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< Back to School Policy Hub HIV & AIDS What are HIV and AIDS? How It's Spread Getting Tested Testing Positive Prevention What are HIV and AIDS? HIV and AIDS are NOT the same thing. HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a sexually transmitted infection that attacks and weakens your immune system. AIDS, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, is a disease caused by HIV that makes it extremely hard for your body to fight off infections. HIV has no cure. Once someone gets HIV, they've got it for good. However, there are treatments that can reduce your viral load to the point where you cannot give it to someone else. 1.2 MILLION Americans have HIV. There are about 34,800 new cases reported every year. While HIV disproportionately affects gay and bisexual men, anyone can get HIV, regardless of age, sex, race, or sexual orientation. How It's Spread HIV is carried in semen, blood, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. You can get it by having vaginal or anal sex or by sharing needles or syringes. HIV isn't spread through saliva, and you can't get it just by kissing or touching someone who is HIV-positive. If you think you've been exposed to HIV, you can take PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, within 72 hours to lower your chances of contracting it. Getting Tested Testing for HIV is generally simple and painless. HIV testing usually involves either a cheek swab or drawing blood. When you contract HIV, your body produces antibodies to fight against the virus. An antibody test, which is the most common, looks for these antibodies in the blood. Generally, it can take 18 to 90 days for your body to make these antibodies. This means that for this period, your test results can come back negative, even if you have HIV. This is known as the window period. NATs (Nucleic Acid Tests) only have a 10 to 33 day window period and involve drawing blood from a vein to look for the virus itself. However, these tests are extremely expensive and only used in high-risk situations. Some tests, called rapid HIV tests, can give you results in 30 minutes or less. Almost all rapid HIV tests are antibody tests. These generally involve either a cheek swab or drawing blood through a finger prick. You can also get an at-home rapid HIV test called OraQuick, which can be purchased at your local pharmacy or online . Others can take several days or weeks if samples need to be sent to a lab. It's important to get tested regularly. If you're sexually active or share needles for drug use, piercings, or tattoos, get tested. It can take up to 10 years to develop AIDS, so most people who have HIV don't know it until they get tested. Seriously. AIDS is a BIG problem, especially among LGBTQ+ folk. So, do you and your partner a HUGE favor and put your minds at ease. Click here to find a local testing center . Testing Positive So, your results came back positive. The first thing to remember is that this is nothing to be ashamed of. If you or your partner have HIV, it does not necessarily mean anyone cheated. Like we said, most people who contract HIV don't know they have it until years later. How do I get rid of it? If you think you've been exposed to HIV, you can take PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis , within 72 hours to lower your chances of contracting it. Unfortunately, HIV can't be cured. However, your doctor can prescribe antiretroviral medications that can lower the amount of the virus in your body and slow the damage it does to your immune system. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can lower your viral load to a point where it doesn't show up on standard tests. At this point, it is considered "undetectable," meaning that you can't spread HIV to sexual partners. "Undetectable" doesn't mean cured. Even if your viral load becomes undetectable, it can still return to detectable levels if you stop treatment, meaning you can spread it to your partner(s) again. It is important to maintain treatment if you contract HIV. Prevention Wear protection. The easiest way to prevent the spread of HIV is by wearing protection. Barrier methods like condoms and dental dams are 90-95% effective in protecting you from HIV. Consider taking PrEP. PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis , is a daily pill that can prevent HIV. It's especially useful for MSM (men who have sex with men) since they make up the biggest group of HIV cases in the United States. If you think you've been exposed to HIV, you can take PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, within 72 hours to lower your chances of contracting it. Use clean needles. Don't share needles when shooting drugs or getting tattoos or piercings. References HIV.gov (2021, June 2). U.S. Statistics . HIV.gov. https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/data-and-trends/statistics . HIV.gov. (2021, April 8). What are HIV and AIDS? HIV.gov. https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/about-hiv-and-aids/what-are-hiv-and-aids . HIV.gov. (2021, April 8). HIV Testing Overview . HIV.gov. https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-testing/learn-about-hiv-testing/hiv-testing-overview . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, May 13). Types of HIV Tests . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/test-types.html . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, May 20). Treatment . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/livingwithhiv/treatment.html . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, May 20). Opportunistic Infections . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/livingwithhiv/opportunisticinfections.html . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, July 16). HIV Self-Testing . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/hiv-self-tests.html .

