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Dental dams are thin sheets placed over the vagina or anus during oral sex to protect against STIs.​ Dental dams are typically made of latex, but those with latex allergies can opt for polyurethane condoms.​ Condoms and dental dams are the only barrier methods that can prevent STIs. When used properly, dental dams are highly effective in protecting you from STIs.​ Always Use Lube Many dental dams come pre-lubricated. However, ALWAYS use extra lubricant to prevent breakage. Make sure to use water or silicone-based lube. Oil-based products will cause the dental dam to break. How to Use a Dental Dam Check the expiration date on the package. Expired dental dams are not effective in preventing STIs. Carefully open the package and remove the dental dam. Check to make sure there are no tears or defects in the dental dam. Place the dental dam over the opening of the vagina or anus After oral sex, remove the dental dam and throw it away. Turning a Condom into a Dental Dam Check the expiration date on the package. Expired condoms are not effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs. Check to make sure there are no tears or defects in the condom. Carefully open the package and remove the condom. Cut the tip and bottom off of the condom. Cut down the side of the condom. Place the condom over the opening of the vagina or anus After oral sex, remove the condom and throw it away. Safety Practices Don't stretch a dental dam, as this can cause the dental dam to tear. NEVER reuse a dental dam; This includes flipping the dental dam over to use the other side Dental dams are not effective after use

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. 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

A diaphragm is a latex or silicone dome that covers the cervix to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. There are four types of diaphragms: Arching spring diaphragm Coil spring diaphragm Flat spring diaphragm Wide seal rim diaphragm The last type is made of silicone and is meant for people allergic or sensitive to latex. Your doctor can help you decide which diaphragm type is best for you.​ Diaphragms do not protect against STIs. Condoms and dental dams are the only forms of contraception that can prevent STIs. How to ​Use a Diaphragm Diaphragms must be used with spermicide to prevent pregnancy. Spermicide is a foam, gel, or cream that kills sperm. Apply 1 teaspoon of spermicide to the inside of the diaphragm, as well as around the rim. Fold the diaphragm with the dome pointing down. Insert the diaphragm into the vagina and aim for the tailbone. Push the diaphragm as far back as it will go. Push the front rim of the diaphragm behind the pubic bone. If you have sex more than once, apply more spermicide to the vagina without removing the diaphragm. After sex, leave the diaphragm in for at least 6 hours. Hook your finger on the front rim, then pull down and out. Safety Practices Do not use a diaphragm during your period. A diaphragm can be inserted up to 18 hours before sex Do not leave a diaphragm in for more than 24 hours, as this can cause toxic shock syndrome or infection

What is the Birth Control Implant? How it Works Getting an Implant Removing an Implant What is the Birth Control Implant? The birth control implant, also called Nexplanon, is a small, thin rod that is inserted into your arm. It's extremely effective at preventing pregnancy. ​ By extremely effective, we mean over 99% effective, making it one of the most reliable forms of contraception available. This is because implants leave no room for error. Unlike condoms, birth control, and many other forms of contraception, you don't need to remember to use it. Because they last for years, you can get an implant inserted and won't have to worry about it again until it expires. ​ The birth control implant does not protect you from STIs. Only condoms and dental dams can protect you from STIs. How it Works The birth control implant uses the hormone progestin. Progestin works to prevent pregnancy by thickening the mucus in the cervix to trap the sperm and sometimes prevent ovulation. These make your periods lighter, and you may stop getting your period at all. If you get the birth control implant inserted within the first 5 days of your period, these protect against pregnancy immediately. If it's inserted at any other point in your cycle, you'll be protected after 7 days. It lasts for up to 5 years, and you can get pregnant again as soon as it's removed. Getting an Implant Birth control implants have to be inserted by a doctor or nurse. If you have health insurance, you can likely get the implant for free. When getting the implant, your doctor will numb the area of your arm where it will be inserted. Then, they will use a special tool to place the implant under your skin. This usually only takes a few minutes. ​ Usually, you'll just feel a small pinch when getting the numbing shot. After that, you won't be able to feel the insertion. Your arm may feel tender or swollen around the site of the implant for the first few days. Your healthcare provider will tell you how to clean the area around the implant. Removing an Implant If your birth control implant is about to expire and you still don't want to get pregnant, or if you want to get pregnant now, you'll need to have your implant removed. This is usually very simple. Your doctor will numb your arm, similar to insertion, and then make a small incision to remove the implant. ​ Usually, you'll just feel a small pinch when getting the numbing shot. After that, you won't be able to feel the removal. ​ Unless you start another form of hormonal birth control, your period will go back to how it was before you got your implant. ​ You can get pregnant as soon as you get your implant removed. References Birth Control Implants | Nexplanon Information. Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-implant-nexplanon.

