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< Return to Open Positions Analyst We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Analyst 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. Analysts gather and interpret data in PRISM’s research programs. 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 : Gather information and data related to specific research programs Compile data into interpretable trends and correlations Qualifications : Experience with data analysis/statistical reporting 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

< Back to School Policy Hub Hepatitis C What is Hep C? How It's Spread Symptoms Getting Tested Testing Positive Prevention What is Hepatitis C? Hepatitis C is an enveloped virus composed of an RNA-positive genome. It contains glycoproteins on its outer surface. (Image Source: KATERYNA KON/ Getty Images) Hepatitis C is an infection that targets the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is a different virus from HSV ( herpes ), HPV, and HIV . It can present itself as a short-term illness, or it can develop into a chronic issue. It is estimated that over 50,000 people contract acute hepatitis C in the US every year. Hepatitis C is treatable. Those infected with HCV can be cured if they receive treatment early on. Getting tested regularly is vital as early detection can greatly improve treatment outcomes. How It's Spread Hepatitis C travels through the blood. Needlestick injuries and drug use provide a gateway for infection and are the leading causes for transmission. If you have experienced either one of these, it is highly recommended to get tested for Hepatitis C regularly. (Image Source: Verywell) Hepatitis C is spread through infected blood. It is primarily transmitted via injection drug use with reused needles as well as from mother to baby during childbirth. Although it is not as common, it can also be passed during sex. Ensuring sterilization in procedures that access blood is essential in preventing hepatitis C. Symptoms Hepatitis C can present itself through various different symptoms. Dark urine and jaundice are two symptoms that indicate complications with the liver and can lead to a diagnosis. (Image Source: Verywell) After exposure to Hepatitis C, symptoms can show up anywhere between 2-26 weeks later. Some symptoms that indicate a hepatitis C infection include fever, dark urine, clay-colored stool, and jaundice, a yellow tint to the skin indicating complications with the liver. Chronic infections can lead to additional complications such as chronic liver disease, liver cancer, and cirrhosis. Getting Tested Testing is essential in getting an early diagnosis and treating Hepatitis C. Testing for HCV involves a simple blood test. The CDC recommends “ universal hepatitis C screening for all U.S. adults and all pregnant women during every pregnancy .” Current testing can detect the Hepatitis C virus as early as 1-2 weeks after the initial exposure. Seriously. If hepatitis C goes untreated, you are more susceptible to developing severe scarring of the liver, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Click here to find a local testing center . Testing Positive So, your results came back positive. Don’t worry! If caught early, there are measures that can be taken to mitigate symptoms. In fact, 90% of infected individuals can be cured within 8-12 weeks of treatment. Limiting alcohol consumption also helps fight the infection as HCV infects the liver, the same organ that breaks down alcohol. Prevention Get tested. Getting tested regularly allows you to treat the infection early on, limiting who you expose to HCV. Additionally, medical evaluations should include screening for chronic liver diseases and HIV. Antivirals may also be prescribed, along with a recommendation to maintain a healthy diet and physical activity. Use clean needles. Don't share needles when shooting drugs or getting tattoos or piercings. References Hepatitis C Questions and Answers for Health Professionals . (2021). https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/hcvfaq.htm#section1 Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP). (2020, August 21). Hepatitis C Basic Information . HHS.gov. https://www.hhs.gov/hepatitis/learn-about-viral-hepatitis/hepatitis-c-basics/index.html . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, July 29). Testing recommendations for hepatitis c virus infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/guidelinesc.htm .

< 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 Sofia Hernandez Youth Advisory Committee Chair Sofia Hernandez is a student at Mater Lakes Academy, where she serves as a PRISM Student Ambassador for the school's Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA). In her role, Sofia provides members with LGBTQ+ resources and educational materials developed by PRISM, helping foster inclusion and visibility within her school community. Passionate about youth advocacy, Sofla's goal is to remind queer students that community and support extend far beyond the classroom. She hopes to continue her advocacy work and uplift queer voices across Florida for years to come. < Back to Our Team

