for this “disorder” would include castration, shock therapy, and other means to make patients heterosexual. One influential researcher was biologist Alfred Kinsley. Kinsley was the first to create a scale that measured the nuance of sexuality. The self-named Kinsley scale categorized sexuality from the numbers 0-6, 0 being exclusively heterosexual and 6 being exclusively homosexual. He found that a large group of people experienced a mix of both types of attraction. He also criticized other researchers for believing you can only be straight or gay. His research was immense towards the recognition of nuanced sexuality. Unfortunately, much of history is doused in misogynistic and male-focused perspectives. This is the same case for bisexual history, which makes the search for female queer experiences difficult to find. Bisexual Issues Even though bisexuality has been around for a very, very long time, there are still problems bisexual people face. Misconceptions Bisexuals are really either gay or straight and just need to figure things out Bisexual women are just straight girls looking for attention Bisexual guys are just confused gay men Bisexuality is just a phase — a transition between straight and gay Bisexuals are only attracted to men and women and do not feel attracted to non-binary, transgender, or gender-non-confirming individuals Bisexuals are more likely to cheat or sleep around because they are attracted to multiple genders Bisexuals stop being bisexual once they engage romantically or sexually with someone of the opposite/a different gender Bierasure Also known as bisexual erasure or bisexual invisibility, this is the tendency to ignore, remove, falsify, or reexplain evidence of bisexuality in history, academia, news media, and other primary sources. In its most extreme form, bierasure can include the belief that bisexuality itself does not exist. Our post about Bisexual Stereotypes goes into some of the myths and misconceptions, then busts them. According to the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, the lack of acceptance towards bisexuality plagues not only straight individuals but also lesbian women and gay men. Their study found that participants often used the words “confused,” “different,” and “experimental” to describe bisexual people. Biphobia Bisexuality has historically struggled to be taken seriously in queer and heterosexual spaces. In the 1970s, there were times when The Gay Liberation Front treated bisexual people as straight, which led them to edge bi+ people out of the organization and associate them with regressive politics. While this was happening, bi people were still being prosecuted nearly the same as homosexual people and were viewed as promiscuous by the general public. While bi acceptance has progressed in the past decades, many of these ideas that invalidate bisexuality are still around. It's commonly heard from both straight and gay people that bisexuality is just a phase. Many bi+ people feel they need to prove their bisexuality for fear of not being seen as queer enough. There are concepts such as “straight passing” that increase this anxiety. Straight passing is a privilege some queer people believe bi+ people have. It’s usually referred to when a bisexual person is in a relationship with someone of the opposite gender. The term assumes it’s a positive thing to be seen as straight, but it can be the opposite. Bi+ people don’t want to hide their identities; they want to take pride in them. Invisibility or passing as straight is not something openly queer people desire. Bisexual Symbols Bisexual Flag A more common symbol of bisexuality today is the bisexual pride flag, first designed by Michael Page in 1998. It has a large magenta stripe at the top, a large blue stripe at the bottom, and a thinner lavender stripe in the middle. The original interpretation of these colors was based on the gender binary, or the assumption that bisexuals are attracted to just men and women. Today, most people interpret these colors as: Pink - Same-gender attraction Blue - Attraction to other genders Purple - Blend of both same- and other-gender attraction Some might argue that even this updated perspective is less inclusive than it should be. That's why there are no "rules" for interpreting these colors; each person can decide the meaning for themselves according to their own truth. Triangle Badges Some people who identify as bisexual use a derivative of the pink triangle, one of the first symbols of homosexuality, which were forced upon gay and lesbian individuals in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Homosexual men were required to wear an inverted pink triangle, while those who were homosexual and Jewish had to wear an inverted pink triangle overlapping a yellow triangle. When these symbols were reclaimed by some gay men in the decades that followed, some bisexual men and women began using a variation that added a blue triangle, forming purple where the two overlap. Pride Symbol The bi pride symbol consists of interlocking female, male, and infinity symbols, with a circle linking them together in the middle. References Anderson, L., File, T., Marshall, J., Mcelrath, K., & Scherer, Z. (2021, November 4). New Household Pulse Survey data reveal differences between LGBT and Non-LGBT respondents during COVID-19 pandemic . Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/11/census-bureau-survey-explores-sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity.html Boehringer, S. (2021, September 7). Female Homosexuality in Ancient Greece and Rome (1st ed.). Routledge. Considerable gender, racial and sexuality differences exist in attitudes toward bisexuality . Graduate School of Public Health. (2013, November 5). https://www.publichealth.pitt.edu/news/details/articleid/1568/considerable-gender-racial-and-sexuality-differences-exist-in-attitudes-toward-bisexuality. Erasure of bisexuality . GLAAD. (2014, September 21). https://www.glaad.org/bisexual/bierasure . GSS data Explorer: NORC at the University of Chicago . GSS Data Explorer | NORC at the University of Chicago. (2018). https://gssdataexplorer.norc.org/trends/Gender%20&%20Marriage?measure=sexornt . Hydzik, A., McGrath, C., & Zellner, W. (2013, November 5). Considerable gender, racial and sexuality differences in attitudes toward bisexuality . EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/461313 Jones, J. M. (2021, February 24). LGBT Identification Rises to 5.6% in Latest U.S. Estimate. Gallup.com. https://news.gallup.com/poll/329708/lgbt-identification-rises-latest-estimate.aspx. Oxford University. (n.d.). Bisexual Meaning . Lexico Dictionaries. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/bisexual . Page, M. (1999, December 5). The History of the Bi Pride Flag. Retrieved from https://web.archive.org/web/20010801185547/http://biflag.com/Activism.asp Thorpe, J. R. (2014, September 23). A Brief History Of Bisexuality, From Ancient Greece and The Kinsey Scale To Lindsay Lohan. Bustle. https://www.bustle.com/articles/40282-a-brief-history-of-bisexuality-from-ancient-greece-and-the-kinsey-scale-to-lindsay-lohan United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. (n.d.). CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM IN NAZI CONCENTRATION CAMPS . Holocaust Encyclopedia. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/classification-system-in-nazi-concentration-camps Zane, Z. (2021, June 15). 6 facts you never knew about the BISEXUAL FLAG . Gay Pride - LGBT & Queer Voices. https://www.pride.com/bisexual/2015/5/15/6-facts-you-never-knew-about-bisexual-flag-yes-there-one