What is an IUD? Types of IUDs Getting an IUD Removing an IUD What is an IUD? IUDs, or Intrauterine Devices, are small, flexible pieces of plastic shaped like a T. They are extremely effective in preventing pregnancy. ​ By extremely effective, we mean over 99% effective, making it one of the most reliable forms of contraception available. This is because IUDs leave no room for error. Unlike condoms, birth control, and many other forms of contraception, you don't need to remember to use them. Because they last for years, you can get an IUD inserted and won't have to worry about it again until it expires. ​ IUDs work by changing how sperm cells move so they can't reach an egg. ​ IUDs do not protect you from STIs Only condoms and dental dams can protect you from STIs. Types of IUDs There are two different types of IUDs: copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs. ​ Copper IUDs Copper IUDs don't contain hormones. Instead, they're wrapped in copper, which protects from pregnancy for up to 12 years. Sperm doesn't like copper, so it prevents them from getting to an egg. They are effective as soon as you get one inserted. Copper IUDs can also be used as emergency contraception. If you get a copper IUD inserted within 5 days of having unprotected sex, it's over 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy. These can make your periods heavier and cramps worse. This usually goes away over time, but talk to your doctor if you feel any discomfort or pain. ​ Hormonal IUDs Hormonal IUDs use the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy. While it varies depending on the brand, hormonal IUDs generally work for up to 3-7 years. Progestin works to prevent pregnancy by thickening the mucus in the cervix to trap the sperm and sometimes preventing ovulation. These make your periods lighter, and you may stop getting your period at all. If you get a hormonal IUD inserted within the first 7 days of your period, these protect againt pregnancy immediately. If it's inserted at any other point in your cycle, you'll be protected after 7 days. Getting an IUD IUDs have to be inserted by a doctor or nurse. If you have health insurance, you can likely get an IUD for free. When getting an IUD, your doctor will examine your vagina, cervix, and uterus and may test you for STDs. They may offer to numb you before the procedure starts. ​ The nurse or doctor will use a speculum and a special inserter to insert the IUD into your uterus. This normally only takes a few minutes. ​ Some people may feel cramping or pain when getting their IUD inserted, but this is usually brief. Removing an IUD If your IUD is about to expire and you still don't want to get pregnant, or if you want to get pregnant now, you'll need to have your IUD removed. This is usually very simple. Your doctor will gently pull the string, and the IUD's arms will fold up so it can slip out. You may experience cramping, although this should be very brief. ​ Unless you start another form of hormonal birth control, your period will go back to how it was before you got your IUD. ​ You can get pregnant as soon as you get your IUD removed. ​ If your IUD slips partially out or falls out completely (this can happen during the first 3 months), call your doctor immediately. If this happens, you can get pregnant. References IUD Birth Control | Info About Mirena & Paraguard IUDs. Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud.

