< Back to School Policy Hub Condoms Condoms are a type of barrier method used during sex to prevent pregnancy and/or protect against sexually transmitted infections (STI). Condom Basics External Condoms Internal Condoms Condom Care Other Barrier Methods Condom Basics Condoms are typically made of latex, but those with latex allergies can opt for non-latex condoms (e.g., polyurethane condoms). Remember that size matters. Condoms come in different shapes and sizes so it's important to find the one that fits you. If the condom is too big, it can slip off; if it's too small, it can tear. Measure both the length and circumference before consulting the size chart of your favorite condom brand. ALWAYS use lube. While most condoms come pre-lubricated, use extra lube to prevent breakage. Make sure to use water or silicone-based lube. Oil-based products will cause latex condoms to break. Some non-latex condoms can be used with oil-based lube. However, always make sure to check the directions on the condom package. Don't use more than one condom at once. "Doubling up" does not increase the effectiveness of condoms. In fact, the friction this creates can make one or both condoms more likely to break. NEVER reuse a condom. Condoms are not effective after use and can rupture. External Condoms External condoms are thin sleeves placed on the penis during sex. You may also want to consider using a condom on your strap-on/dildo if you use it with multiple partners. Just be careful not to use silicon-based lube with silicon toys. How to Use External Condoms Diagram of how to use an external condom (Image Source: PRISM FL, Inc / Sarah Bruso) Check the expiration date on the package. Expired condoms are not effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs. Carefully open the package and remove the condom. Check to make sure there are no tears or defects in the condom. Place the condom on the head of the penis and pinch the air out of the tip. Unroll the condom down the shaft of the penis After sex, hold the condom at the base of the penis before pulling out Remove the condom and throw it away. Internal Condoms Internal condoms, sometimes called female condoms, are sleeves that are inserted into the vagina or anus during sex to prevent pregnancy and/or STIs. While internal condoms are less common than external condoms, they are a great way to put the receiving partner in control of their choice to use protection. The FC2 is the only internal condom approved by the FDA. How to Use Internal Condoms Diagram of how to use an internal condom (Image Source: PRISM FL, Inc / Sarah Bruso) Check the expiration date on the package. Expired condoms are not effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs. Carefully open the package and remove the condom. Check to make sure there are no tears or defects in the condom. Squeeze the sides of the inner ring on the closed end and insert it into the vagina/anus. Use your finger to push the condom as far up as possible. Check occasionally during sex to make sure your partner's penis hasn't slipped between the condom and vagina/anus or that the outer ring of the condom hasn't entered the vagina/anus. If this happens, stop and use a new internal condom. After sex, twist the outer ring and pull the condom out of the vagina/anus Remove the condom and throw it away. Internal Condoms and Anal Sex It's also possible to use an internal condom like an external condom. To do this, remove the inner ring from the internal condom and place it on the penis/dildo before inserting it. However, do not remove the ring if you're using the condom as an internal barrier method. Doing so can increase the risk that the condom will twist and break inside the anus. Condom Care To prevent damage and tearing, which in turn prevent STIs and/or unwanted pregnancies, it's important to store your condoms safely and securely. Where not to store a condom: In a wallet or pocket Loose in a bag In a car Where to store a condom: In a condom case carried in a bag In hard, sturdy cases like mint tins or gum containers On a nightstand or in a drawer Other Barrier Methods Condoms aren't the only methods of protection and prevention! Check out the articles we have on other barrier methods to learn more. Dental Dams References Condoms . Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/condom . Internal Condoms | Female Condoms . Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/internal-condom . Kelvin, E. A., Mantell, J. E., Candelario, N., Hoffman, S., Exner, T. M., Stackhouse, W., & Stein, Z. A. (2011). Off-label use of the female condom for anal intercourse among men in New York City. American Journal of Public Health , 101 (12), 2241–2244. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2011.300260

