< Back to School Policy Hub Homosexuality in Ancient Europe "Homosexuality" as a Modern Term Ancient Greece Ancient Rome Introduction of Christianity Incomplete Picture of Ancient Sources “Homosexuality” as a Modern Term Map of Europe and Byzantine around 1000ACE (Image source: University of Texas Libraries: Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection) Both “homosexual” and “homosexuality” are modern terms that were created in the late nineteenth century concerning the study of abnormal psychology. The way we categorize sexualities and make distinctions now is different from ancient times. Some scholars would argue that since people in ancient Europe classified sexual behaviors or identities not by the gender of the participants but by the sexual role each played, the term “ homosexual ” doesn’t fit. However, it is the term that will be used here for simplicity and clarity. Just understand that what we usually associate with the term in modern-day doesn’t necessarily apply to ancient Europe. Homosexuality in Ancient Greece Homosexuality has existed throughout history, although differently than in the modern day. One of the most well-known examples of ancient homosexuality is in Ancient Greece. The most common and well-recorded form of homosexuality was the relationship between two upper-class males: one youth and one adult. This became an institutionalized practice in many regions of Ancient Greece called pederasty. When a boy reached the age of twelve or so, he became the erotic companion of a young man. For Spartans, this focused on the military training of the boys. For Athenians, the purpose was more for intellectual, character, and athletic training. There were also sexual aspects involved in this relationship. When the boys reached adulthood and became citizens, this relationship ended, and they took a boy of their own. When they finished training at around age thirty, the man would then marry a young woman, usually eighteen. At the time, marriage was less a romantic practice and more an institutional one. Greek Painting of a Gay Couple, 480BC (Image Source: Museum of Paestum) According to the practice, homosexual relations were supposed to end after marriage. However, this wasn’t always followed, and men often continued visiting male prostitutes and brothels or even taking a new “eromenos'' to train. Eromenos is the ancient Greek word for the young boy in this partnership. Homosexual relationships between two male citizen adults were discouraged and less recorded. This is because of social status and Greek ideals of beauty. The “passive” role in a relationship was only socially acceptable for the non-citizen: youth, slaves, and females. A similar pederasty system might have also existed for women, with the writing of Sapphos being the main source of recorded information of this. However, since mainstream society and culture placed men as most important, most of the surviving texts and arts are male-centric. Therefore, not much is known about ancient female homosexuality. Homosexuality in Ancient Rome Art of Ancient Roman martyr-saints and soldiers Maurice and Theofredus and their homosocial relationship. (Image Source: J. Paul Getty Museum) Homosexuality was different for Romans as there was no institutional practice. Like Sparta, Rome was highly militarized. At first, the concern of homosexual relations was only about status and power. Like the Greeks, homosexual relationships were only acceptable between men of different social statuses, so free men could only be with slaves, former slaves, prostitutes, or young men. However, the most common relationship was with slaves rather than with young boys. This “relationship” was often more about conquering and gaining power over a person than it was about mentorship and was often non-consensual. Introduction of Christianity to Ancient Rome The Christian takeover of the Roman Empire in the early 4th century criminalized and demonized all homosexuality. This began when the emperor Constantine used Christianity as his basis for ruling. The first enactment of the death penalty for sodomy was in 342 AD. After his death, the next emperor, Valentinian, divided Rome into East and West. In 476 AD, the West was overthrown and signaled the fall of Rome. However, Eastern Rome, or Byzantine, went on to survive for centuries after. In 533 AD, homosexuality became outlawed in Eastern Rome by the Justinian Code. The emperor, Justinian, then castrated those found guilty of homosexuality. The law was to punish those guilty by death, but that was rarely carried out. The Incomplete Picture of Ancient Sources What we know about ancient homosexuality in Europe is largely based on texts written by older, upper-class male perspectives. Therefore, we largely lack the voice of women, younger men, slaves, etc. It’s also important to remember that an ancient period text does not represent the entire period’s feelings of a given subject, but the feelings of one particular writer, shaped by things like their upbringing. We can see this in our modern-day too. So, overall what we do know about ancient European homosexuality is very broad and missing certain perspectives. People of all different sexualities and genders exist throughout all of history and in all places. References Dynes, W. R., & Donaldson, S. (1992). Homosexuality in the Ancient World . Garland. Karras, R. M. (2012). Sexuality in Medieval Europe: doing unto others . Routledge. Zive, G. A Brief History of Western Homosexuality. California State University, Stanislaus.

