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PRISM is hosting a gala Oct. 18.

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Feature

Loud, Proud, and Unapologetic | PRISM’s 2025 Gala: Queer as Punk

By Maray Rasura

This year’s PRISM Gala, Queer as Punk, is more than a celebration. 

It's a history lesson, a party, and a rally for the future. Set during LGBTQ+ History Month, the gala honors the radical energy of the Riot Grrrl and feminist punk movements, reminding us that queer organizing has always been loud, unapologetic, and transformative. 

“Punk symbolizes defiance, authenticity, and the refusal to conform,” said PRISM Outreach Director Avion Goordeen. “Saying ‘Queer as Punk’ means being unapologetically yourself — especially in a world that too often tries to make queer people, and young queer people most of all, shrink to fit into ‘acceptable boxes.’” 

There will be entertainment, dinner, interactive exhibits, a silent auction, an awards ceremony, and an exclusive after-party. The gala takes place on Oct. 18 at ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale from 6 to 11 p.m. 

Additionally, PRISM will honor three local activists: Ky Walker (Youth Leadership Award), Laura Muñoz (Youth Allyship Award), and Sofia Hernandez (Volunteer Award). Christian “CJ” Walden, PRISM’s Co-Founder and Gala Steering Committee member, said of these individuals they are “crucial community leaders who strengthen our community.” 

Founded in 2019 by four Boca Raton high school students, PRISM began as a safe space for LGBTQ youth and has since grown into a South Florida nonprofit focused on education and advocacy. The group became PRISM FL, Inc. in 2020, expanding its reach during the pandemic to provide online resources and community support. 

In 2022, PRISM took on statewide advocacy—traveling to Tallahassee to oppose the “Don’t Say LGBTQ” bill and joining efforts for comprehensive sex education in Miami-Dade County. Now led by founder and Executive Director Maxx Fenning, PRISM continues to advance LGBTQ-inclusive education, youth leadership, and community empowerment across the region. 

“Queer as Punk, happening during LGBTQ+ History Month, looks back to the Riot Grrrl and feminist punk movements and the generations of organizers who fought hard for change,” Walden said. “It's an evening designed to inform and inspire: immersive and interactive VR exhibits to explore, a seated dinner, live drag entertainment, a silent auction, and an awards ceremony – all in one night.”

News

Our Fund: Improving the Lives of LGBTQ People in South Florida

Headquartered in Wilton Manors, the Our Fund Foundation is the only LGBTQ community foundation in all of South Florida. Their mission is to promote philanthropy, manage enduring investments and conduct impactful grant-making to improve the lives of LGBTQ people in South Florida.

Miles Davis - The Policy Director

Born and raised in Fort Myers, Miles Davis has built a career out of turning policy into people power. At both of his leadership roles at LGBTQ nonprofits, he leads efforts to protect LGBTQ Floridians from harmful legislation by training community members, mobilizing public comment, and showing up wherever decisions are made, from school boards to county commissions.

ICYMI

Beloved South Florida Diner is Reborn in an Unlikely Space — Inside an Italian Restaurant

Call it the best of both worlds: By day, tuck into $10 breakfast platters, country-fried steak and strawberry-smothered flapjacks. By night, say “buonasera” to veal sorrentino, 18-inch vodka pies and red sauce-smothered rigatoni bolognese.

Weekly Events

TODAY: BROOMS Caress the Earth

Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of vibrant colors and intricate details at Mónica Carvalho's exclusive exhibition sneak peek.


SAT: World Anatomy Day

Join NSU MD on World Anatomy Day to celebrate the gift of body donation and discover the fascinating world of anatomy together.  


SUN: Sunday Morning Artisan Market

Join Plantation Walk at 10 a.m. every Sunday for the "Sunday Morning Artisan Market."

Job Opportunities

Moving Sales Coordinator -- Fort Lauderdale

United Regions Van Lines is hiring a Moving Sales Coordinator who is a skilled sales closer with experience in the moving or relocation industry. $100,000 - $200,000 a year. 


Email Marketing Associate -- Fort Lauderdale

The Inspiration Company is seeking an Email Marketing Associate to assist in creating, testing, and sending email campaigns that align with their brand’s mission and marketing goals, and more. $17 - $25 an hour.

Friday's Furry Friend

Meet Suede — a 45 lb rescue from Miami, about 1½ years old. She’s stocky, sweet, and stunning in color (hence the name). I found her running in the street after her owners neglected her; she ran right to me, wagging her tail. My promise now is to find her the forever home she deserves. Suede is a lap dog who craves affection, loves kids, and does well with dogs her size or larger. Potty training is in progress. She walks nicely on leash. I can’t confirm how she does with cats (she’s very curious). She doesn’t bark much, but her Staffordshire-style bark is loud, so apartment living may not be ideal. Call Heather 954-534-5606 for photos or to meet Suede.

It's in the Stars

InTarotGate by Dooney 


WANING GIBBOUS MOON IN CANCER: Turning nostalgia into motion. 

You’ve been holding onto familiar habits, people, or routines that once offered comfort but now quietly stall your growth. Professionally, inertia or over-caution may be blocking progress, while emotionally, you might be holding on to someone for the sake of shared history. Cancer’s moon asks you for emotional honesty: what nourishes you now, and what has already served its purpose? By walking away with compassion rather than guilt, you create room for renewed purpose and deeper connection. 

(Key numbers: 5, 6, 8, 14) 

Instagram: @ArtByDooney.Tarot 

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