< Return to Open Positions Editor We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Editor Position Title Please select the requested option Want to apply for a different position? Click here to browse what's available. Have a question about open positions? Contact us at: careers@prismfl.org Part of our work is creating educational resources for LGBTQ+ youth and queer people of color. Editors ensure the highest quality of PRISM's articles, social media captions, and other forms of written work. Candidates local to Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach are strongly preferred. Pay : $30 per post edited Responsibilities : Review articles, captions, and other tasks for spelling, grammatical, punctuation, or formatting errors Ensure that educational topics are conveyed in a well-formatted, easy-to-read manner Maintain accuracy of information provided, both through peer-editing and continuous review of published resources While not required, it is preferred that Editors have prior exposure to information regarding one or more of the following : Sexual health LGBT issues Racial topics Black history/culture LatinX history/culture Asian history/culture LGBT history Editors should also have experience in proofreading and editing. Editors are assessed in their technical abilities prior to hiring through various mock tasks. PRISM pays a specified amount for each piece created, which may vary from project to project. 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 to School Policy Hub Homosexuality in the Pre-colonial Americas The Dine (Navajo) The Culhua-Mexica (Aztecs) The Runa (Inca) and the Moche Overall Author's Note: I will never understand or be able to discuss this topic outside of the view of the colonizer. This is an unfortunate knowledge barrier that is better addressed than breached. Native people are in need of support on many fronts from non-native people, and I hope to write every word of this article to support, not rewrite, native history. If you are unfamiliar with the level of erasure that has taken place since European colonization, please understand that it greatly exceeds anything I will be able to portray. Whenever you see the term ‘colonized as,’ I am referring to the fact that the common names of the land and peoples we were taught to use in public school are all European constructs. Therefore, I am trying to use only the names used originally or retroactively by native people. Three things are apparent in the available sources of information about homosexuality* in the pre-colonial Americas; one is that while the modern LGBTQ+ community was largely established in the mid-twentieth century, queerness* existed hundreds of years ago. Two, homosexuality* is intrinsically linked with the diverse gender structure of native tribes. Three, the most accurate information on this topic is from native people. With that being said, this article will attempt to establish a partial picture of the queer* cultures that flourished hundreds of years ago. Indigenous Tribes of Turtle Island (colonized as North America) The Diné (colonized as the Navajo) is an active indigenous tribe on Turtle Island. Prior to European intervention, the Diné had a non-binary social structure incorporating four gender identities: women*, men*, feminine Nádleehi, and masculine Nádleehi. Nádleehi gender identities were determined as a person grew up and were typically not a birth assignment. A child in these cultures discovered how they wanted to express themselves based on their interests or “gifts” and partook in society in ways that suited them individually. Nádleehi tribe members were highly regarded and often held high social positions. We’wha was a lhamana of the Zuni tribe who lived in the 1800s and spent several months in Washington D.C as an esteemed guest. (Image Source: Pinterest) Other tribes had similar identities, like the Lhamana of the Zuni tribe and the Asegi of the Cherokee. A modern blanket term introduced to describe these identities is “two-spirit,” and while it is commonly used, it is not universally accepted by native peoples or equivalent to a queer identity. It is estimated that 155 tribes across Turtle Island embraced a multi-gendered culture. The expanded conceptions of identity in these societies seem to have overshadowed sexuality. While homosexual* relationships were common, they were not inherent. The Culhua-Mexica (colonized as the Aztecs) In particular, the stories of the civilizations in modern-day Mexico are almost exclusively accessed through a colonized perspective. The Spanish colonizers burned the libraries and destroyed much of the resources that would have provided access to objective truth. The Mexica held a vast empire that incorporated many different ethnicities and cultures. They had a complicated relationship with homosexuality*, particularly with the practice of sodomy. The levels of acceptance varied by region and ruler. A map of the Culhua Mexica (Aztec) empire at its height. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) It has been suggested that the laws banning homosexual* behavior in the empire were a tactic by the Mexica to separate conquered peoples in the region from their previous cultures and religions, which often had feminine two-spirit shamans. This implies that the Culhua-Mexica empire was not homophobic but trying to strip others of their rich, queer* past. A depiction of practitioners of sodomy being mauled in the street by the war dogs of conquistadors. (Image Source: The Lone Woman and Last Indians Digital Archive) We know that homosexuals* and two-spirit people were prevalent because of encounters between Hernan Cortés and the native people of the regions he explored. Cortés remarked in a letter to his King, “We know and have been informed without room for doubt that all practice the abominable sin of sodomy.” Bernal Diaz del Castillo, another conquistador, also quoted Cortés as saying, “...young men must cease to go about in female garments...” While these remarks are indicative of male-homosexuality*, there is no mention of female-homosexuality*. However, we can (reasonably) infer that these relationships took place given that the Mexica region also embraced an expanded gender foundation like the tribes to the north, which encompassed marriages and relationships between women*. Abya Yala (colonized as South America) The Runa (colonized as the Inca) and the Moche The Runa were the people that lived in the region of modern-day Peru. The language they spoke was Quechua. The name Inca, or Incan, actually comes from their emperor Sapa Inca, not the name for the people. The Runa empire reportedly held similar views on homosexuality* as the Mexica, yet both societies realistically failed to enforce these laws on a widespread basis. The term “Moche” is not used to describe a group of people by nationality or origin, but rather the creators of a distinctive form of art (mostly ceramic pots depicting artwork) found in and near the Runa empire. While sexually explicit artwork was destroyed en masse by the Spanish invaders, some artwork does survive today. Of what does exist of this art, there is a major collection that displays in full detail, gay-male* sex as well as other sexual positions that focused on female* pleasure rather than simple procreation. This is an interesting discovery and gives us just a small amount of insight into what homosexuality* was present in this region as well as all of Abya Yala. We can also infer that given the conditions on Turtle Island, Abya Yala societies carried similar notions and customs of homosexuality*. The queer* history of the rest of the continent exists somewhere, and likely among its indigenous people. Overall These societies had unique gender identities and sexualities that developed independently of the established gender binary in the Euro-colonized world. Much like in the crusades of the Middle Ages, the European invaders eradicated "opposing" cultures and demonized their practices. Dine Equality is a group working to undo hundreds of years of queer erasure and uplift LGBTQ+ natives to heal the damage in their community. You can find more information on their website: www.equalitynavajo.org . *The use of gendered language, the word queer, and the word homosexual is for clarity purposes. Still, it is important to consider that these concepts do not adequately describe indigenous cultures as they are euro-centric ideas. References Brundage, J. (1991). The Construction of Homosexuality. By David F. Greenberg. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1988. x 635 p. $29.95. Church History, 60(1), 148-149. doi:10.2307/3168572 Cortés Hernán, & Morris, J. B. (1991). Hernando Cortés, Five Letters, 1519-1526 (p. 25). W.W. Norton. del Castillo, B. D. (1844). The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz Del Castillo . (J. I. Lockhart, Trans.) (Vol. 1) (p. 119). J. Hatchard and Son. Epple, C. (1998). Coming to Terms with Navajo Nádleehí: A Critique of Berdache, "Gay," "Alternate Gender," and "Two-spirit". American Ethnologist , 25 (2), 267–290. https://doi.org/10.1525/ae.1998.25.2.267 Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University. (n.d.). Who Were "Moche?" . Peabody Museum. https://www.peabody.harvard.edu/node/2505 Smithers, G. D. (2014). Cherokee “Two Spirits”: Gender, Ritual, and Spirituality in the Native South. Early American Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal , 12 (3), 626–651. https://doi.org/10.1353/eam.2014.0023 Vecchio, R. (2004, March 7th). Erotic Ceramics Reveal Dirty Little Secret. Los Angeles Times . https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-mar-07-adfg-pottery7-story.html Wilson, T. (2011). CHANGED EMBRACES, CHANGES EMBRACED? RENOUNCING THE HETEROSEXIST MAJORITY IN FAVOR OF A RETURN TO TRADITIONAL TWO-SPIRIT CULTURE. American Indian Law Review,36 (1), 161-188. http://www.jstor.org/stable/41495705

