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< Back to School Policy Hub Transgender What Does Transgender Mean? What is Gender? Transgender Issues What Not to Say Transitioning Trans Symbols How to Get Support What Does Transgender Mean? Transgender individuals are people whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. Conversely, "cisgender" describes a person whose gender identity does align with the sex they were assigned at birth. Transgender is also an umbrella term used to describe many different identities: non-binary , demi-gender, gender non-conforming, trans-masc or femme, transgender man, bigender, agender, and more. What is Gender? Gender is a combination of social, emotional, and cultural ideas that define how humans interact with each other. These can be broken down into two sectors: gender identity and gender expression. Gender Identity Gender identity is how you perceive yourself on the gender spectrum. This can fall anywhere on the gender spectrum and is not limited to male or female. Gender Expression Gender expression is how you display yourself outwardly. This can include the clothes you wear, how you style your hair, or even how you talk. You can learn more about gender identity and expression here . Transgender Issues Transgender people can face many different problems, such as transphobia, gender dysphoria, and deadnaming. Gender Dysphoria This condition, formerly known as Gender Identity Disorder, is the distress a person may feel as a result of their emotional and psychological identity not coinciding with their biological sex. One of the earliest signs of knowing one is transgender is feeling gender dysphoria. Feelings or signs of gender dysphoria are, but are not limited to: A certainty that your gender identity conflicts with your biological sex You only feel comfortable when in the gender role of your preferred identity (may include non-binary) A strong desire to hide or be rid of physical signs of your biological sex, such as breasts or body hair A strong dislike of the genitals you were born with You may feel lonely or isolated from others. You may also face pressure from friends, classmates, coworkers, or family to behave a certain way. It’s important to note that you don’t need to experience gender dysphoria to be transgender. Not all transgender people experience gender dysphoria. Transphobia Transphobia encompasses a range of negative attitudes, feelings, or actions toward transgender people or transness in general. Transphobia can include fear, aversion, hatred, violence, anger, or discomfort felt or expressed towards people who do not conform to social gender expectations. Just like gay or lesbian individuals can deal with homophobia, transgender people can deal with transphobia daily. Transphobia can lead to depression, a greater feeling of gender dysphoria, and a lack of self-confidence and self-esteem. Misgendering and Deadnaming Misgendering is using a former pronoun of a transgender or non-binary person. Deadnaming is using a transgender or non-binary person’s former name. Intentionally deadnaming or misgendering is highly inappropriate and harmful. However, in some cases, deadnaming or misgendering can be accidental. If you knew a transgender person before they discovered their gender identity, you might be used to referring to them by their old pronouns and deadname. It might be a force of habit to refer to someone by their old identity. However, it is still wrong, even if it is accidental. If you accidentally refer to a transgender person by their old identity, name, or pronouns, simply apologize and correct yourself. What Not to Say If a transgender person discovers themself, even if they have not elected to gender reassignment surgery or hormone replacement therapy, never refer to them as their previous gender identity. For example, someone named David goes down the road of discovery and finds out that they are transgender. David’s new name is Dalia, and they now go by she/her and Dalia only. You should never say: “Dalia was a guy before, and her name was David.” “David was born a man but turned into a girl.” “Dalia is biologically male.” It’s important to note that Dalia was never a man; she was only assigned male at birth. If you want to mention Dalia’s