Explore our comprehensive HIV/AIDS resources, including detection, prevention, and more. < Return to Resources HIV/AIDS Resources Learn all about AIDS and HIV! We've provided some helpful resources below to break it down! Learn about HIV and AIDS! HIV and AIDS can be scary topics, but we've got you covered with a whole host of resources about preventing HIV, getting tested, treating HIV, and more! Want to get tested? Click here to find an STI Clinic near you The Basics HIV & AIDS Learn all about HIV/AIDS, from how it's spread, how to treat it, and how to prevent it. Maxx Fenning PrEP and PEP PrEP and PEP are medications you can take to prevent exposure to HIV. PRISM Inc. AIDS Crisis The AIDS Crisis ravaged the LGBTQ+ community for decades, and the government did little to help. Kylie Lawrence Talking About Using Protection The best way to discuss using protection is to be open and honest. Here are some tips. Maxx Fenning Talking About Getting Tested How do I talk to my partner about getting tested? The best way to discuss getting tested is to be open and honest. Voice your need to.... Maxx Fenning Condoms Learn about how to use condoms effectively to prevent STIs and/or pregnancy. Maxx Fenning

< Return to STI Clinic Search AHF Wellness Center - Biscayne Call: (786) 522-2503 Website: https://www.freestdcheck.org/locations/fl-biscayne/ Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 2400 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL, USA Hours: Today (Thurs): 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Fri: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sat: 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Sun: Closed Mon: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Tues: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Wed: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. OPEN Free Testing Walk-Ins Accepted Free Condoms PrEP On-Site PrEP Referral Parking type: Street Free Parking Tests Offered:

< Back Hannah Neuman Development & Operations Director Hannah is a genderqueer lesbian from Jacksonville, FL with a BSc from Florida State University. They have an extensive background in education and youth empowerment, and a deep passion for community-building. Over the last three years, they have co-directed two small non-profits focused on uplifting houseless individuals and local artists by expanding access to vital resources. Hannah is currently plans to pursue a Masters of Social Work in 2026. As a Jewish member of the queer community, they are dedicated to Collective Liberation—actively uplifting Palestinian voices in their fight for freedom at every opportunity. In addition to advocacy work, Hannah enjoys practicing astrology, tarot, art, and vegan cooking. In their free time, you can often find them taking a long hike through nature, working on a magazine collage, or performing with their indie-rock band “No Parts”. < Back to Our Team

< Back Miles Davis Policy Analyst Miles Davis has a diverse background in legislative affairs, voting rights advocacy, and political campaigns. He served as Chief of Staff in the Florida Senate, where he provided strategic guidance on policy initiatives and built strong relationships with community leaders and state agencies. As Florida Voting Rights Director at America Votes, Miles worked to protect and expand voter access, collaborating with state and local stakeholders to create coordinated strategies. He has also led teams on high-profile political campaigns, serving as a Political Director and Campaign Manager for statewide and regional efforts. Miles is passionate about empowering communities, advancing civic engagement, and fostering equitable opportunities for all. < Back to Our Team

Do you love design? Are you great at public speaking? Maybe your passion is educating others. Whatever it is, there's a place in PRISM for everyone. Get Involved Hi, we’re PRISM ! We’re a youth-led nonprofit that works to expand access to LGBT-inclusive education and sexual health resources for young people in South Florida. Want to help out? Scroll down to see how you can join the movement. Volunteer Form Open Positions STI Clinic Vetting Program Share Donate Task Forces