< Return to STI Clinic Search Care Resource Community Health Centers - Midtown Call: (305) 576-1234 Website: https://careresource.org/testing-hours-locations/ Have you been tested here? Fill out our STI Clinic Vetting Survey to tell us about your experience! 3510 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33137, USA Hours: Today (Wed): 8:00 a.m. - 6:15 p.m. Thurs: 8:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Fri: 8:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Sat: Closed Sun: Closed Mon: 8:00 a.m. - 6:15 p.m. Tues: 8:00 a.m. - 6:15 p.m. CLOSED NOW Free Testing Walk-Ins Accepted Free Condoms PrEP On-Site PrEP Referral Parking type: Lot Free Parking Tests Offered: HIV (Rapid): Free HIV (Lab): Free Chlamydia : Free Gonorrhea : Free Syphilis (Lab): Free Hepatitis C (Rapid): Free

< Return to Open Positions Research Director We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Research 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 PRISM relies on the dedicated contributions of volunteers to further its initiatives. The Research Director oversees our Research Task Force, which conducts internal and external surveying and data collection and coordinates non-educational STI prevention programs. Currently, this is an unpaid volunteer position. What you get : An opportunity to make a difference in the LGBT community, improve your leadership skills, a chance to make an impact, and a new experience to add to your resume. Responsibilities: Develop and oversee the operations of the Research Task Force (STI Clinic Search, STI Clinic Vetting Program, surveying, data analysis, etc.) Coordinate community service logs, payroll, and attendance logs Assist in securing grant funding for the Research Task Force by searching and applying for grants Preferred qualifications : Experience with data analysis and surveying Experience with STI prevention or public health services Experience working with research involving human beings Volunteer and staff management experience Prior research regarding nonprofit program efficacy or public health services Grant writing 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 to School Policy Hub Lesbian Being a Lesbian History (Ancient) History (Modern) Issues Symbols What Does it Mean to be a Lesbian? The term lesbian is commonly used by women who are exclusively attracted to other women. However, in recent years, the definition of lesbian identity has undergone a transformation, reflecting a broader understanding of gender and inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community. Traditionally defined as a woman exclusively attracted to other women, the scope of lesbian identity is expanding to be more inclusive of non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals. Some now describe a lesbian as a "non-male who is attracted solely to women." This adjustment aims to recognize and validate the experiences of non-binary and gender-nonconforming (GNC) individuals who identify with the lesbian community. Lesbian History (Ancient) Sappho - The Original Lesbian Sappho and Erinna in a Garden at Mytilene (Source: Simeon Solomon, 1864) Perhaps one of the most iconic lesbians in history is Sappho of Lesbos. An ancient Greek poet from the 600s BCE, Sappho's works are passionate, emotional, and filled with vivid descriptions of love and longing. Her poems primarily focused on the relationships between women, depicting their beauty and allure. Sappho's poems were often written in the first person, which has led readers to speculate that some of her works might have been autobiographical. While scholars may debate the translations of these lyrics and their meaning, Sappho's iconic work inspired the terms "lesbian" and "sapphic" as words to describe love and attraction between women. Other Parts of the World Just like with male homosexuality, female homosexuality is documented around the world. from Ancient Egypt, where women were said to cast "love spells" on other women, to early Imperial China, where lesbian couples were given the term " duìshí," which translates to "paired eating." The Scarcity of Lesbians in History Unfortunately, female homosexuality has overall been documented far less than male homosexuality. Does this mean lesbians were more scarce than gay men? Maybe. But when you consider the prevalence of systemic misogyny in cultures all over the world, you have to wonder if the real issue is not the lack of women attracted to women, but the lack of desire for historians to write about them. Women were also expected and pressured to adhere to gender roles more strongly than men; while men could easily "get away" with non-traditional relationships, women would not be afforded the same privilege. In the end, misogyny is likely a significant factor in society's lack of historical lesbian visibility. Lesbian History (Modern) Lesbians played a vital role in the 1950s-1970s American LGBTQ+ rights movement. As early as 1955, the first lesbian social and political organization was established in the form of the Daughters of Bilitis . This group helped to bring lesbian issues into mainstream culture, having launched its own monthly magazine and appeared on a national radio broadcast. DeLaverie in her