  • BIPOC Advocates Director

    < Return to Open Positions BIPOC Advocates Director We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: BIPOC Advocates Director Position Title Please select the requested option Want to apply for a different position? Click here to browse what's available. Have a question about open positions? Contact us at: careers@prismfl.org The BIPOC Advocates Director oversees our BIPOC Advocates Task Force. Currently, 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 : Develop and oversee the operations of the BIPOC Advocates Task Force Lead discussions on race and systemic oppression, centering the lived experiences of participants Facilitate turning group discussions into action by advocating within and outside of PRISM for change to benefit BIPOC Preferred Qualifications : Local to Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach (Strongly Preferred) Experience with leading substantive and actionable discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion Experience or education in topics relating to race and anti-racism (racial studies, black history, Latinx history, AAPI history, etc.) Next

  • AHF Healthcare Center - Delray Beach

    < Return to STI Clinic Search AHF Healthcare Center - Delray Beach Call: (561) 279-0991 Website: https://www.hivcare.org/locations/fl-delray-beach/ Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 200 Congress Park Drive ste 210, Delray Beach, FL 33445, USA Hours: Today (Fri): 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sat: Closed Sun: Closed Mon: 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Tues: 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Wed: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thurs: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CLOSED NOW Free Testing Walk-Ins Accepted Free Condoms PrEP On-Site PrEP Referral Parking type: Free Parking Tests Offered: HIV : Free

  • Broward House Client Services Center

    < Return to STI Clinic Search Broward House Client Services Center Call: (954) 568-7373 Website: https://browardhouse.org/ Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 2800 North Andrews Avenue, Wilton Manors, FL, USA Hours: Today (Fri): 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sat: Closed Sun: Closed Mon: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tues: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Wed: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Thurs: 8:30 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 Chlamydia Gonorrhea Syphilis Hepatitis C

