March 2026 Newsletter

Person holding umbrella walks through cheering crowd at indoor event. Text reads: "March 2026 STORIES THAT STAY WITH YOU.

This month, we’re focusing on the stories that stay with us. These are the memories, experiences, and voices that shape our community and remind us that no one is alone in what they carry. Stories help us make sense of our lives, connect across differences, and recognize pieces of ourselves in one another.

If you have a story you want to share, we would love to hear from you at info@prismunited.org

We are also celebrating the art created by our teens. Their paintings, writing, photography, and other creative work offer an honest look at what it feels like to grow up, question, dream, and find belonging. Art often expresses things that are difficult to put into words and turns personal experience into something others can feel and understand. These pieces highlight the imagination, courage, and perspective of young people who are shaping the future of our community.

A graphic lists PRISM United March 2026 events for teens, parents, preteens, families, and pathways, with specific dates, on a pastel floral background.
Adults and children sit at tables and couches, participating in activities in a brightly lit room labeled "Core Programs.
Three people sit on a couch smiling and reading books under a sign that reads, "PRISM UNITED March 2026 Stories & Art.
A flyer for "Prism Teens" LGBTQ+ youth group lists four Saturday gatherings in March with dates and titles. Two teens sit at a table in the foreground.

Prism Teens (Ages 14-18) 
This month, Prism Teens is diving into Stories & Art as we explore the power of storytelling and creative expression. Through mythology, art-making, performance, and collaborative imagination, we’ll celebrate queer narratives, reimagine classic tales, and create original works that reflect the brilliance and creativity within our community.

✨ March 7 | Queer Mythology (2-4pm)
Discover queer-coded and explicitly queer figures from world mythology and reflect on how stories across cultures have represented identity and belonging.
✨ March 14 | Crafting the Legend (2-4pm)
Create decorative art pieces inspired by Greek gods from display at Prism Prom. Bring you creativity and help build a shared visual celebration!
✨ March 21 | Rewriting the Myth (2-4pm)
Reimagine or modernize a myth through visual art, short performances, comics, or spoken word as we reshape traditional narratives through a queer lens.
✨ March 28 | A Hero’s Journey (2-4pm)
Explore the classic hero’s journey through a queer lens and reflect on themes of transformation, identity, and resilience in your own story.

Flyer for "Prism Teens Café Series" promoting events for LGBTQ+ youth and allies ages 14-18, with event dates and times, and three teens talking in the foreground.

Prism Café Series
✨ March 4 | Adventure Café (5-7pm)
Dive into tabletop storytelling through D&D, character-building, and collaborative world design.
✨ March 11 | Book Buffet (5-7pm)
Celebrate queer literature through zine-making, art journaling, and illustrated storytelling.


Three kids and an adult sit at a table doing crafts. Text promotes Prism Preteens events for LGBTQ+ youth and allies ages 10-13, with event dates and times listed for March 2023.

Prism Preteens (Ages 10-13)
This month, Prism Preteens is exploring Joy and Wisdom through creativity and reflection. Together, we’ll talk about what brings us happiness, how emotions connect, and how understanding ourselves can help us grow with confidence and care.

✨ March 5 | Express Yourself (5:30–6:45 PM)
Explore what joy means to you and how different emotions can coexist through creative activities and conversation.
✨ March 19 | Understanding You (5:30–6:45 PM)
Build self-awareness by reflecting on your identity, values, and strengths in a supportive group setting.

Flyer for "Prism Parents," promoting LGBTQ+ youth caregiver events: a support group on March 5 and a social hour on March 19. Image shows people with a rainbow flag outdoors.

Prism Parents (Parents & Family Members)
Prism Parents offers a space for caregivers to connect, share, and grow together, supported by volunteers and facilitators who create a welcoming, affirming environment.

✨ March 5 | Support Group Gathering (5:30-6:45pm)
Connect with fellow caregivers, share experiences, and find support in a welcoming environment.
✨ March 19 | Coffee & Community Hour (5:30-6:30pm)
Gather in a relaxed setting to build relationships, share resources, and strengthen community ties.

Two people sit closely together, one with an arm around the other. Text above announces a support group gathering for LGBTQ+ young adults and allies, scheduled for 3/27.