iconic drag look In 1969, a " typical New York butch" is said to have kicked off the riot at the Stonewall Inn while resisting a violent arrest and demanding the onlooking crowd "do something." Famous lesbian performer Storme DeLaverie is sometimes credited as the "butch" who started it all. The 1970s were pivotal for queer rights activism, and lesbians played major roles in these movements. On May 1, 1970, a group of radical lesbian feminists forever changed the feminist movement . During the Second Congress to Unite Women in New York City, organizations like the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) and the National Organization for Women (NOW) gathered to discuss feminist rights. Suddenly, the auditorium's lights were suddenly cut, shocking the crowd, and eerie laughter was heard throughout the audience. When the lights came back on, lesbian activists stormed the stage. Bold text on shirts was displayed saying "Lavender Menace." Armed with signs that read, "We are your worst nightmare, your best fantasy," historical figures like Rita Mae Brown, Karla Jay, and Martha Shelley took to the stage for over two hours to fight for lesbian inclusivity in feminism. In 1971, NOW officially adopted lesbian rights as part of its agenda . The AIDS Crisis When gay men were banned from donating blood during the AIDS crisis, lesbians stepped in to offset the decrease in the amount of blood available for transfusions. They are a vital part of AIDS history and a group of lesbians that helped reduce the effects of the blood ban. A major way lesbians helped during the AIDS crisis was through volunteer work in hospitals. It was difficult for hospitalized AIDS patients to receive adequate care as doctors and nurses refused to treat them for fear of the virus. The result? A large number of lesbians with medical backgrounds began lending their time in hospitals to help those who were not being properly taken care of. An ACT UP demonstration at the National Institutes of Health (Public Domain) One activist who helped pave the road to a more unified LGBTQ+ community was activist Maxine Wolfe. Wolfe hosted “Dyke Dinners” to create spaces for lesbians to voice their frustrations with the various ways HIV-positive women — most of whom were women of color — were being excluded from AIDS activism. Their voices caused a stir and were the start of lesbians creating real legislative change. Lesbians in the 1990s were caretakers, activists, protesters, lawyers, artists and historians. They had range! Lesbian Issues Homophobia/Lesbophobia Homophobia refers to prejudice, discrimination, or hatred towards people who experience same-gender attraction. It encompasses various forms of bigotry, ranging from verbal harassment and social exclusion to physical violence and legal discrimination. Lesbophobia is a kind of homophobia that specifically targets lesbians. Unlike homophobia, lesbophobia frequently comes from both outside and inside the LGBTQ+ community. Oftentimes, lesbophobia within the community stems from misogyny (prejudice against women). Heteronormativity This is the belief that heterosexuality, or the attraction to the opposite sex on the gender binary, is the normal or default sexual orientation. It assumes that sexual and marital relations are most fitting between people of the opposite sex. Heterosexism This is a system of attitudes, bias, and discrimination in favor of opposite-sex sexuality and relationships. It includes the presumption that other people are heterosexual or that opposite-sex attractions and relationships are the only norm and, therefore, superior. While all members of the LGBTQ+ community face homophobia, gays and lesbians deal with heteronormativity and heterosexism to a different extent. Other members of the LGBTQ+ community can face these problems, but they are most prevalent with gays and lesbians. Lesbian Symbols Lesbian Flag The labrys lesbian flag was created in 1999 by Sean Campbell. It included a labrys, which was a common symbol of empowerment adopted by the lesbian feminist community in the 1970s, on top of the inverted black triangle used during the Holocaust over a violet background. The Lipstick Lesbian flag was introduced on the blog “This Lesbian Life” in 2010. This was later adapted to a variation without the lipstick mark in the top left-hand corner. However, many lesbians oppose the Lipstick Lesbian flag and its derivative due to butch-phobic, biphobic, transphobic, and racist comments on the blog of the original designer, Natalie McGray. This led to a new lesbian pride flag, designed by Emily Gwen in 2018, which uses different colors to represent a wider range of individuals within the lesbian community. PRISM uses a simplified version of this updated pride flag on its PRISM Pride collection with five colors rather than seven. References A short guide to lesbian identity. Rainbow & Co. (2021, July 2). https://rainbowandco.uk/blogs/what-were-saying/a-short-guide-to-lesbian-identity Boehringer, S. (2021, September 7). Female Homosexuality in Ancient Greece and Rome (1st ed.). Routledge. Brekke, K. (2017, April 4). How lesbians' role in the AIDS crisis brought gay men and women together . HuffPost. Retrieved December 8, 2022, from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/aids-crisis-lesbians_n_5616867ae4b0e66ad4c6a7c4 Oxford University. (n.d.). Heteronormative Meaning . Lexico Dictionaries. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/heteronormative . Oxford University. (n.d.). Heterosexism Meaning . Lexico Dictionaries. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/heterosexism . Siclait, A. (2021, June 15). What The Lesbian Pride Flag Means And Where It Comes From . Women's Health. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a36523338/lesbian-pride-flag-meaning/ . Sylvester, E. (2023, April 25). The complexities of lesbian visibility. The Trevor Project. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/the-complexities-of-lesbian-visibility/ The act up historical archive: The tactics of early act up (interviews of Maxine Wolfe). (n.d.). Retrieved December 8, 2022, from https://actupny.org/documents/earlytactics.html Understanding gay & lesbian identities. The Trevor Project. (2022, October 26). https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/understanding-gay-lesbian-identities

< Back to School Policy Hub How to Report Violations How to Report Violations and Stand Up for Your Rights When a student’s rights are violated at school—whether it’s misgendering, being denied bathroom access, having a GSA silenced, or witnessing censorship—it can feel overwhelming. But students, parents, and teachers are not powerless. There are systems in place for reporting harm and holding schools accountable. The process is not always easy or fast, but it matters. Knowing how to document what happened and where to bring your complaint is the first step in making sure your voice is heard. Start with Documentation The moment something happens that feels wrong, write it down. Whether it’s a conversation, a denial of access, or a disciplinary action, keeping a record is key. Include: Date, time, and location Names of staff or students involved A clear description of what happened Screenshots or emails, if relevant Even a short summary can be valuable. If you feel unsafe doing this alone, ask a friend, GSA advisor, or trusted adult to help you document what occurred. Report to Your School Most school districts require that complaints start at the school level. This may involve submitting a written statement to your principal, guidance counselor, or designated Title IX Coordinator. Every school district is required to have someone in that role, even if their contact information isn’t easy to find. Miami-Dade: District Title IX Coordinator Ms. Nicole B. Rutherford (305) 995-1580 nrobertson@dadeschools.net Broward: District Title IX Coordinator Wladimir G. Alvarez (754) 321-2150 wladimir.alvarez@browardschools.com Palm Beach: District Title IX Coordinator Eunice Vivar (561) 792-8686 TitleIX@palmbeachschools.org Request a response in writing. If the school does not follow up within a reasonable time, typically ten business days, you can escalate. In cases where school policy itself is the problem—for example, if your district refuses to recognize GSAs, denies bathroom access, or has adopted discriminatory curriculum rules—you can also file a complaint with the Florida Department of Education. But be aware: the state has backed many of these rollbacks, so outcomes may vary. Use Federal Civil Rights Protections If your situation involves discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or disability, you can file a federal civil rights complaint. This includes: Title IX for sex-based discrimination, including anti-LGBTQ+ harassment or denial of access Section 504 or Title II of the ADA for disability-related issues Title VI for racial or ethnic discrimination These complaints go through the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR). You do not need a lawyer, and there is no cost to file. Complaints must typically be submitted within 180 days of the incident. You can file online here: https://ocrcas.ed.gov Why Reporting Matters Filing a complaint doesn’t always lead to an immediate fix. But it creates a record. It signals that students and families are paying attention. It can lead to investigations, policy changes, and accountability—even if it takes time. It also shows other students that they’re not alone. Some of the most important changes in school policy happen not through new laws, but because someone filed a complaint, told their story, and refused to accept silence. PRISM Can Help If you’re not sure where to start, PRISM is here to walk you through it. We can help draft complaints, identify the right contact, and provide support throughout the process. Whether you’re a student, parent, or teacher, you do not have to navigate this alone. When your rights are violated, speaking up is an act of courage—and a step toward something better.

< 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 .

