At Prism, the most transformative moments don’t happen because one person does something extraordinary—they happen because many people choose to show up. Youth who walk through the door for the first time. Volunteers who step into leadership. Donors and partners who stand beside us with steady, affirming support. Every act of presence strengthens the foundation that LGBTQ+ young people rely on.
This month, as we prepare for Prism Illuminates, we’re reflecting on the power of showing up, for each other, for our mission, and for the future we’re building together. We’re taking a moment to spotlight people, partnerships, and moments that remind us what becomes possible when a community commits not just in words, but in presence.
Discover what our community is showing up for this month below, and connect with us anytime at info@prismunited.org.
Prism Teens (Ages 14-18)
This December, while regular Prism Teens programming is on pause, we’re still showing up for youth through our Prism Café Series, virtual gatherings, and our annual Prism Lock-In. These offerings create steady touchpoints for teens to connect, express themselves, and stay grounded in community as the year winds down.
✨ December 13 ✨ Virtual Game Day (2-4pm)
A relaxed virtual gathering where teens connect over Discord to play games together, hang out, and unwind before the holiday break.
Special Events
✨ December 5 ✨ Prism Lock-In (7pm-9am)
Join us on Friday, December 5 for an all-nighter packed with fun! LGBTQ+ youth (ages 14–18) are invited to enjoy movies, games, crafts, karaoke, and so much more. Trained chaperones will be on-site throughout the event. Dinner and snacks will be provided.
Space is limited, so be sure to register early! For more info or to sign up, email info@prismunited.org.
Prism Café Series
✨ December 3 ✨ Adventure Café (5-7pm)
Dive into tabletop storytelling through D&D, character-building, and collaborative world design.
✨ December 5 ✨ Book Buffet (5-7pm)
Celebrate queer literature through zine-making, art journaling, and illustrated storytelling.
Prism Preteens (Ages 10-13) and Prism Parents (Parents & Family Members)
Our Preteens programs and Parents gatherings are taking a break for December. We hope everyone enjoys a restful and restorative month, and we look forward to welcoming participants and facilitators back when programming resumes in January!
Join us for Prism Illuminates, our annual State of the Organization event, on Thursday, December 4, from 6:00-8:00pm.
This special evening is open to all Prism program participants, staff, volunteers, supporters, and friends. Come hear the latest updates on Prism’s impact, our vision for the future, and help us celebrate our community as we:
✨ Share highlights from 2025
✨ Reveal the 2025 Prism Prom theme
✨ Announce the recipients of the Prism Changemaker Award and Prism Guardian Award
✨ Present our very first Prism Beacon Award, honoring an affirming local business
✨ Connect with our vibrant Prism community
Childcare for younger kids (ages 4-9) will be provided for event.
If you’d like to attend, please reach out to us at info@prismunited.org.
In November, our youth leaders showed what community care in action really looks like. One of our Leadership Initiative participants, Bug, has been leading the charge on environmental activism, organizing community trash clean-ups to protect and restore the places we all share.
Thanks to Bug’s vision and dedication, this weekend’s clean-up was a huge success! Prism youth were joined by representatives from USA Generation Action, the youth arm of Planned Parenthood and a student organization at the The University of South Alabama, as well as members of the Lower Alabama Native Plant Society, who generously shared their knowledge of local ecosystems and native plants.
Together, they cleared debris, learned from one another, and built momentum for a cleaner, healthier, more connected community.
We’re so proud of our youth leaders for showing that activism comes in many forms and that even small acts, led with heart, make a real impact.
Join us in creating joy, visibility, and belonging for LGBTQ+ youth across Southwest Alabama. By sponsoring Prism events like Wig Walk, Bent Broadway, Come Out Mobile, and Prism Prom, your business directly supports safe, affirming spaces and vital mental health resources for young people.
Sponsorships include community recognition, promotional visibility, and a meaningful way to show your commitment to inclusion.
Partner with us and help make a lasting impact.
Sponsor Prism Events Now
We’re proud to celebrate Bloom and Grow Counseling and Wellness as our next PLAN Partner of the Month! Led by therapist and owner Laura Anderson, MS, LPC, Bloom and Grow is grounded in the belief that growth takes root through compassion, insight, and steady encouragement. Laura’s practice offers a welcoming environment where clients can begin to understand the impact of the difficult or traumatic experiences they’ve endured and how those experiences have shaped their emotional health and relationships.
With extensive experience supporting individuals of all ages navigating PTSD, Complex PTSD, anxiety, depression, attachment wounds, and challenges with emotional regulation, Laura brings a deeply trauma-informed and client-centered approach to her work. Bloom and Grow is also an affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals, people exploring gender identity, and those who are neurodivergent, ensuring that each person is met with care that honors their full humanity. Laura is trained and actively working toward certification in EMDR, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, expanding her capacity to provide evidence-based support.
Providing professional counseling services across Baldwin County, Bloom and Grow offers the kind of attentive, knowledgeable care every person deserves. We’re grateful for Laura’s partnership and for the way Bloom and Grow reflects the values of encouragement, healing, and the belief that everyone has the capacity to flourish.
Interested in joining the PLAN (Prism Local & Affirming Network)? Become a PLAN Partner today and help us expand affirming spaces across southwest Alabama!
Become a PLAN Partner