transition (with her permission, of course), consider saying: “Dalia was assigned male at birth, but she now identifies as female.” “Dalia is a transgender woman.” Dalia is also not a drag queen, a transvestite, a transsexual, or "a transgender." To learn about these terms and why they are inaccurate and, oftentimes, offensive, see our Outdated Trans Terms article. Avoid focusing on someone’s transition or presentation. A common term you may hear when discussing transgender people is “passing” or “stealth.” This describes someone who presents themselves in such a way that you “can’t tell” that they’re transgender. Using these terms without a transgender person’s permission is wrong for several reasons. Not only does it imply that transgender people need to physically transform in order to be valid, it also reinforces dangerous gender norms . Ultimately, it's harmful to make a transgender person feel like they are “passing as something they’re not” or “tricking” people. Transitioning Transgender people may use various medical and non-medical interventions or procedures to alter their bodies in a way that aligns with their gender identity. However, it is important to note that not all transgender people do this, and it is not required to be transgender. These interventions and procedures are part of a greater support system known as gender-affirming care (GAC) . You can learn about the many different kinds of GAC, like hormone therapy and surgery, in our Gender-Affirming Care article. Transgender Symbols Transgender Gender Symbol The transgender gender symbol is a combination of the gender symbols for male and female. An alternate version also integrates the symbol for genderqueer. The transgender gender symbol. The transgender gender symbol including the genderqueer symbol. Transgender Flag Transgender Pride Flag (1999) A very prominent symbol of the transgender community, this flag was first designed by transgender woman Monica Helms in 1999 and first used in 2000 at a pride parade in Phoenix, Arizona. Blue represents boys, pink represents girls, and white represents those who are transitioning, intersex, or consider themselves as having an unidentified gender. Black Transgender Pride Flag (2015) Black Transgender Flag A symbol of the transgender community specifically made for Black trans people, this flag was designed by Raquel Willis and first used in 2015. The colors have the same meaning as the more commonly used flag, except the black is meant to symbolize the high levels of transphobia, violence, and racism directed towards Black members of the trans community, especially Black trans women. How to Get Support You always deserve support. We know that the journey to discovering one's self can be a difficult one with plenty of bumps and setbacks and crying-in-the-showers. That's perfectly normal! Just remember that there's an entire community behind you; others have been in your shoes and have felt the same fear, uncertainty, and anxiety. We get it, and we're here for you. If you need help or are struggling to find support, check out our Where To Find Support article. References NHS website. (2021, April 20). Signs. Nhs.Uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/symptoms/ Chakraborti, N. C., & Jon Garland, J. G. (2009). Hate crime : impact, causes and responses : Chakraborti, Neil : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/hatecrimeimpactc00neil/mode/1up Leonard, J. (2019, October 9). What to know about female-to-male surgery. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326590#:%7E:text=Female%2Dto%2Dmale%20surgery%20is,known%20as%20%E2%80%9Cbottom%E2%80%9D%20surgery What is gender reassignment surgery? (2018, September 21). ISSM. https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/what-is-gender-reassignment-surgery/ What Are Appropriate Labels & Terms For Transgender People? (n.d.). Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/gender-identity/transgender/transgender-identity-terms-and-labels GLAAD Media Reference Guide - Transgender. (2021, March 29). GLAAD. https://www.glaad.org/reference/transgender Lopez, G. (2015, February 18). Why you should always use “transgender” instead of “transgendered.” Vox. https://www.vox.com/2015/2/18/8055691/transgender-transgendered-tnr