< Return to Open Positions STI Clinic Search Manager We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: STI Clinic Search 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 PRISM relies on the dedicated contributions of volunteers to further its initiatives. The Survey Program Manager oversees the STI Clinic Search within our Research Task Force. Currently, this is an unpaid volunteer position. What you get: An opportunity to make a difference in the LGBTQ+ community, improve your leadership skills, a chance to make an impact, and a new experience to add to your resume. Responsibilities: Expand and maintain PRISM’s database of free and low-cost STI testing centers Oversee the STI Clinic Vetting program and its volunteers Recruit testing sites for the Certified Partner Program and ensure they meet and maintain all requirements for participation Qualifications: Experience with STI testing, prevention, or outreach Experience with Google Suite (Sheets, Docs, Slides, etc.) Management experience preferred Exposure to LGBT issues, sexual health/public health, or gender and sexuality 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 about who we are and find contact info for our staff here. Maxx Fenning (Executive Director), Steven Rocha (Policy Director), Avion Goordeen (Outreach Director), Eric Mendoza (Content Creation Director), Sarah Bruso (Website Manager), Fabian Ungaro (P-SAP Manager). Our Staff Meet our team Learn about who we are and find contact info for our staff here. Maxx Fenning Executive Director Email: maxxfenning@prismfl.org Maxx recently earned his degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida. A staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and sexual health education, Maxx is the Executive Director of PRISM. He is also an active creator on TikTok, where he educates on many of the same topics that PRISM addresses. In his free time, Maxx enjoys singing and graphic design. Miles Davis Policy Director Email: milesdavis@prismfl.org 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. Avion Goordeen Outreach Director Email: aviongoordeen@prismfl.org Avion is a bisexual man and a first-generation immigrant from the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago. He has a Master's in Ocean Engineering from Florida Atlantic University and has been involved in LGBTQ+ activism and leadership since 2018. This includes working with CompassGLCC and being a member of the board of directors of Night Runners WPB. In his free time, Avion enjoys paddleboarding, photography and is currently a fan of the manga, One Piece. Alexander Puga Content Creation Director Email: alexanderpuga@prismfl.org A Miami-born creative with a passion for storytelling that uplifts and represents marginalized communities. With a background in film, content creation, and brand strategy, Alex brings bold visuals and culturally rooted narratives to life. He has led campaigns for local businesses, fashion brands, and queer initiatives. As Content Creation Director at PRISM, Alex is here to celebrate queer voices and create space for joy and identity across every platform. Outside of work, you’ll find him biking around the city, sweating through a workout, singing, or hanging with his boyfriend and their two pups, Nino and Winston Hannah Neuman Fundraising Director Email: hannahneuman@prismfl.org 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”. Auxmary Valdez P-SAP Manager Email: auxmaryvaldez@prismfl.org Auxmary Valdez is a queer woman and daughter of first-generation Venezuelan and Nicaraguan immigrants. She is a former sex educator and current University of Central Florida student, double majoring in Political Science and Biomedical Sciences. Damian Thomas Website Design Manager Email: damianthomas@prismfl.org Damian Thomas is a full-stack web developer who has been working in and around progressive politics since 2017. Off the clock, he's a history nerd, fighting game enthusiast, and musician.