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

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

< Back to School Policy Hub AIDS Crisis Initial Outbreak Transmission Health Repercussions Public Reaction Current Overview Initial Outbreak In May 1990, ACT-UP mounted a protest at NIH to bring awareness to the public the biomedical research in combating HIV-AIDS. (Source: Flickr, Public Domain) In June of 1981, the CDC began reporting on unusual cases of pneumonia and cancer in gay men in Los Angeles. The first known display of AIDS was on June 5th, 1981, when the CDC published an article discussing a rare lung infection that was found in 5 young gay men who were previously healthy. Over the next few days, there was an influx of opportunistic illnesses with no obvious origins. By the end of the year, 337 cases had been reported of the mysterious immune deficiency behind these infections, with upwards of 90% of infections found in males whose sexual identity was gay. 130, or around 40%, of patients, were dead by December 31st. This disorder, which would later be named AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), is caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Transmission The virus can be transmitted or "caught" by anyone regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic, but it is most common among gay men. HIV, the precursor to AIDS, is transmitted through blood, vaginal fluid, semen, or breast milk. Check out our comprehensive article on HIV/AIDS, which includes treatment and prevention. Due to a lack of sexual education and resources for the LGBTQ+ community at the time, many men did not use condoms or take precautionary steps, such as getting tested, before engaging in sex, which allowed the virus to spread rapidly through the community without any resistance. Because of this and its prominent effect on the LBGTQ+ community (and the generally homophobic atmosphere of the early 1980s), the public was reluctant to endorse funding and research for the epidemic, coining the term "gay cancer" within a month of the first reported case. HIV would go on to infect 8-10 million people over the next decade. Health Repercussions AIDS activists from the Gay Men's Health Crisis carry a "Stop Hate. Stop AIDS" banner (Source: Wikimedia Commons) At the start of the AIDS crisis, there were no treatments or medications available to help individuals once they contracted HIV. Left untreated, the virus would often develop into AIDS once the number of CD4 cells reached a minimum threshold, which resulted in a severe weakening of one's immune system. Because of this, many infected parties caught other opportunistic illnesses, leading them to lethal infections of pneumonia, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and many more. With AIDS, their immune system was unable to fight off these infections, ultimately leading to death for many. Public Reaction Gay men were the main driving force responding to the AIDS epidemic and working for change and answers to the novel virus. The rest of the public had virtually no response as their communities weren't being as greatly affected, and the views towards the gay community were very controversial. Michael Callen and Richard Berkowitz were two gay men who advocated for sexual education during the epidemic. They published a piece of work explaining the importance of gay men using condoms during sex to prevent the spread of HIV. At the time, people still believed that HIV was restricted to white gay men. However, this was not the case, as the virus could infect anybody. Therefore, activists began emphasizing condom use for people of color and lesbians during their later campaigns. While local communities took initiative against the virus, the federal government was not as active. At the beginning of the crisis, they provided very little funding for research about the virus or preventative measures for affected communities. Activists protesting the alleged slow pace of federal research against AIDS spent the morning of May 21 marching on the NIH campus. Eighty-two demonstrators were arrested, including 21 who broke into the office of Dr. Daniel Hoth, director of NIAID's Division of AIDS. (Source: Flickr, Public Domain) Additionally, many people felt as though the government took too broad of a stance on fighting the virus, focusing their campaigns on "all" for every member of the public rather than honing in on the communities that were being disproportionately affected. The lack of response gave the virus ample time to spread at an unprecedented pace and affect thousands of people, mostly gay men. Current Overview To date, 770,000 people have died from AIDS since 1981. In 2019, 38 million people were living with HIV worldwide—there were 1.2 million in the US alone. However, the flood of support for the LGBTQ+ community within the past two decades has allowed for major developments in HIV/AIDS research. Today, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives if they seek treatment and will likely never develop AIDS. References Content Source: HIV.govDate last updated: May 01, 2019. (2021, April 8). Other health issues of special concern for people living with HIV . HIV.gov. https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/staying-in-hiv-care/other-related-health-issues/other-health-issues-of-special-concern-for-people-living-with-hiv . Fayyad, A. (2019, July 22). The LGBTQ Health Clinic that faced a dark truth about the AIDS crisis . The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2019/07/us-aids-policy-lingering-epidemic/594445/ . Magazine, S. (2013, December 4). The confusing and at-times counterproductive 1980s response to the AIDS epidemic . Smithsonian.com. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-confusing-and-at-times-counterproductive-1980s-response-to-the-aids-epidemic-180948611/ . A timeline of HIV and AIDS . HIV.gov. (2021, September 7). https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/history/hiv-and-aids-timeline .

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

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

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