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

< Return to Open Positions Data and Research Manager We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Data and Research Manager 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 In order to keep track of our objectives, maximize the impact of our work, and find new opportunities for growth, our Data & Research Manager will work alongside the rest of our team to conduct surveys and monitor analytics. Candidates local to Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach counties are strongly preferred. Hours: 10-15/wk Pay: $22/hr Responsibilities : Coordinate and develop community needs assessments and other surveying programs Oversee data analysis and reporting of survey data collected by PRISM Compile data into interpretable trends and correlations Coordinate the content, formal review, distribution, promotion, analysis, and reporting of all surveying within PRISM Qualifications : Experience conducting surveys and studies involving human beings Experience with data analysis/statistical reporting Exposure to LGBTQ+ issues, sexual health/public health, or gender and sexuality Institutional review board (IRB) experience preferred 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

< 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 2025. 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

< Return to Open Positions Policy Director We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Policy 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 Policy Director oversees our Policy Task Force, which works to solve challenges at the local, state, and national levels, with an emphasis on fighting for the LGBTQ+ community, especially LGBTQ+ people of color across South Florida. Candidates local to Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach are strongly preferred. Hours: 30/wk Pay: $22/hr Responsibilities : Organizing grassroots actions and events to influence public opinion on key policy initiatives Recruit and train grassroots activists and community members for public policy work Coordinate scheduling and logistics for lobbying initiatives Support and assist in the direction of cross-task force engagement in policy programs Organize coalition support for legislative priorities and provide support to partners for legislative priorities Draft regular legislative and school board tracking updates Qualifications : Strong event planning and organizing skills Strong communication and public speaking skill Be comfortable communicating professionally to large audiences, especially those with opposing viewpoints Be able to work digitally, with reliable internet access Be able to travel long distances for in-person initiatives, with reliable transportation Lobbying experience strongly preferred Understanding of laws and policies that impact LGBTQ+ youth, sexual health, and public education preferred Familiarity with Google Suite preferred 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

Learn all about being pansexual and the pansexual community! < Return to Resources Pansexual Resources Learn all about being pansexual and the pansexual community! The Basics Sexual Orientation Basics Sexual orientation is a person's gender identity in relation to the gender to which they are attracted. Learn More Pansexuality Pansexuality means an attraction to all gender identities. Learn More Coming Out Tips Check out our tips and advice for how to come out safely. Learn More History The Fight for Marriage Equality For decades, the LGBTQ+ community fought for marriage equality. Here's the story of that struggle. Learn More Stonewall Riots The Stonewall Riots of 1969 were a response to police brutality against the LGBTQ+ community. Learn More Homosexuality as a Mental Illness It wasn't until 1973 that homosexuality was declassified as a mental illness by the American Psychiatric Association. Learn More Black Cat Protests The Black Cat Protests were a series of LGBTQ+ demonstrations against police brutality in the US. Learn More Employment Discrimination It wasn't until 2021 that the LGBTQ+ community was given federal protections against employment discrimination. Learn More Pan Pride Quick View PRISM Pride Backpack: Pansexual Price $48.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Notebook: Pansexual Price $16.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Magic Mug: Pansexual Price $16.00 Quick View PRISM Pride Face Mask: Pansexual Price $19.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Shirt: Pansexual Price $36.50 Quick View PRISM Pride Sweatshirt: Pansexual Price $45.50 1 2 3

< Return to STI Clinic Search Latinos Salud - North Miami Call: (786) 631-4538 Website: https://www.latinossalud.org Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 640 NE 124th St, North Miami, FL, USA Hours: Today (Fri): 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sat: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Sun: Closed Mon: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Tues: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Wed: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Thurs: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. OPEN Free Testing Walk-Ins Accepted Free Condoms PrEP On-Site PrEP Referral Parking type: Lot Free Parking Tests Offered: HIV (Rapid): Free HIV (Lab): Free Chlamydia : Free Gonorrhea : Free Syphilis (Lab): Free Hepatitis C (Rapid): Free Hepatitis C (Lab): Free

< Back to School Policy Hub Victory for Sexual Health Education in Miami Dade On Wednesday, July 20th, the school board of Miami Dade County held a meeting to decide whether to keep or reject the previously approved "human growth and development" curriculum. In other words, sex ed materials. The materials were approved in April, but 278 objections were filed against the textbook. The point of contention was the book's inclusion of contraception, abortion, and other topics. This spurred a hearing where a neutral judge affirmed that the textbooks were in line with state standards. Several groups mobilized in support of the textbook, including PRISM. Knowledge about sexual health is important to the health and safety of all, but particularly to the marginalized youth we seek to serve. Upwards of 90% of speakers were in support. Detractors argued the textbook enabled sexual grooming and jumped to accusations of communism and censorship. These talking points are not only irrelevant to the conversation but are well-established canards used by reactionary movements. At the initial meeting, three separate "concerned parents" associated with conservative nonprofit Moms for Liberty yelled at students and other speakers. . School board members, security staff, and onlookers in the audience were subjected to a flurry of screamed insults as all three were forcibly escorted from the building. During that meeting, the board voted 5-4 to remove the textbook from the curriculum. This put the district out of compliance with state standards (which require schools to teach sexual health curriculum), so another meeting was held just last Thursday to discuss how the board would move forward. In just three days, we and several other organizations mobilized hundreds of parents in Miami, creating a petition that garnered over 2800 signatures, an online tool that sent over 300 emails to each board member, and dozens of speakers at the special meeting. After several hours of discussion, Chairwoman Perla Tabares Hantman reversed her vote– meaning there were finally enough votes to keep the textbook, in another 5-4 decision.