< Back to School Policy Hub Homosexuality In Ancient China Introduction China is one of the oldest countries in the world, with a history spanning more than 5,000 years. So why is it that you don’t hear much about homosexuality and queer relationships in China? Part of that has to do with the culture of ancient China and Western influences that erased the history of gay people. Similar to the rest of the world, gay people have always existed—the difference is how societies dealt with their queer history. So let’s talk about the queer history of ancient China! Records of Homosexuality "Woman Spying on Male Lovers" (Image Source: Chinese Sexual Culture Museum) Similar to homosexuality in ancient Greece, same-sex rituals and activities occurred in China between men of different socioeconomic classes. It was not looked at the same way our modern world perceives sexuality. It was part of the culture but not widely discussed. One Western chronicler, Galeote Pereira, recorded instances of prostitution in Beijing where young men were bought and taught the art of dance, music, and other skills related to being a host, similar to geishas in Japan. Due to China being very patriarchal, records were essentially all written by men for men, so records of same-sex relationships between women were scarce, if not non-existent. Factors of Same-Sex Relationships When it came to the power balance of same-sex relationships between men, the hierarchy was dictated by three different factors: gender, age, and status. Women were already seen as socially inferior to men at this time, so when relationships occurred between two men, other factors such as age and status determined the roles in both a sexual encounter and social encounter. It was not always a romantic relationship—there were instances of political marriage. What is a "Cut Sleeve?" An illustration of Dong Xian and Emperor Ai depicting the story of Passion of the cut sleeve (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) The term “cut-sleeve,” or duàn xiù, was coined by historians based on the story of the late Emperor Ai of the Han Dynasty. The story goes that Emperor Ai had a lover named Don Xian. One afternoon, in order to not disturb the sleeping lover on his arm, Emperor Ai cut off the sleeve from his robe. Thereafter the term “cut-sleeve” was used by historians as a euphemism for men loving men. The term 斷袖之癖 (duàn xiù zhī pǐ) translates to “the passion of the cut sleeve.” Being Gay in Modern China Despite the somewhat cute story behind the term “cut-sleeve,” having one of the largest dating apps geared towards gay and bisexual men, and claiming to support same-sex rights at the UN, China is still a difficult place to live for LGBTQ individuals. While there are organizations and cities known to be LGBTQ-friendly, there is still a stigma around the topic of queer people in China. Even with the younger generation being more accepting, advocates in China still face obstacles from the government and older generations, so the fight for the queer community in China is still ongoing. But, one last reminder for everyone: there have been and always will be queer people in China, changing the world one separated sleeve at a time. References Daily JSTOR. (2020, June 10). In Han Dynasty China, Bisexuality Was the Norm . Deck, A., & Yang, W. (2021, August 27). To survive, China's biggest gay dating app became a pharmacy. Rest of World . https://restofworld.org/2021/china-bluecity-healthcare-dating-apps/ Hinsch, B. (1990). Passions of the Cut Sleeve: The Male Homosexual Tradition in China . University of California Press. https://www.amazon.com/Passions-Cut-Sleeve-Bret-Hinsch/dp/0520078691

