Young punks. A derisive term to some, a badge of honor to others. The latter meaning set the vibe for PRISM’s Queer As Punk gala.
“We’re recognizing that the current moment requires a return to grassroots and scrappy tactics,” PRISM co-founder Maxx Fenning told OutSFL. Edgy outfits and decor recalled the days of ACT UP, militant boots, and tamagotchis.
PRISM works to empower LGBTQ youth by expanding access to education and sexual health resources in South Florida. Their mission becomes more challenging by the year, first with unfiltered attacks from Republicans in Tallahassee and now from all three branches of the federal government.
“We have so many young people here, which I’m excited to see,” Fenning said. “It’s an absolute blast.”
After a cocktail hour and silent auction in ArtServe’s display lobby, the party moved across the way to the main room for dinner and the program. Sofia Hernandez was honored as PRISM’s 2025 volunteer of the year. During her acceptance, she said it’s an experience she’ll treasure for a lifetime.
“When I am older, I will be able to look back at this time and credit PRISM Florida for being my home away from home, a small nook I could bury into.”
Ky Walker, who is trans-masc and nonbinary, received the youth leadership award. “I never knew anyone who identified like me,” he said. “There’s no blueprint.”
While the state government is especially hostile to LGBTQ youth, Fenning said the fight is worth it, noting that 21 of 22 anti-LGBTQ bills were stopped during last spring’s legislative session.