< Back to School Policy Hub The Fight for Marriage Equality Before Marriage Equality Major Court Cases Taking it to the Supreme Court Legacy In the United States, the LGBTQ+ community has fought long and hard for equal rights. While the Stonewall Uprising is known as the spark for LGBTQ+ civil rights, legalizing marriage equality in the United States gave couples the rights they deserved. Activists long took to the streets to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and now it was time to take it to court. Before Marriage Equality Marriage is a civil right towards the freedom of happiness. For years, same-sex couples were denied this right and the benefits of marriage, which gave couples legal rights such as tax benefits, immigration rights, social security income, and employer benefits. Same-sex couples were also unable to receive other vital resources given to married couples, like health insurance benefits, welfare, domestic violence protections, and housing. In some states, domestic partnerships were an option for same-sex couples who lived together and wanted to recognize their relationships legally. These domestic partnerships allowed couples to seek some benefits (for instance, federal taxes), but not many. Domestic partnership’s rights, recognition, and benefits still vary significantly between states, agencies, and other individual companies. Marriage equality was essential for same-sex couples to ensure their rights and protections across the nation. Major Court Cases Baehr v. Miike was the first major same-sex marriage court case. Three same-sex couples filed a lawsuit against Hawaii in 1990, arguing that prohibiting same-sex marriage was a violation of Hawaii’s state constitution. The lawsuit sparked the conversation regarding legitimate interest in same-sex marriage from the LGBT community. The case was initially dismissed but then had a trial with the Hawaii Supreme Court. Before this trial, President Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in 1996. It defined federal marriage only for heterosexual couples, but states had the freedom to define it differently. In 1996, Hawaii gave benefits to couples who were ineligible to get married. Two years later, an amendment to “grant the legislature the power to restrict marriage to opposite-sex couples” was placed on the ballot and passed. Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage in 2004, following the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court case Goodridge v. Department of Public Health . Taking it to the Supreme Court In 2009, Edith Windsor received a federal tax bill after the death of her wife, Thea Clara Spyer, because Windsor was not recognized as a surviving spouse. After being denied federal tax benefits, Windsor challenged the Supreme Court on recognizing same-sex couples married in legal states. In 2013, United States v. Windsor challenged section three of DOMA, which recognized marriage as a union between a man and a woman. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled section three of DOMA was “…unconstitutional and that the federal government cannot discriminate against married lesbian and gay couples to determine federal benefits and protection.” Jim Obergfell after the ruling. (Image Source: Elvert Barnes /Wikimedia Commons, CC BY SA ) Obergefell v. Hodges: An Iconic Case Jim Obergefell and John Arthur quickly heard the news of Windor’s success. Obergefell and Arthur decided to get married before Arthur passed away due to his health struggle. The couple lived in Ohio and traveled to Maryland for their wedding. After returning home, they went to an Ohio judge who ruled for Obergefell to be listed as the surviving spouse upon Arthur’s death. John Arthur passed away three months after their marriage. With the Judge’s ruling, Obergefell was listed on the death certificate. However, the state of Ohio appealed the Judge’s decision and reissued the certificate to exclude his name. Obergefell filed an appeal to the Supreme Court in 2014. On June 26th, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 on Obergefell v. Hodges in favor of federal same-sex marriage. Legacy The decision on Obergefell v. Hodges gave civil rights to millions of LGBTQ+ Americans. The White House was lit in rainbow lights, and the nation celebrated after years of protesting, boycotting, Queer politicism, and hardships. Legalizing marriage equality would not have been possible without Edith Windsor and Jim Obergefell’s perseverance and the hard work of the activists who came before us. References Andersen, E. A. (2017). Transformative Events in the LGBTQ Rights Movement. Indiana Journal of Law and Social Equality , 5 (2), 36. https://www.repository.law.indiana.edu/ijlse/vol5/iss2/10 ACLU. (n.d.). Windsor v. United States . American Civil Liberties Union. Retrieved March 26, 2021, from https://www.aclu.org/cases/lesbian-and-gay-rights/windsor-v-united-states Defense of Marriage Act: Update to Prior Report . (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2021, from https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-04-353r.pdf Domestic Partner Benefit Eligibility: Defining Domestic Partners and Dependents—HRC Foundation . (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2021, from https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/professional-resources/domestic-partner-benefit-eligibility-defining-domestic-partners-and-dependents Domestic Partnership Benefits . (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2021, from https://www.glad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/domestic-partnership-overview.pdf Domestic Partnership vs. Marriage: What’s the Difference? (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2021, from https://www.rocketlawyer.com/family-and-personal/family-matters/marriage/legal-guide/domestic-partnership-vs-marriage-whats-the-difference Liptak, A. (2013, June 26). Supreme Court Bolsters Gay Marriage With Two Major Rulings. The New York Times . https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/27/us/politics/supreme-court-gay-marriage.html Rosenwald, M. S. (2015, April 6). How Jim Obergefell became the face of the Supreme Court gay marriage case. Washington Post . https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/how-jim-obergefell-became-the-face-of-the-supreme-court-gay-marriage-case/2015/04/06/3740433c-d958-11e4-b3f2-607bd612aeac_story.html