< Back to School Policy Hub Harvey Milk Who was Harvey Milk? Early Life Sexuality Political Career Death and Legacy Who was Harvey Milk? Harvey Milk was the first openly gay elected official in California. Harvey Milk was the first openly gay elected official in the United States. In 1977, he won his seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and became a strong advocate for civil and human rights. His election gave hope to the LGBTQ community as this was the first representation they had ever seen in politics. Unfortunately, Harvey Milk was assassinated quite early into his career prematurely ending his life and sparking his legacy. Early Life Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977 (Image Source: Daniel Nicoletta) Milk was born in Woodmere, New York, in 1930 into a Lithuanian family. His family practiced the Jewish religion, and his father was a member of the U.S. Navy. Harvey Milk went on to study at the New York State College for Teachers, where he first started bringing up the debate of diversity. After graduating in 1951, he enlisted in the Navy, following in his father's footsteps. Sexuality After leaving the Navy around the 1960s, Milk spent some time in Rhode Island as a driving instructor until his sexual orientation was questioned, and he left. Harvey then moved back to New York, where he took on many different roles. He was a teacher, stock analyst, and at one point a production associate on Broadway. Over the next decade, Harvey Milk began to involve himself more in politics, starting with advocating against the Vietnam War. In 1972, Milk moved to San Francisco, where he was truly able to start embracing his identity. Surrounded by an emerging LGBTQ+ community, he was able to explore and become more confident in himself. Milk and his fellow activists founded the Castro Village Agency, the first organization of primarily LGBTQ+ businesses in the nation. This supported existing LGBTQ+ companies and paved the way for the development of new LGBTQ+ organizations. Political Career Harvey Milk fought vehemently for gay rights in California (Image Source: San Jose University Collection/Ted Sahl) In 1972 and 1974, Harvey Milk ran for the supervisor position in San Francisco and lost both times. This, however, didn’t stop him, as his continuous involvement established his name as one not to be reckoned with in the political world. Following another loss when running for State Assembly, Milk realized that if he rallied up all the voters involved in the Castro’s Village Agency, he would have a much greater chance at succeeding in running as a candidate. This campaign worked, and on January 9, 1978, Harvey Milk was inaugurated as the San Francisco City Council Supervisor. The news of his election as the first openly gay elected official quickly spread throughout the nation. Harvey Milk not only worked to serve the LGBTQ+ community, but many others as well. Some of the main points on his political agenda were to protect LGBTQ and other minority rights, provide low-cost housing, reform tax codes to assist the industry, and provide working mothers with daycares. He advocated for many measures to make the city of San Francisco an overall safer place. Harvey Milk and the Brigg's Initiative One of Milk's major victories was defeating the Brigg's Initiative, a ballot measure that would have prohibited LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ-supporting people from teaching in California's public schools. Learn more about Milk and the Brigg's Initiative here. Death and Legacy Milk's dedication to ending LGBT discrimination paved the way for future LGBT legislation (Image Source: Daniel Nicoletta/Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0 ) On November 27, 1978, Harvey Milk's life was tragically taken by Dan White, who was able to sneak into the city hall and assassinate him. His death, however, was not the end of his legacy and did not stop his message from being shared. On the day of his death, many Americans across the country found the courage to come out to honor his life and his belief that no one should live in fear in the closet. His position opened the door for many more LGBTQ+ politicians to step up and get involved. His death shed light on the true horrors of the discrimination and violence faced by the LGBTQ+ community and inspired others to fight for gay rights in his name and to carry on his legacy. References Milk Foundation.org» The Official HARVEY MILK Biography. (2014). Milkfoundation.org. https://milkfoundation.org/about/harvey-milk-biography/

< Back to School Policy Hub Black Lives Matter What is Black Lives Matter? Black Lives Matter march in Oakland, California in 2014 (Image Source: Annette Bernhardt, December 14th, 2014) Black Lives Matter is a movement as well as an organization with the goal of fighting against white supremacy and injustices against Black communities. The movement has also strongly supported the LGBTQ+ community, with transgender and queer members having leadership roles in the organization and leaders speaking out against sidelining Black LGBTQ+ activists. Although it had its origins in the United States, the Black Lives Matter movement has remained influential internationally, having 16 chapters in total in the United States and Canada and inspiring protests for Black lives in countries as far as Israel and South Africa. Origins Black Lives Matter rally at the Vancouver Art Gallery after the death of George Floyd (Image Source: GoToVan, May 31st, 2020) Black Lives Matter began in 2013 as a hashtag on social media protesting the acquittal of George Zimmerman, murderer of unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. It was started by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi, three Black women who wanted to fight against the injustice Black people face in the United States’s criminal justice system. The creation of the Black Lives Matter movement was also inspired by several human rights movements in the past, ranging from the 1960s Civil Rights Movement to the 2000s LGBTQ+ movement. Progression Although it did not gain much traction immediately after its creation, Black Lives Matter started taking off in August 2014 after news of the homicide of 18-year-old Michael Brown by a white police officer spread globally on social media. In protests and rallies speaking out against this injustice, the Black Lives Matter movement grew online and in the streets, with “#BlackLivesMatter” being used over 50 thousand times per day on social media. The movement gained even more traction after the jury involved in the case decided not to charge Darren Wilson, the police officer in question, with Michael Brown’s homicide. Since then, the movement has been vocal about police brutality and discrimination against Black communities on a grander scale. Resurgence Black Lives Matter signs on the empty pedestal of the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol, which was toppled by protesters for honoring a slave trader (Image Source: Caitlin Hobbs, June 7th, 2020) The Black Lives Matter movement had a resurgence on May 25, 2020, when unarmed George Floyd was murdered at the hands of Derek Chauvin, a white police officer who used a violent method of restriction to hold Floyd down after allegations emerged of him using a counterfeit $20 bill. A video of this event went viral on social media, and people all over the world became enraged and took to social media and the streets to protest against police brutality and emphasize that “Black Lives Matter.” Ever since then, the Black Lives Matter movement has been increasingly active in the form of protests against more instances of police brutality and injustice, both recent and not recent, including the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, and Rayshard Brooks. References About . Black Lives Matter. (2020, October 16). https://blacklivesmatter.com/about/ . Asmelash, L. (2020, July 26). How Black Lives Matter went from a hashtag to a global rallying cry . CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/26/us/black-lives-matter-explainer-trnd/index.html . Ater, R. (2020, May 29). IN MEMORIAM: I CAN'T BREATHE . Renée Ater. https://www.reneeater.com/on-monuments-blog/tag/list+of+unarmed+black+people+killed+by+police . Herstory . Black Lives Matter. (2019, September 7). https://blacklivesmatter.com/herstory/ . Kirby, J. (2020, June 12). "Black Lives Matter" has become a global rallying cry against racism and police brutality . Vox. https://www.vox.com/2020/6/12/21285244/black-lives-matter-global-protests-george-floyd-uk-belgium . Mercado, I. (2020, August 6). The Black Lives Matter Movement: An Origin Story . Underground Railroad Education Center. https://undergroundrailroadhistory.org/the-black-lives-matter-movement-an-origin-story/ .