Outreach Correspondents use their bountiful charisma (and sometimes terrifyingly undying enthusiasm) to share PRISM and expand our volunteer base. < Return to Task Forces Outreach Task Force (OTF) The Outreach Task Force coordinates events and other activities to spread awareness of the amazing work PRISM does and build connections with the community. Our outreach correspondants are spreading the word, one connection at a time. About Members Programs Join What does the Outreach Task Force do? The Outreach Task Force coordinates events and other activities to spread awareness of the amazing work PRISM does and builds connections with the community. Who makes up the Outreach Task Force? Outreach Director The Outreach Director helps get the word out about PRISM at events and online! From volunteer recruitment to coordinating in-person events, the love and soul they provide makes PRISM all the more lively. Volunteer Outreach Correspondents The social butterflies of PRISM's membership, Outreach Correspondents share PRISM by actively seeking out volunteers, donors, and supporters through social media or at Outreach events. How does the Outreach Task Force share PRISM? Get The Word Out Events One of the most prominent methods that Outreach Correspondents gain support for PRISM is through Get The Word Out events, where volunteers go out into the community to share PRISM and answer questions. These can be markets, festivals, fundraisers, and more! And More! Our Outreach Task Force is always developing new ways to get the word out about PRISM. Check back here or sign up for our newsletter to find out about future initiatives! How do I join the Outreach Task Force? Interested in helping out? We'd love to have you. You can start by filling out a Volunteer Application Form , applying to one of the many positions in the Outreach Task Force, or contacting us directly. Back to Top About Members Join

We're tired of queer censorship. Are you? We're tired of queer censorship. Are you? Learn more about what's happening, why it's important, and how you can #SavePRISM . What's happening? On January 6th, 2022, PRISM's Instagram account (@prism.fl) was deactivated without warning due to "suspicious activity." After exhausting all automated support options (there is no direct support line for Instagram, Facebook, or their parent company, Meta), we have been unsuccessful in restoring our account thus far. Even after attempting to make a second account (@prism.lgbt ), it was flagged and deactivated within 30 minutes . Instagram has always been our home for educating, networking, and fundraising. PRISM receives almost half of its individual donations through Instagram, a platform that we use to reach tens of thousands of youth every day . As an LGBTQ-led organization, our staff and volunteers have personally been no stranger to online bigotry and censorship from overzealous algorithms. Queer people have long been the target of homophobic and racially motivated attacks, and now we face something much more dangerous: Big data and AI have made social media algorithms homophobic and racially motivated, too. Now PRISM, an organization that has never had a community guidelines violation on Instagram before, has been forcefully removed from a platform that we use to create a lifeline for thousands of young people. Update (2/16/2022): After much persistence, we were able to get our original account (@prism.fl) restored! Thank you so much to Frederick from OutYouth for getting in touch with a Meta team member on our behalf and working to restore our account. However, our fight doesn't end here. Queer censorship is a global problem and it happens every day. We'll be using #SavePRISM until March 29th to continue raising awareness. Please keep sharing the hashtag #SavePRISM to support this fight. How can I help? We cannot sit by and allow the vital work we do to be snuffed out by automated systems and corporate apathy. That's why we're reaching out to you for help. Use the hashtag #SavePRISM on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok to share a story about: How PRISM has impacted you A social media platform refusing to put a stop to homophobia towards you or someone you know, or Content you've made being taken down simply because you discussed queer topics For every story you share between February 1st and March 29th (PRISM's birthday), these organizations, individuals, and businesses will donate $1 to support our work to make South Florida for every color and for everyone: Lombucket Ltd Sarah Bruso Maxx Fenning CJ Walden And more! In all, our current donation pledges total $1,200... and we're only three weeks into our campaign! Not only does your participation support the work that we do, but it also sheds light on just how important that work is. How do I join the pledge? Do you, your organization, or your business want to join the pledge to #SavePRISM? To join the pledge and have your name featured on our "I Support Queer Youth" list, send an email to info@prismfl.org with the subject "#SavePRISM Pledge" and the following: The name of you, your business, or your organization Your maximum total donation pledge (optional) Whether you'd like to be featured publicly on our "I S upport Queer Youth" list A picture of you or a logo for your business or organization (optional) For every story shared with the hashtag #SavePRISM , you'll donate $1 to PRISM (up to your maximum pledge amount). We'll tally up the total number of posts on Tuesday, March 29th. Resources Here are some sources that discuss just how harmful AI and big data can be to LGBTQ+ and nonwhite people: McCluskey, M. (2020, July 22). Black Tiktok creators say their content is being suppressed . Time. https://time.com/5863350/tiktok-black-creators/ Tomasev, N., McKee, K. R., Kay, J., & Mohamed, S. (2021). Fairness for unobserved characteristics: Insights from technological impacts on queer communities . Proceedings of the 2021 AAAI/ACM Conference on AI, Ethics, and Society. https://doi.org/10.1145/3461702.3462540 York, J. C. (2021, September 21). How LGBTQ+ content is censored under the guise of "sexually explicit" . Electronic Frontier Foundation. https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2021/08/how-lgbtq-content-censored-under-guise-sexually-explicit Nouri, S. (2021, December 10). Council post: The role of bias in Artificial Intelligence. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/02/04/the-role-of-bias-in-artificial-intelligence/?sh=437ac67d579d