< Back to School Policy Hub Matthew Shepard Caution : The content of this post describes violence and homophobia. Who Was Matthew Shepard? Life and Death Legacy Who Was Matthew Shepard? Grayscale photograph of Matthew Shepard (Source: Gina van Hoof) Matthew Shepard was a young, gay American from Wyoming whose tragic death sparked outrage across the country and led to many improvements in hate crime legislation. Life and Death Shepard was a political science major at the University of Wyoming. Often described as being kind and empathetic, Shepard cared deeply about equality, diversity, and respecting others' beliefs. His mother reported that when Shepard was in high school, he was attacked and sexually assaulted during a trip to Morocco. This, she said, began a steady decline in his mental health as he grew increasingly withdrawn and depressed. By the time he was in college, Shepard struggled with drug abuse and suicidal ideation. Matthew Shepard (Source: Gina van Hoof, Matthew Shepard Foundation) Shepard's Murder On the night of October 6, 1998, Shepard was approached by Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson at a bar in Laramie. The two offered to give Shepard a ride home, but instead drove him to a remote rural area and proceeded to rob, beat, and torture him, tying him to a fence and leaving him for dead. The next morning, he was found unconscious by a cyclist and taken to the hospital. Shepard died just six days later. Hate Crime Testimonies at the time confirmed that McKinney's actions had been fueled by homophobia; the pair identified Shepard as a target for robbery, pretended to be gay to lure him in, and then McKinney panicked and attacked when Shepard placed a hand on his knee. In contrast, Henderson's lawyer denied that Shepard's sexuality had anything to do with the murder. Legacy Shepard’s tragic passing has led to many improvements in hate crime legislation. Legislation started in the Wyoming House Of Representatives, continued through President Bill Clinton, and was finalized with President Barack Obama on October 28th, 2009, making discrimination towards members of the LGBTQ+ community a hate crime. On October 26, 2018, a little over 20 years after his death, Matthew Shepard’s ashes were interred at the crypt of the Washington National Cathedral, the first interment there since Hellen Keller in 1968. While he is no longer with us, Matthew’s name lives on through the Matthew Shepard Foundation , an LGBTQ+ non-profit organization in Casper, Wyoming, as well as a play called “The Laramie Project." Reference Bindel, Julie (October 25, 2014). "The truth behind America's most famous gay-hate murder" . The Guardian . Brooke, James (November 21, 1998). "Witnesses Trace Brutal Killing of Gay Student" . The New York Times .