< Return to Open Positions Survey Program Manager We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Survey Program 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 Surveying Department within our Research Task Force. 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 : Coordinate and develop community needs assessments and other surveying programs Oversee data analysis and reporting of survey data collected by PRISM Coordinate the content, formal review, distribution, promotion, analysis, and reporting of all surveying within PRISM Manage and expand the Survey Participant listserv Qualifications : Institutional review board (IRB) training (preferred) Experience conducting surveying and studies involving human beings Experience with data analysis/statistical reporting 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

< Back to School Policy Hub Emergency Contraception What is Emergency Contraception Types of EC Things to Consider Side Effects Conclusion What Is Emergency Contraception (EC)? Consider emergency contraception (EC) your backup plan after unprotected sex or a birth control slip-up. It works by preventing ovulation or fertilization of your egg, and it’s highly recommended that you take it ASAP for the best results. Just remember, it’s not the same as an abortion pill— it won’t work if you’re already pregnant. EC is safe and temporary, but it’s not meant to replace your regular birth control routine. It’s there for emergencies when things don’t go as planned. Let’s look at the different types of EC available. Types Of EC When it comes to emergency contraception, knowing your options can help you make the best decision for your body and situation. There are two primary ways to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex: intrauterine devices (IUDs) or emergency contraception pills. IUDs , like Kyleena, Paragard, or Mirena, can be inserted up to 5 days after sex and are the most effective method, regardless of body weight. However, keep in mind that IUDs can be quite pricey, and depending on your age, doctors may be apprehensive about inserting them. Alternatively, morning-after pills, such as Plan B or ella , can be taken, but they work best the sooner you use them. It’s crucial to act quickly and choose the method that fits your needs. Plan B is easier to access without a prescription but may be less effective if you weigh more than 165 pounds, while ella requires a prescription and may be less effective for those over 195 pounds. "Plan B", One Step, Emergency Contraceptive by Mike Mozart of TheToyChannel and JeepersMedia on YouTube Things To Consider Whether it’s a condom mishap, missed birth control, or unplanned unprotected sex, emergency contraceptives are here to prevent pregnancy. Just remember that EC is not intended to replace regular birth control! And more importantly, emergency contraception doesn't protect against STIs, so make sure you're covered on that front too! When it comes to EC, take action as soon as possible, as timing plays a crucial role in effectiveness. Side Effects While side effects (such as headaches, abdominal pain, or tiredness) may occur from taking EC, they are rarely serious and usually do not last long. Your next period may come early or late, and you may have spotting (light bleeding that happens between menstrual periods). Conclusion At the end of the day, it’s all about being prepared and knowing your options. Whether you choose an IUD or a morning-after pill like Plan B or ella, emergency contraception is there to help when things don’t go as planned. As always, stay informed, stay proactive, and always take control of your health—because your body, your rules. Reference Planned Parenthood / https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception/which-kind-emergency-contraception-should-i-use Women’s Health.gov / https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/emergency-contraception

