June is always one of the most exciting months of the year at Prism. We spend weeks celebrating our community, showing up and creating spaces where LGBTQ+ people can feel seen, connected, and celebrated.
Then July arrives.
While things may seem a little quieter from the outside, this is one of the most important seasons of our year. It’s our chance to take everything we’ve learned and turn it into what’s next.
July marks the start of our new fiscal year, which means we’re reflecting on the impact we’ve made over the last year and beginning work on our Annual Report. As a staff, we step away from the day-to-day to dream together, revisit our vision, evaluate what’s working, and set strategic priorities for the year ahead. At the same time, we’re preparing for the return of our fall youth programs, strengthening our systems, and making sure we’re ready to welcome new and returning families.
While our programming calendar takes a brief pause, Prism is still here. Our team remains available by email, and our regular Office Hours continue throughout the month for youth and families who need resources, referrals, support, or simply a welcoming place to connect.
Stay connected by emailing us at info@prismunited.org.
Prism Teens & Prism Café Series (Ages 14-18)
While our regular programming takes a brief pause during Internal Work Month, we’re still making time to connect before gearing up for another exciting season this fall.
✨ July 1 ✨ Adventure Café (5-7pm)
Wrap up the current campaign with an evening of collaborative storytelling, creativity, and connection through roleplay and games.
✨ July 11 ✨ Virtual Teens Gathering (2-4pm)
Join us online for an evening of games, conversation, and community from wherever you are.
Join Prism United for an evening of games, food, and community at 🌈 Prism Families: Spirit Night! This all-ages event is a fun way to celebrate together while supporting LGBTQ+ youth programs.
🗓 Thursday, July 9
🕕 6pm-Close
📍 Dave & Buster’s (1757 E Interstate 65 Service Rd S, Mobile, AL 36606)
Prism United will provide a private room for registered youth participants, while families, volunteers, and community members are invited to enjoy the arcade, food, and activities throughout the evening. 20% of proceeds from food, non-alcoholic drinks, and PowerCards purchased during the event will benefit Prism United.
Mental health care can be life-changing, but for many LGBTQ+ young people, access still remains out of reach.
The Prism Healing Fund helps bridge that gap by connecting LGBTQ+ youth and young adults with affirming mental health providers and reducing the financial barriers to care.
💜 What is the Prism Healing Fund?
A program supporting access to affirming counseling and therapy for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults.
💜 Why does it exist?
Because no one should have to choose between their mental health and their financial reality.
💜 How does it work?
Participants are connected with affirming providers in the Prism Healing Network, and the Healing Fund helps reduce or eliminate the cost of therapy sessions and related barriers to care.
Support this work and help us expand access to mental health care for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults.
Help Us Expand Access to Mental Health Care
The 2026 Prism Pride Artist Showcase continues to celebrate original work by local artists reflecting the vibrancy, resilience, and lived experiences of LGBTQ+ life across the Gulf Coast.
This year’s featured design, “Stay With Me,” was created by Mobile-based artist and art director Audrey Mecke. The piece explores themes of connection, care, and emotional honesty through handwritten lettering, playful stars, and a soft, approachable style.
We’re extending the online fundraiser through July 31 to continue supporting the Prism Healing Fund, helping LGBTQ+ youth and young adults access affirming mental health care and wellness support across southwest Alabama through the Prism Healing Network.
All proceeds from these shirts support the Prism Healing Fund.
Wear Your Support for LGBTQ+ Youth
🎟️ Early Bird Tickets for Come Out Mobile 2026 are now available!
Join us on Saturday, September 12, 2026 for an unforgettable evening honoring this year’s Trailblazers:
✨ Jerry Ehlen
✨ Ron Barrett
✨ Patricia “Bizz” Carlton
✨ Jerry Grady (in memoriam)
Come Out Mobile celebrates LGBTQ+ voices and raises critical support for Prism United programs serving youth across Southwest Alabama.