< Back to School Policy Hub Implants 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. Woman showing how the birth control implant goes just below the skin on the arm (Image Source: PRISM FL, Inc / Nikhil Kanda, Sarah Bruso) 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 .

< Back to School Policy Hub Pulse Shooting Content Warning: This article discusses a deeply traumatic event. Reader discretion is advised. June 12th, 2016, was a devastating day for the LGBTQ+ community after a tragic shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, FL. Omar Mateen killed 49 people and injured 53 more at the Orlando club. The Pulse nightclub attack remains the second deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. Timeline Pulse was one of the most popular gay clubs in the city, and that Saturday night also happened to be Latin night. 2:02 a.m. Bulletholes in the nightclub the day after the shooting.. (Image Source: Ed Burns/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 ) Early in the morning, the police received reports of shots fired at the club. An off-duty officer attempted to restrain Mateen, but he was unsuccessful and the shooter was able to make his way into the club. Minutes later, police arrived at the scene and exchanged gunfire with the shooter. 2:09 a.m. An alarming post was made on Pulse's Facebook page, stating for “everyone [to] get out of Pulse and keep running.” Unfortunately, this chilling post was not the reality for many of the patrons in the club who became caught in the middle of gunshots. Hours later people were still being held hostage in the club. 5:00 a.m. SWAT teams began breaking down the back wall of the club to help victims escape. They did this through a controlled explosion in order to safely but quickly provide a route to safety for those inside. Eventually, many patrons, including the shooter himself, emerged from the building. Pulse night-club was located on Orange Ave. in Orlando FL. The image above depicts the layout of the club. Manteen entered the club and made his way to the dance floor. He continued around the back of the club and made his way to the restrooms. When police arrived, the wall that was broken down was the one leading to the restroom. (Image Source: Orlando City Planning Division blueprints) 5:15 a.m. Upon Manteen’s exit, a shootout occurred between him and the police, ultimately resulting in his death. Legacy This direct attack on LGBTQ+ and Latinx people continues to cause grief to this day and serves as a constant reminder of the hate and discrimination still faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Five years after the shooting, community members continue to come together at Pulse to celebrate and mourn those who lost their lives on June 12, 2016. Vigils are held and it is a time to advocate for those who were victims of homophobia and gun violence on that tragic night. (Image Source: Walter, FLICKR) LGBTQ + mental health is at a heightened risk following Florida's decision to veto funding and cut approximately “$900,000 in funding for state programs geared toward serving the LGBTQ+ population, including one that provides mental health programs to survivors of the Pulse nightclub shooting..." This decision, on the 2nd day of Pride and just before the 5th anniversary of the Pulse shooting, is a tell-tale sign of the work that needs to continue to be done to support LGBTQ+ communities. References Kelley, A. (2021, June 3). Florida Gov DeSantis vetoes mental health funding for Pulse shooting survivors . TheHill. https://thehill.com/changing-america/respect/diversity-inclusion/556703-florida-gov-desantis-vetoes-mental-health Zambelich, A., & Hurt, A. (2016, June 26). 3 Hours In Orlando: Piecing Together An Attack And Its Aftermath . NPR. https://www.npr.org/2016/06/16/482322488/orlando-shooting-what-happened-update