< Back Connor Corzine Chair Connor is a lifelong south Floridian, communications professional, and proud LGBTQ+ activist. He graduated with honors from the University of Florida with a Bachelors in Telecommunication. Connor has extensive knowledge and experience in global communications, non-profit marketing, and government relations. Connor currently serves as a Member of PRISM's Board of Directors and strives to advance PRISM's mission and LGBTQ+ inclusivity in south Florida. An avid nature-lover, Connor cares deeply about south Florida's natural ecosystems and climate resilience. < Back to Our Team

< Return to Voting Hub Trans & Non-Binary Voting Guide Equality Florida's Information for Trans & Nonbinary Voters Florida requires voters to present photo identification at the polls, which can create additional barriers for transgender and nonbinary voters due to bias, misapplication of Voter ID laws, and heightened scrutiny over state-issued identity documents. Understanding your rights and what to expect at the polls – particularly in the wake of recent agency actions that seek to restrict transgender and nonbinary Floridians’ access to accurate and affirming IDs – is critical to protecting your right to vote on Election Day. Denying Eligible Voters a Ballot Over Gender Identity or Gender Marker is Illegal Florida law requires every voter to present a photo ID that matches the name listed on their voter registration in order to vote at a polling place. While many transgender Floridians have updated their state-issued IDs to reflect their affirming gender, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has recently been prohibiting gender marker changes on driver’s licenses that have already been issued. Transgender Floridians who have not been able to update their IDs may encounter additional questions at the polls, but poll workers cannot prevent eligible voters from voting because their gender identity or expression does not “match” the photo, name, or gender marker on their ID. ● Poll workers should not scrutinize a voter’s gender marker to verify their identity, and cannot prohibit an eligible voter from voting because they think the voter “should” look a certain way or have a certain gender marker on their ID. ● If a voter’s name and address, as listed on their voter registration, matches the name and address on their photo ID, they have fulfilled Voter ID requirements and are entitled to exercise their right to vote. ● Voters may choose which form of photo ID they wish to present to poll workers from the 12 accepted types . It may be helpful to bring additional forms of photo ID and a utility bill showing your address. ● Florida requires every voter to sign a Voter’s Certificate. While signatures change over time, the signature used on the Voter’s Certificate must reasonably match the signature the Supervisor of Elections has on file. If you’re concerned about your signature match being verified, you can update your signature at the County Supervisor of Elections office, either in-person or by-mail. Ensure Your Vote is Counted ● Check to ensure your voter registration is active and accurate. We recommend that you check your registration and make any necessary updates online –like updating your name if you’ve recently had a legal name change–by October 7, 2024. ● Voting-by-Mail may be the safest option for many Floridians, including transgender and nonbinary voters. Due to recent changes in Florida law, all vote-by-mail ballot requests expired as of Jan. 1, 2023, and must be requested again. You should not assume you will automatically receive a vote-by-mail ballot if you have in the past. You must request a Vote-by-Mail ballot by October 24, and can do so online through your county’s Supervisor of Elections website . You may mail your ballot or drop it off in-person at the Supervisor of Elections office, Early Voting locations, or other designated drop-off sites, avoiding interactions with poll workers. Your ballot must be received by 7 PM on Election Day. ● If you prefer to vote in-person on Election Day or during Early Voting and are denied a regular ballot, request a provisional ballot. If you are forced to cast a provisional ballot, call the National Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE. Additional Resources from Equality Florida: Transgender Voter ID Toolkit • DHSMV Memo FAQ

< Back Gala Gonsalves Chair A Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida, Gala has been a volunteer with PRISM since late 2023. She is a Miami native who is dedicated to the cause of advocacy for the self and others, and is primarily passionate about sexual health and education. PRISM has been and continues to be a way she can be involved in her community and give back to her hometown. < Back to Our Team

< Return to Open Positions Organizing Manager We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Organizing 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 effectively mobilize queer youth in South Florida, we are looking to expand our field capacity. The Organizing Manager will oversee our grassroots actions, including letter-writing, phone and text banking, protests, rallies, and mobilizations to the Capitol and school boards. We will only consider candidates local to Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach counties. Hours: 15-25/wk Pay: $22/hr Responsibilities: Work with the Policy Director to develop and implement effective grassroots mobilization strategies to engage target communities and youth. Organize direct actions, rallies, town hall meetings, lobby days, and other events. Host trainings on public speaking, advocacy, power mapping, and organizing strategies. Assist the Policy Director and Outreach Director in growing and strengthening our coalition of partner organizations. Qualifications: Proven success in organizing large-scale mobilizations and events Exceptional skills in time management, communication, and interpersonal relations Understanding and knowledge of issues relating to LGBTQ+ rights, sexual and reproductive health, and academic freedom Familiarity with organizing and communications software such as VAN and ActionNetwork Has reliable access to transportation Local to South Florida (Palm Beach, Broward, or Miami-Dade) Qualities We’re Looking For: Reliable Collaborative Creative and willing to improve upon our existing structures and philosophies Bold and passionate about building a large base of everyday young people around critical issues In-tune with issues impacting young Floridians Flexible enough to facilitate sudden rapid response projects 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 Willi Ninja Who was Willi Ninja? Early Life Sexuality House of Ninja Death and Legacy Who is Willi Ninja? Willi Ninja in the 1990 film "Paris is Burning" (Image Source: IMDb) William Rosco Leake, or Willi Ninja, was an African American dancer and choreographer. Known as the godfather of voguing, he appeared in “Paris is Burning," a documentary film about the New York ball scene and the lives of the Black and Latino LGBTQ+ members involved. Early Life Willi Ninja had an unorthodox queer experience for the time (Image Source: Isabella B83/Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0 ) Willi was born on April 12, 1961, in New Hyde Park, New York. Born to a single mother, Willi lived in Flushing, Queens, where he first started teaching himself to dance. After high school, Willi went to beauty school and moved to Greenwich Village. It was in his early twenties that he started to perfect his style of voguing. While he did not invent Voguing, he perfected and pioneered the technique, drawing from Fred Astaire, Kemetic hieroglyphs, and martial arts to name a few. Sexuality While not much is known about his childhood, Willi talked in an interview with Joan Rivers about how he never really came out. His mother actually confronted him about it and said “A mother always knows” in reference to his homosexuality. She told him that he was her son and she would always love him. This was in stark contrast to most queer youth of the time. The support his mother gave is really what nurtured his vogue and led to him becoming the artist and house “mother” he was. House of Ninja Willi Ninja and friends voguing at "Mars", a nightclub in New York City, in 1988. Ninja founded the House of Ninja, a safe space for struggling queer youth. Willi was a prominent figure in the New York drag ball scene. Balls were parties thrown by queer people starting in the 1920s as a way to come together in a safe space and have some fun. With rising political race tensions through the 50’s and 60’s the scene was fractured and balls became segregated, often with black or black and Latino-only houses competing. Houses in the scene were not formed until the early 70’s starting with the first house, the House of LeBeija. These houses served as a chosen family for queer youth who were either abandoned by their families or ran away from home. Headed by a “mother”, each house was known for certain characteristics. For example, members of the House of Xtraviganza were known for their natural beauty while the House of Ninja was known for their dance skills. Houses competed against each other for prizes and the title of the best house. Willi founded the House of Ninja along with Sandy Apollonia Ninja, formerly from the House of LeBeija, where they served as house mothers. The House of Ninja serves as a multiracial family and currently has 220 members worldwide. Want to learn more about gay club culture in the 70s and 80s? Click here. Death and Legacy Willi Ninja pushed vogue, and queer club culture as a whole, into the mainstream. Willi Ninja died on September 2nd, 2006, of AIDS-related heart failure. Even until his death at age 46, Willi mentored upcoming dancers and models, as well as contributed to the discussion of HIV/AIDS awareness in the queer community. His legacy is felt even now as his work inspires many artists and continues to inspire dancers and queer people today. Willi was featured in Malcome McLaren's “Deep in Vogue” music video and inspired Madonna’s number one song, “Vogue.” He is also a central figure in LGBTQ+ and gender studies for his passionate and nonconforming expression as an artist.

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

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

< 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 Model Minority Myth What is the Model Minority Myth? History Harming Civil Rights School and Education Colorism Conclusion What is the Model Minority Myth? The model minority myth is the inaccurate idea that Asian Americans possess innate qualities and behaviors that make them academically superior to other minority groups. Image Source: Unsplash This includes harmful stereotypes like the belief that Asian people are the “unproblematic” minority group or inherently better at math and science, which introduces harmful expectations and undervalues their achievements. History When The 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act was passed, the laws for immigration changed significantly. Previously, many opportunities for immigration from Asia to the Americas were limited due to various federal interventions such as the Chinese Exclusion Act (1882-1943) and the Immigration Act of 1917. This new 1965 bill targeted highly skilled workers from all over and removed racial barriers to immigrating to the U.S. The people emigrating (leaving their country) from various parts of Asia were primarily middle to upper-class due to the cost of travel and the skills necessary for the high-paying jobs available in America. This led to the white majority in America generalizing individuals of varying Asian descents as the "model” minority group. They were often highly educated and successful, which allowed them to easily assimilate into American society. These stereotypes created a disparity between Asian immigrants and immigrants of other racial groups who were still viewed as poor, uneducated, and a threat to the American way of life. Harming Civil Rights Image Source: Unsplash On the surface, it can seem like the model minority myth is a positive viewpoint, but it works to divide Asian Americans from other minority groups and separate their oppression and struggles from those of other racial minorities in America. This is, after all, where the term’s roots are: attempting to separate Asian Americans from the Civil Rights Movement. The seemingly positive view of Asian Americans stemmed out of white-spurred racism and violence towards African Americans. It was spread after two major victories for the Civil Rights Movement—the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. A desired outcome of popularizing this myth was to dehumanize BIPOC further and attempt to invalidate their struggles. By pitting African Americans and Asian Americans against each other, the pressure is taken off white America to change. The model minority myth creates a false narrative that Asian Americans have “overcome” racism and poses the question of why BIPOC and Latinx communities haven’t “been able to.” In reality, the greater statistical success of Asian Americans is due in part to greater declines in labor market discrimination compared to other minority groups. This myth works to falsely portray the very nature of oppression and racism as something to overcome rather than dismantle. This would allow white supremacist ideals to remain as the systematically upheld values and thoughts. It also tries to delegitimize programs and policies that try to oppose these forces, like affirmative action. By categorizing Asian Americans as the “model” minority group, their own struggles with racism are historically downplayed and overlooked, too. School and Education As a result of this myth, Asian Americans are often assumed to be smart and, therefore, overlooked for help. The consequent effects include feeling pressure to perform better academically, internalizing stereotypes, and hesitating to speak up or ask for help. These can lead to an academic downfall and even mental health issues for Asian American students. This myth also ignores the variety of cultures and ethnic groups within the broad grouping “Asian American” and the unique array of struggles within each. In regards to education, not all sub-groups within the broad category statistically perform the same. Those who tend to suffer the most academically are Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander students, such as the Vietnamese, Laotian, Hmong, Tongans, and Native Hawaiians. Their dropout rates, for high school and college, are among the highest of any group. However, those dropout statistics are often ignored or viewed as the anomaly, even sometimes by their families, because of the assumption that Asian Americans are academically successful regardless of the circumstances. Colorism Colorism is the differential treatment of people within a racial group based on skin tone, with preference shown towards those with lighter skin. This discrimination is done both intentionally and unintentionally by people within and outside of that group. In this case, there is discrimination towards Southeast Asian Americans because of their darker skin tones. It also ignores the fact that immigration experiences between each sub-group are different. Some came to America by choice, some came to escape war, and some came to find job opportunities. These various circumstances affect how much a family can help their children succeed with their education and – in consequence – their dropout rates. Educators and institutions often assume that Asian American students receive plenty of help from their families, but that may not be the case if they didn't have the privilege of being educated or coming from a country that wasn't suffering from high rates of poverty. Conclusion Overall, the model minority myth is a topic that needs to be acknowledged and worked on more, especially in schools. Educators, policymakers, journalists, and others should bring visibility to the problems created by this myth and call for remedies. It’s also important to hold the white majority accountable for the dangerous stereotypes that they have created in order to further subjugate the minority and distract from the fact that they benefit from the disarray that it causes amongst various racial groups. References Chow, G. W. (2011, Winter). The Model Minority Myth. Independent School. Retrieved April 13, 2021, from https://www.nais.org/magazine/independent-school/winter-2011/the-model-minority-myth/ Chanbonpin, K. D. (2015). Between Black and White: The Coloring of Asian Americans. Washington University Global Studies Law Review, 14(4). https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/law_globalstudies/vol14/iss4/10 Museus, S. D. (2008). The model minority and the inferior minority myths: Understanding stereotypes and their implications for student learning. About Campus, 13(3), 2-8. doi:10.1002/abc.252 Wing, Jean. (Nov. 2007). Beyond Black and White: The Model Minority Myth and the Invisibility of Asian American Students. Urban Review, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 455-487. Image 1: Beck, C. & NPR. (2017, April 19). [Artist Depiction of what it is to be labeled a “model minority”]. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2017/04/19/524571669/model-minority-myth-again-used-as-a-racial-wedge-between-asians-and-blacks Image 2: Dipasupil, D. & Getty Images File. (2021). [Protesters at The End the Violence Towards Asians rally in New York]. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/how-black-people-can-be-strong-allies-asian-americans-right-n1260988 Image 3: Sosa, E. & Caltech Letters. (2021). [Art expressing the diversity of Asian Americans]. Caltech Letters. https://caltechletters.org/viewpoints/model-minority-myth

< Return to Open Positions Outreach Director We recommend reading more about our task forces before starting your application. Please select the following option below: Outreach 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 Outreach Director helps recruit volunteers and get the word out about PRISM online and in person. 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. Applicants must be local to South Florida (Palm Beach, Broward, or Miami-Dade County) and must have reliable transportation. Responsibilities : Coordinate in-person and virtual outreach events (pride markets/parades, tabling, etc) and oversee staff and volunteers at these events Engage with other organizations to create meaningful connections within the community Provide information to potential volunteers, donors, and partners about PRISM and our initiatives Help direct potential volunteers to sign up on our site Provide necessary information to volunteers about task forces, community service, upcoming events, etc Coordinate community service and attendance logs for outreach events with other Task Force Managers and the Volunteer Manager Preferred Qualifications: Experience with volunteer recruitment Experience with community outreach/engagement Experience with event planning Understanding of LGBT and/or public health issues 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