This year’s Trailblazers represent decades of impact across LGBTQ+ culture, storytelling, creativity, and community building in our region. Through the Trailblazer Initiative, their stories are preserved and shared as part of a living record of our community’s history—honoring not only what they’ve built, but the paths they’ve made possible for others.
✨ Sponsorship opportunities are also available for individuals, businesses, and organizations who want to invest in LGBTQ+ youth and help make this event possible. Sponsorship directly supports year-round programming including mental health access, youth leadership development, and safe, affirming spaces.
Get Tickets for Come Out Mobile
As Pride Month comes to a close, we’re feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
The month kicked off with Bent Broadway, and we’re grateful to have been the beneficiary of such a beloved community production. To the cast, director, stage crew, volunteers, sponsors, organizers, and everyone who bought a ticket or supported the show: THANK YOU. Bent Broadway has long showcased the talent, creativity, and dedication within our community while helping sustain our work, and we’re deeply appreciative of the partnership and impact it has had over the years.
From there, Pride Month continued to grow in inspiring ways. Thank you to the Alive With Pride partners and coalition members who have worked tirelessly to create opportunities for people to gather, celebrate, and feel welcome. Thank you to Braided River Brewing Co. and Alabama Music Box for hosting the launch party; to Flip Side Bar & Patio for opening its doors for the Block Party and serving as the central gathering place during LODA Artwalk; to The Frenchmen for helping fill downtown with creativity by showcasing local artists, makers, musicians, and storytellers; and to the nearly 40 downtown businesses who displayed their Alive With Pride decals and helped create a more visible, welcoming, and celebratory Mobile for everyone.
And thank you, Mobile!
Thank you to the thousands of folks who showed up for the Alive With Pride Second Line Parade and the Stage Celebration. Thank you for lining the streets, cheering people on, supporting local businesses, and creating moments of joy, visibility, and connection.
Through all of it, we keep coming back to why this work matters.
The young people at Prism are watching us. They’re looking for examples of how to build community, move forward, and hold onto hope in a world that doesn’t always make space for them. Seeing our youth walk through downtown holding the rainbow flag together, surrounded by people cheering them on, was one of those moments that reminded us exactly why we do this work.
That flag represented the future we want for them: one where they are supported by community, where they know they don’t have to face life’s challenges alone, and where they can move forward with pride and purpose. Years from now, they’ll remember what it felt like to be seen, celebrated, and part of something bigger than themselves.
At a time when many LGBTQ+ youth are being told who they are is something to hide, every act of visibility, kindness, and community helps tell a different story.
That’s what Pride is about.
Thank you for being part of it.
Another Prism Creates is in the books, and we’re feeling so grateful!
A huge thank you to our incredible creative partners who helped transform Central Midtown into a space full of creativity, connection, and community:
✨ Catnip Trip Studio
✨ Humble Hope Candle Co.
✨ Mobile Art Meet
✨ Mobile Urban Growers
✨ Moon Struck Pottery and Makers Space
✨ She Dreams
✨ Small Craft Studio
Each of you shared your time, talents, and passion to create a day where people of all ages could make something, try something new, and connect with one another.
And to the entire Central Midtown family, thank you for always opening your doors, cheering each other on, and helping create a neighborhood where creativity and community thrive. We’re so thankful to be part of it.
Until next year, y’all! Keep creating!
Prism wouldn’t be what it is without the volunteers and facilitators who show up month after month to support our community. We’re excited to introduce our new Facilitator of the Month series, celebrating the people who help make our programs welcoming, affirming, and full of connection.
We’re honored to kick off the series by recognizing Roe (they/them). A published poet and college composition instructor, Roe will soon earn their M.A. in Creative Writing and has been an active volunteer in the local LGBTQ+ community for more than a decade.
At Prism, Roe is a familiar face across many of our programs. They facilitate our Teens program, lead Prism Pathways for LGBTQ+ young adults, support Book Buffet through our Prism Café series, volunteer at community events, and are currently serving as a VISTA Summer Associate. Their dedication, warmth, and willingness to step in wherever needed have made a meaningful impact on both our programs and the young people we serve. We’re so grateful to have Roe as part of the Prism community!