  • Affirmed Names and Pronouns | PRISM

    < Back to School Policy Hub Affirmed Names and Pronouns New year, new schedule, new... school policies to decode? The start of the school year is stressful enough without deciphering confusing district policy. At PRISM, we believe every student deserves to be seen as their authentic self, and it starts with navigating name and pronoun changes smoothly. We’ve put together a guide for Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach schools, with all the forms, policies, and even a ready-to-send email template – because supporting students shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle. What’s the same in all districts? According to state law, schools cannot force teachers or students to use someone’s affirmed pronouns. However, teachers still have the option to use a student’s affirmed pronouns. Parents must give permission for a student to use a different name at school (except Miami-Dade students over the age of 18). Affirmed names can be used in school systems and non-legal documents after written consent is given by a parent or legal guardian. Legal names and gender stay the same unless changed by a court order or updated birth certificate. What’s different between districts? Miami-Dade County Teachers don't need parental permission to use a student's affirmed pronouns. Sharing a student’s birth name/sex without permission could break FERPA laws. Students over 18 can request changes without parent permission. Fill out Form FM5626 for a student’s affirmed name to be used in non-legal documents. Broward County Teachers can use a student’s affirmed name and pronouns, but only if a parent or legal guardian gives written permission. Unlike other districts, there’s no explicitly stated extra FERPA protection. Even if a student is 18+, parents must still give permission. For names: Broward Emergency Contact Card (Must be completed annually) For pronouns: PreK-12 Preferred Title Title and Pronoun Request Form Palm Beach County Teachers don't need parental permission to use a student's affirmed pronouns. Sharing a student’s birth name/sex without permission could break FERPA laws. Even if a student is 18+, parents must still give permission. Fill out Palm Beach Form PBSD 2688 - Student Registration for a student’s affirmed name to be used in non-legal documents. Email Template Under state law, teachers can't ask students for their pronouns – but students can still provide them to affirming teachers. Below are template emails students can use to inform their teachers or submit name/pronoun forms. To Teachers Subject: Introducing Myself Dear [Professor/Teacher name]: My name is [preferred name], and I will be attending your [name of course] class this year. I am contacting you to let you know that my name will show up on your roster as [legal name], but I would prefer to go by [preferred name] and [your pronouns] pronouns. I identify as [your gender identity] and do not identify with my legal name. I will be putting [preferred name] on my assignments and would appreciate it if you called me by this name and used the pronouns [your pronouns] to refer to me in class. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. You can contact me at [your email address]. Thank you so much for your understanding. I am looking forward to starting your class next week. Sincerely, [Your name] To Principal/School Staff Subject: Request for Affirmed Name/Pronoun Update Hi [Principal/Counselor’s Name], Hope you’re doing well! My [child/teen/self], [Legal Name], goes by [Affirmed Name] and uses [pronouns, if applicable] in daily life. We’d love for this to be reflected in school systems where possible! I’ve attached the completed [Form Name]—let me know if anything else is needed. Also, just checking: Has it been processed? How will this update be shared (or kept private)? Are there any other steps we should take? Thanks so much for your help in making [Student’s Name]’s school experience a little more affirming! Best, [Your Name][Your Contact Info] Pro Tip: CC a guidance counselor or trusted teacher if you’re not getting a response. A little persistence goes a long way! More Information & Resources For details on Florida's law: Florida Senate F.S. 1000.071 For district-specific LGBTQ+ support guides: Miami-Dade Guidelines for Promoting Safe and Inclusive Schools Broward County Inclusive Schools Guide Palm Beach LGBTQ+ Support Guide

  • Coming Out - Bisexual | PRISM

    So, someone just came out to you as bisexual. We've provided some helpful resources to break it down! < Return to Resources So, someone just came out to you as Bisexual 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 Bisexuality Bisexuality is the attraction to more than one gender. Many sexualities are often considered subgroups of.... PRISM Inc. The Basics History 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 Ancient Europe Although "homosexuality" is a modern term, same-gender attraction has been documented since ancient times. PRISM Inc. AIDS Crisis The AIDS Crisis ravaged the LGBTQ+ community for decades, and the government did little to help. Kylie Lawrence 1 2 3 Bisexual Pride Quick View PRISM Pride Backpack: Bisexual Price $48.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Notebook: Bisexual Price $16.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Magic Mug: Bisexual Price $16.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Face Mask: Bisexual Price $19.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Shirt: Bisexual Price $36.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Sweatshirt: Bisexual Price $45.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Bomber Jacket: Bisexual Price $68.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Hoodie: Bisexual Price $59.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Leggings: Bisexual Price $37.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Plus Size Leggings: Bisexual Price $42.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Socks: Bisexual Price $16.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Fanny Pack: Bisexual Price $34.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Pillow Case: Bisexual Price $22.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Sticker: Bisexual Price $2.50

  • Comedy Writer

    < Return to Open Positions Comedy Writer We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Comedy Writer Position Title Please select the requested option Want to apply for a different position? Click here to browse what's available. Have a question about open positions? Contact us at: careers@prismfl.org Part of our work is creating educational resources for LGBTQ+ youth and queer people of color. Comedy writers take the necessary information and compose comedic scripts for our educational video content. Candidates local to Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach are strongly preferred. Pay : $30 per script (may vary by project) Responsibilities: Research and gather information about proposed topics Convey educational topics in a comedic format for our viewers Complete tasks in a timely manner Maintain the accuracy of information provided through peer editing and continuous review of published resources Qualifications: Experience working in a collaborative creative environment Must have comedic writing skills Experience creating or participating in video content for social media (Preferred) South Florida resident (Preferred) Have an understanding of pop culture While not required, it is preferred that Writers have prior exposure to information regarding one or more of the following : Sexual health LGBTQ+ issues Racial equity Black history/culture LatinX history/culture Asian history/culture LGBTQ+ history 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

  • Don't Say LGBTQ | PRISM

    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.

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