Prism Pathways (Ages 19-24)
Prism Pathways offers a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ young adults and allies to connect, reflect, and navigate early adulthood in community. Whether you’re exploring identity, career goals, or simply looking to build meaningful friendships, Pathways is designed to support you during this transitional stage of life.

✨ March 27 | Young Adult Gathering (5-7pm)
Join us for an evening of conversation and connection with other LGBTQ+ young adults. Location will be shared upon registration. Email info@prismunited.org to sign up.

A digital graphic announcing "Plan Partner of the Month" featuring Toni Riales Photography, celebrating 25 years, with a web link prisunited.org/plan-partner.

Step into a Night on Olympus, where myths come alive and legends gather beneath the stars. Inspired by the gods, heroes, and epic tales of the ancient world, this year’s Prism Prom transforms the evening into a realm of wonder and possibility. Whether you arrive in flowing finery, bold modern glam, or something entirely your own, this is a night to write your own legend surrounded by friends, celebration, and a community that honors who you are.

Thanks to generous community support, tickets are free this year. Registration is required to attend so that every teen can be welcomed and prepared for a safe, joyful evening.

Register for Prism Prom 2026

Prism Prom is made possible by the generosity of community partners who believe that every young person deserves a safe, joyful place to celebrate. Sponsorship directly supports venue costs, food, décor, security, accessibility, and free tickets for attendees, ensuring that no teen is excluded due to financial barriers.

By sponsoring Prism Prom, you help create a night of belonging, confidence, and unforgettable memories for LGBTQ+ youth across our region.

Sponsor Prism Prom 2026

Mark your calendars. Prism at the Park is returning this spring, bringing together program participants, families, and community members for a relaxed afternoon of connection, laughter, and chosen family vibes. It is a chance to spend time outdoors, catch up with familiar faces, and welcome new ones in a warm and inclusive space.

Join us on Sunday, March 22 for a joyful outdoor gathering that celebrates community and belonging. Whether you come with friends or on your own, there will be plenty of room to relax, play, and enjoy time together.

Our next Volunteer Orientation is happening this month, and we invite anyone who wants to make a meaningful difference to take that first step with us.

✨ Wednesday, March 18 ✨

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. From supporting LGBTQ+ youth and families to helping make community events possible, their time, care, and dedication help create safer, more affirming spaces across Southwest Alabama. During this virtual orientation, participants will learn about Prism’s mission, programs, and the many ways their skills, energy, and compassion can have a real impact.

If you or someone you know has been looking for a way to give back, build community, and support LGBTQ+ young people, this is a meaningful place to start. Learn more and apply on our website: 

Become a Volunteer

We’re excited to introduce the Spring 2026 Leadership Initiative Cohort, a group of dedicated young people stepping forward to grow their confidence, skills, and capacity to lead. Over the coming months, these participants will engage in workshops, collaborative projects, and guided reflection designed to help them better understand themselves, support their peers, and make a positive impact in their communities.

This year’s cohort will be supported by Peer Mentors, creating opportunities for guidance, encouragement, and real connection across experience levels. Participants will also take part in an interactive leadership training series focused on communication, decision-making, empathy, and practical leadership tools they can use in school, work, and everyday life. We are proud to invest in these young leaders and look forward to watching them continue to grow.

Learn More About the Leadership Initiative

Toni Riales Photography is a Gulf Coast–based studio led by nationally and internationally published photographer Toni Riales, offering professional headshots, fashion and beauty photography, commercial work, lifestyle imagery, and food and product photography for individuals and businesses. With a studio in Mobile and availability for travel, the company has built a reputation for creating polished, high-impact images that help clients present themselves with confidence across professional and creative settings.

As a member of the Prism Local Affirming Network (PLAN), Toni Riales Photography is committed to providing an affirming, respectful environment for LGBTQ+ clients and community members. PLAN partners share a dedication to safety, dignity, and inclusive service, helping ensure that people of all identities can access professional resources without fear of judgment. By choosing PLAN partners like Toni Riales Photography, community members can feel confident they will be welcomed, respected, and supported while capturing the moments and milestones that matter most.

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