How to Communicate Effectively Responding to Pushback Communicating effectively with your partner is one of the most important parts of maintaining your sexual and mental health. ​​ If you can't speak openly with your partner on things that are important to you, it can be hard to bring up topics that may be the difference between making a life-altering mistake or not. Whether it's insisting on using protection or expressing what you do (or don't) like during sex, your words are your most powerful asset. ​ How to Communicate Effectively Be honest. Maybe your partner does something during sex that you're not into. Maybe your relationship isn't going in the direction you want it to. Maybe you just really can't shake the feeling that the coffee table your significant other picked out for your first apartment together will clash with the sofa and it's eating you alive. Whatever it is, make sure to express your feelings. ​ Accept that you won't agree on everything. Recognize that no matter how much time you spend together or for how long, you'll always have different brains and different opinions. If they really want that coffee table, will the living room burst into flames? They let you pick out the throw pillows and the rug, and you'll always have an "I told you so" moment if it looks that horrendous in the end. Listen. Really, really listen. Many people listen with the intention of responding. Instead, make sure you listen for the sake of understanding your partner’s point of view. While your perspective matters, don’t forget to take your partner’s into consideration, as well. ​ Apologize / Forgive. Like we said, not every disagreement will be resolved by you and your partner coming to the same conclusion. However, the first step to moving forward from an argument is to acknowledge your mistakes and forgive your partner for theirs. Responding to Pusback If your partner won't take your thoughts or feelings into account, it's time to have a serious talk. The key trait of a healthy relationship is that it's mutually beneficial. If only one of you is being heard and the other's views and opinions aren't acknowledged, it may be time to have a talk with your partner about these feelings or cut the relationship short. References Scott, E. (2020, July 13). Communication Skills That Can Strengthen Any Relationship. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/managing-conflict-in-relationships-communication-tips-3144967.

​​What is Birth Control? Types of Birth Control Birth Control and Periods Benefits of Birth Control Note: This article is about the birth control pill. Click here for more information about the birth control patch. What is Birth Control? Birth control (AKA "the Pill") is a medication with hormones that stop ovulation (the release of an egg from a person's ovaries). Birth control also thickens the mucus in the cervix, which stops sperm from swimming to the egg. When taken daily, birth control pills are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. ​ Birth control does not protect you from STIs Only condoms and dental dams can protect you from STIs. Types of Birth Control Combination Pills (COCs) Combination pills contain estrogen and progestin, which is the hormone that prevents ovulation. If you start the combination pill within 5 days of the first day of your period, you'll be protected from pregnancy immediately. If you start the pill at any point in your cycle, this will take 7 days. Combination pills come in various packs: ​ 28-day packs These packs have 21 active pills, followed by 7 hormone-free "reminder" or "placebo" pills to keep up the routine of taking your birth control every day. You'll get your period during the week that you take your reminder pills. The reminder pills aren't necessary as long as you remember to start the next pack on time. ​ 21-day packs These packs are similar to 28-day packs except that they don't have reminder pills. You'll take one pill each day for three weeks, then have 7 days during which you'll get your period. Remember to start your next pack after these 7 days. ​ 91-day packs These packs contain 3 months' worth of pills and 1 week of reminder pills. When using this pack, you'll only get your period once every 3 months. You can also use smaller pill packs to skip your period. ​ Progestin-Only Pills (Mini Pills) Progestin-only pills don't contain estrogen and take 2 days to protect you from pregnancy, regardless of what point in your cycle you start taking them. Progestin-only pills must be taken within the same 3 hours of the day every day to remain effective. These pills come in 28-day packs and have no hormone-free pills. However, you can still get your period during the fourth week. Birth Controls and Periods You can use birth control to safely skip your period. To do this, you can either use certain packs that contain 3 months' worth of pills with hormones (discussed above) or skip your hormone-free pills and start taking your next pack immediately. ​ This may result in spotting (light bleeding throughout the month). However, this will go away after about 6 months if you use birth control to skip your period every month. Benefits of Birth Control Both mini pills and combination pills can reduce menstrual cramps and lighten periods. ​ Combination pills can also help with: Cysts in the breasts or ovaries Acne Ovarian cancer Iron deficiency PMS You can get pregnant as soon as you stop taking birth control. This makes birth control an effective way to decide when you have children. References Are Birth Control Pills Effective? | Do Birth Control Pills Work? Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-pill/how-effective-is-the-birth-control-pill.