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

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< Back to School Policy Hub Herpes What is Herpes? How It's Spread Symptoms Getting Tested Testing Positive What is Herpes? Herpes is a virus that causes contagious sores, most often around the mouth or on the genitals. It is very common. When we say common, we mean REALLY common. There are about 572,000 cases of genital herpes every year in America. Genital herpes is so common in the US that more than 1 out 6 people are diagnosed with it between the ages of 14-49. Herpes does not have a cure. While herpes isn’t curable, your healthcare provider can give you medication to help shorten or even prevent outbreaks. One of these medications can even help you decrease the chances of spreading it to your partner. How It's Spread Genital Herpes Genital herpes can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Unlike many common STIs, herpes can also be spread through the mouth and saliva. Luckily, herpes cannot survive on other surfaces, so you cannot contract herpes from touching an object that an infected individual has come in contact with. Oral Herpes Oral herpes is generally contracted during childhood or early adulthood from non-sexual contact with infected saliva. In rare cases, you can be born with herpes if your mother is infected. Symptoms Part of the reason herpes is so common is that there usually are no symptoms. Genital Herpes Those with genital herpes often experience very mild symptoms, if any at all. Sometimes you may not even notice these symptoms or mistake them for a skin condition. Since this happens frequently, a majority of people who have herpes don’t know. However, if you do have symptoms, these will include herpes sores around, or on, the mouth, rectum, or genitals. They can show up as a singular blister or multiple. When they break, they are extremely painful and leave sores. These can take up to a week or longer to heal. When experiencing your first outbreak, you can also have flu-like symptoms. For example, you may experience a fever, body aches, or swollen glands. People who experience an initial outbreak can probably expect to have more than one, especially when infected with HSV-2 (genital herpes). The repeat outbreaks are usually a lot shorter and less severe than the first one and sometimes might not show up as often, either. Oral Herpes Oral herpes also tends to have very mild symptoms and is often mistaken for something else (chapped lips, bug bites, or just a small crack in the skin) or not even noticed at all. The symptoms include sores in and on the mouth, the back of the throat, and the lymph nodes in the neck. Many people will experience prodromes, which are essentially warning symptoms prior to an outbreak. A prodrome is an itching, tingling, or painful sensation in the area the sores will appear. These prodromes appear a day or two before an outbreak. You should avoid close contact during this time and during the outbreak to prevent it from spreading. When and if you accidentally touch the fluid or sores, wash your hands immediately and thoroughly. If you touch your sores or the fluids from the sores, you can transfer herpes to other parts of your body. You can even spread it to your eyes. Getting Tested Testing for herpes is a little different from other viral STIs. Sometimes your healthcare provider will simply examine your symptoms and diagnose you with herpes. They also can take samples from the sore(s) and test them. However, in certain cases, you’ll undergo a blood test to look for herpes antibodies. A herpes blood test cannot tell you who you were infected by or how long ago you were infected. It's important to get tested regularly. If you're sexually active, this means at least once per year. Even if you or your partner don't show symptoms, you should follow this general rule of thumb. Click here to find a local testing center. Testing Positive So, your results came back positive. The first thing to remember is that this is nothing to be ashamed of. Like we said earlier, this is a very, very common infection. If you or your partner have herpes, it does not necessarily mean anyone cheated. Test results may not detect the infection until well after contracting it, and herpes can be spread through non-sexual contact. How do I get rid of it? Unfortunately, herpes cannot be cured. However, you can be given anti-herpes medication to help suppress outbreaks. Some of these anti-herpes medications can even keep you from spreading to your sexual partner(s). If you are in a relationship with someone who has herpes, you can prevent yourself from getting it by making sure that they are taking their anti-herpes medication every day. You also need to avoid having any sexual contact with them while they are enduring an outbreak. For real, getting frisky can wait. Willingly risking your or your partner's sexual health isn't sexy. Peace of mind is sexy. References John Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2 . Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/herpes-hsv1-and-hsv2 American Sexual Health Association. (n.d.). Oral Herpes . American Sexual Health Association. https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/oral-herpes/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017, August 28). STD Facts - Genital Herpes . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm