PRISM BENEFIT HELPS LGBT YOUTH

At a time when governments are silencing discussions about LGBT and cutting off youth from any education to help them define and figure out who they are, PRISM is stepping in to fill the gap. The organization, dedicated to helping LGBT youth learn about healthcare and make connections, celebrated three years of work with its PRISMversary gala.

The cocktail hour and dinner event were held May 6 at the Center for Spiritual Living in Oakland Park. About 70 supporters, volunteers, and PRISM members packed the main hall to celebrate their accomplishments and plan for the difficult work that lies ahead.

“We are ready to expand into a new era,” PRISM Vice President CJ Walden said. “Having more employees, bringing out our programs to be something more and better to serve the community.”

The night saw several community activists honored. Mary EakinsDurand was given the Youth Allyship Award. Lola Torres accepted the Youth Volunteer Award while Javier Gomez received the Youth Leadership Award. All three have been vocal and active in the fight for LGBT youth.

“Our PRISMVersary showed what we already knew: when our community shows up for young people, young people deliver,” PRISM founder Maxx Fenning said. “We are so proud of what we’ve done over the past three years, and the funds we raised at this event will help expand the critical work we do by and for queer youth here in South Florida.”

Fenning delivered a fiery speech, saying the future of LGBT rights lies in the next generation of leaders and called for everyone in the room to support their movement and, by extension, the future.

The night was a family affair. Fenning’s mother and grandfather were in the audience, while Walden’s mom, Michelle, was behind the bar mixing cocktails with a smile.

“My son’s my life,” she gushed while making drinks. “PRISM has helped him be who he is. The support and network, and helping others, becomes a snowball effect. That’s what PRISM tries to do: help others feel comfortable in their own skin.”

Among activists in the room was Tom Lander, chairman of the board for Safe Schools. Both organizations focus their work on youth and Lander says Safe Schools is proud to support.

“To see young leaders that are youth leaders. Not the adults, but the youth. To support the work they do is to bring us to better places.”