What is Consent? What Counts as Consent? When to Ask For Consent The Importance of Consent Sexual Assault Victim Resources What is Consent? On a broader note, consent is permission. In this article, we're referring to sexual consent, or an agreement to participate in a sexual act.​ What Counts as Consent? Consent is a clear, voluntary agreement to participate in a sexual act. We often use the term "FRIES" to remember what is and is not consent: Freely Given This means that consent is something you agree to do without pressure, coercion, or while being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Reversible You can change your mind about whether or not you want to do something at any time. This can be for any reason or no reason at all, even if you're in a relationship with that person. Informed You can't give consent without knowing all of the relevant information. If someone removed a condom without telling you or intentionally withholds or lies about their STI status, there isn't consent! Enthusiastic Real consent means agreeing to something you want to do, not that you feel like you need to do. If you're reluctant or uncomfortable, that's not consent. Specific If you agree to do one thing (like kissing), that doesn't mean you've agreed to do anything else (like have sex). Consent is a continuous process that should be received each step of the way. Consent is NOT: Silence or not responding Not physically resisting Saying "yes" while drunk, high, sleeping, or otherwise unconscious Being forced to say "yes" Assumed because it was given in the past Automatically given because two individuals are in a relationship When to Ask For Consent Whenever one person wants to move to the next level of intimacy, they must ask for and then receive consent before continuing. It is the responsibility of the person initiating a sexual act to make sure the other person is consenting. ​ Consent can be withdrawn. At any point, the other person can withdraw consent and decide they don't want to continue a sexual act. Respect this decision. The Importance of Consent Consent is the foundation of any relationship, sexual or not. Clear, ongoing consent ensures that both parties feel safe, comfortable, and respected. Disregarding consent breaks trust and creates an untrustworthy environment. ​ Sex without consent is sexual assault. Point, blank, period. If clear, ongoing, and sober consent was not received for a sexual act or was revoked, moving forward with the act is sexual assault. Sexual Assault Victim Resources The first thing to remember is it is not your fault. Like we said, it is the responsibility of the person initiating a sexual act to ask for and receive consent before moving forward. ​ If you've been sexually assaulted, you can get assistance at: Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN): 1-(800) 656-4673 ​ If you live in Broward County: Rape Crisis/Victim Hotline: (954) 761-7273 If you live in Miami-Dade County: Rape Crisis/Victim Hotline: (305) 585-7273 Domestic Violence 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-(800) 500-1119 Miami-Dade County Coordinated Victims Assistance Center: (305) 285-5900 Miami-Dade Advocates for Victims Hotline: (305) 285-5900 If you live in Palm Beach County: Rape Crisis/Victim Hotline: 1-(866) 891-7273 Palm Beach County Victim Services SART Center: (561) 625-2568 Palm Beach County Victim Services (Belle Glade): (561) 996-4871 Palm Beach County Victim Services (Delray Beach): (561) 274-1500 Palm Beach County Victim Services (Palm Beach Gardens): (561) 625-2568 Palm Beach County Victim Services (West Palm Beach): (561) 355-2383 References What Is Sexual Consent? | Facts About Rape & Sexual Assault. Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/relationships/sexual-consent National Sexual Assault Hotline: Confidential 24/7 Support. Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN). (n.d.). https://www.rainn.org/resources

The Importance of Getting Tested Talking to Your Partner About Getting Tested Responding to Pushback The Importance of Getting Tested If you've had unprotected sex (sex without the use of a condom, dental dam, or another barrier method), you could be at risk of contracting an STI. Some STIs don't cause symptoms right away (or at all), and some common symptoms of STDs (bumps around your genitals, vaginal/penile discharge, itching, or pain in your genitals) can have other causes completely unrelated to sexual encounters. ​ The only way to know for sure that you do (or don't) have an STI is to get tested. Generally, this means once per year if you're sexually active. If you're in an at-risk group, such as MSM (men who have sex with men) or those who use injection drug equipment, you may want to consider getting tested more frequently (every 3-6 months). ​ Click here to find a local testing center. Talking to Your Partner About Getting Tested The best way to discuss getting tested is to be open and honest. Voice your need to get tested together early on, preferably before you have any type of sex with them. It may feel awkward or uncomfortable, but you'll feel better having had the conversation once you make the push. ​ Consider getting tested together. Going to get tested means acknowledging the possibility that you could have an STI, which can be daunting. However, having the support of your partner in doing so may help ease your nerves. ​ Make sure to remain steadfast. If your partner isn't receptive to getting tested, let them know that it doesn't mean you don't trust them or that anyone cheated, you want to do it for your own health and for theirs. ​ We recommend watching Planned Parenthood's video on discussing STD testing with your partner: Responding to Pushback The most important thing to remember is that your body is YOUR body. If you care about your sexual health and your partner doesn't respect your concerns, this can spell major trouble for your relationship with them moving forward. Question whether or not it's worth it to engage with someone who doesn't care about your sexual health or their own. ​ Willingly risking your or your partner's sexual health isn't sexy. Peace of mind is sexy.

What is Contraception? The Importance of Protection Talking to Your Partner About Using Protection Responding to Pushback What is Contraception? Contraception is a variety of methods used to prevent pregnancy and STIs. There are many medications, surgeries, and other devices that fall into this category, but generally when we say "protection", we're referring to barrier methods, such as condoms, dental dams, and other physical coverings. The Importance of Protection Protection greatly reduces the risk of pregnancy and contracting an STI. Condoms, for example, are 98% effective at protecting against pregnancy and STIs when used correctly. ​ Wearing protection means that you and your partner don't need to worry about the possibility of contracting an STI or getting pregnant and can focus more on the... *ahem* task at hand. Talking to Your Partner About Using Protection The best way to discuss using protection is to be open and honest. Although it may be uncomfortable or awkward, voice your need to use protection early on, especially if you are not 100% sure of your partner's STI status or are a female who does not use another method of birth control. ​ Make sure to remain steadfast. If your partner isn't receptive to wearing protection, let them know that you want to use it for your own health and for theirs. ​ We recommend watching Planned Parenthood's video on discussing protection with your partner: Responding to Pushback The most important thing to remember is that your body is YOUR body. If you care about your sexual health and your partner doesn't respect your concerns, this can spell major trouble for your relationship with them moving forward. Question whether or not it's worth it to engage with someone who doesn't care about your sexual health or their own. ​ Willingly risking your or your partner's sexual health isn't sexy. Peace of mind is sexy.

A personal coming out story by Adrianna Gutierrez There's nothing I appreciate more than having a supportive family, especially a supportive mom. The kind of supportive mom who, even though she may not understand everything, goes out of her way to buy all the rainbow trinkets she can for you. I've also been lucky enough in my lifetime to surround myself with people that support me as well, ranging from close friends to acquaintances and even strangers. However, as grateful as I am to be supported, a lot of that support has come at the risk of my boundaries being disrespected and walked on. When I came out socially, I was in the 6th grade, and I had friends who accepted me for who I was. The only people I hadn't come out to were my family. I knew I had queer cousins who frequently interacted with my family and one whose wife we treated like family. So there was no issue, right? It was clear I had a supportive family, right? But it was still hard. Coming out was a very big step for me. Supportive family or not, I didn't want their opinions of me to change. What if me coming out specifically wasn't a good move? What if it was only a problem if I wasn't straight? So, in order to prepare myself before spilling all of these feelings, I put them in a journal that was given to me by my best friend. I learned very quickly that was a mistake. A couple of days later, my mom picked me up from school. When I got in the car, she said four words I'll never forget: "We need to talk." The whole ride home my heart was racing. What did I do? Did I say something? Did I forget something? I couldn't figure it out. We got home and she told me that she found my journal, and I had no choice but to come out to her at that moment. I cried for a couple of reasons then. I was relieved I'd done nothing wrong and was coming down from a rush of anxiety. I was relieved she accepted me, but there was one other thing. She had gone through my journal and breached my privacy. I stowed the journal away and feared using it, or any journal for that matter, ever again. I feared her breaking that boundary again, and I feared having to cry to her on our living room couch again. I feared being publicly out in my household, and I feared another family member would sit me down and make me come out again and relive the same feelings. Soon enough, to my surprise, I figured out my mom had gone on to tell my sister... and my dad... and my aunt… All without consulting me first or even telling me afterward. Do you see the pattern here? Finding out I was queer led to a blatant disregard for any privacy regarding my identity, twice. But even when my brother and sister got into their first straight relationship, they didn’t get the same treatment I did. Some might say my mom was just going to others in order to figure out what to do because she’s never had a queer child before. Nevertheless, it didn't excuse the fact that I wasn’t even told before or after. Having my boundaries overstepped led to a significant amount of discomfort and fear when it came to opening up to my family. It made me grow distant from the idea of telling them any personal feelings I was experiencing out of the same fear that someone else would be made aware without my consent. Since coming out, I’ve even had people I’ve never spoken to come up and ask me things like “How do lesbians ‘do it’?” and other blatantly sexual questions, diminishing my orientation to merely sex. Not only is being sexualized an entirely separate issue, these questions violated my privacy. People that ask me these questions tend to be straight and supportive but coat their questions with “I’m just curious!” or “I just want to learn!” Asking intrusive questions like these makes queer people very uncomfortable, puts them on the spot, and forces them to answer questions they might not even want to discuss with close friends. Queer folx may fear situations like these, which could lead them to hide information about being queer from the public. For those who are closeted, it may lead them to fear coming out at all. Dear straight people: While I and many other queer people do appreciate the straight community’s willingness to learn, there are two important questions to keep in mind in order to respect the privacy of LGBTQ+ individuals: Would you ask a straight person this? Would you appreciate it if someone asked you the same question? If your answer to either of these questions is no: then don’t ask. If you wouldn’t ask a straight person, or you’d be upset if someone asked you, why ask a queer person? While your support is appreciated, it’s no excuse to completely ignore and disrespect the privacy of someone else, especially if it’s someone you don’t know. Overall Part of allyship is ensuring that queer individuals don’t feel alienated in any context, which gives full meaning to the phrase “treat others the way you want to be treated." It means treating queer folks as equals and not talking to them or treating them any differently than you would a straight person. If you have a question and feel it may be inappropriate to ask a queer person, look it up! The internet is a vast and easily accessible resource, equipped with all the resources necessary to help you find the answers to any questions you may have.

DISCLAIMER: This article is not meant to shame those who are in the closet or those who haven’t chosen to ‘come out’ in any regard. Nor is this article meant to force anyone to come out in any way. This is simply meant to shine a light on the importance of the representation of queer pride and queer joy. Pride has always been a protest. LGBTQ+ people have always had to fight to earn the equal rights and equal treatment they deserve. The fight isn’t easy, it never has been, and it affects people in many different ways. Some people are motivated, fired up, and want to do more to represent their community; some want to do more for their community but are just tired. Both are valid. It’s normal to feel tired when observing mass amounts of hate being displayed toward your community. It can be demotivating and draining. It can even instill fear. Observing so much hate and negativity can affect LGBTQ+ people mentally and may lead to feelings of anxiety regarding their sexual orientation or identity. According to The Trevor Project: 60% of LGBTQ young people felt discriminated against for their sexual orientation and/or gender identity 1 in 3 said their mental health was poor due to anti-LGBTQ policies and legislation 67% reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety How to help? In these situations, queer people tend to look for any positivity they can. These positive displays are shown through well-written media representation, pride parades, something as small as seeing a rainbow flag in a window or watching other LGBTQ+ individuals just staying true to themselves. Seeing people publicly embracing their identity and fighting for their rights can be a beacon for LGBTQ+ people, young and old. Think about it, events like the Stonewall Riots were not only inspired by unjust LGBTQ+ treatment but also through the observation of protests that occurred prior, like the Black Cat Protests in 1967. Change only ignites more change. Seeing others show up in numbers for queer happiness encourages others to not only want to do the same but also to support them from the sidelines. To those who can’t publicly express themselves, seeing these movements ignite a sense of hope and inspiration within. It allows them to feel comfort and pride in their identity. According to the same study from The Trevor Project: LGBTQ young people who had access to affirming spaces reported lower rates of attempting suicide compared to those who did not. Affirming gender identity among transgender and nonbinary young people is consistently associated with lower rates of attempting suicide Overall The fight is exhausting. Having to fight constantly for basic human rights can often be disheartening, and in times like these, it’s important for LGBTQ+ people to take care of themselves. It’s important to commend every single queer person for staying true to themselves and to commend those that are ‘out’ for inspiring so many others that observe their representation of queer pride, joy, and resistance. To those that aren’t ‘out’, you are not any less loved—we see you, we hear you, and you are loved. Reference The Trevor Project. (2023). 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People Dominguez, L. (2017). The Black Cat: Harbinger of LGBTQ Civil Rights