Maxx Fenning: Championing Queer Youth Empowerment Through Prism

Five years ago, Maxx Fenning recognized a glaring gap in support for LGBTQ+ youth in Florida. As a young activist, Fenning saw that existing organizations were struggling to meet the rapidly growing needs of queer youth, especially in the face of mounting legislative and social backlash. Driven by both personal experience and acute awareness of these challenges, Fenning founded Prism—a nonprofit dedicated to education, advocacy, and resources for LGBTQ+ youth throughout the state .

Prism’s inception was not just a response to crisis, but a bold reimagining of what youth advocacy could look like in a hostile climate. Fenning, then a student, rallied friends and allies, launching Prism from the ground up. Today, Prism stands as a critical lifeline for thousands of young people, providing everything from peer support and educational programming to direct advocacy in schools and communities .

Since Prism’s founding, Fenning and his team have navigated a turbulent sociopolitical landscape. In the past five years, Florida has seen a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, including the controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill and attempts to erase queer visibility in public spaces . Fenning has been outspoken in his opposition, rallying youth and allies to resist policies that threaten the well-being and safety of LGBTQ+ students.

Under Fenning’s leadership, Prism has organized statewide campaigns, mobilized rapid response teams, and provided critical information to families and educators facing uncertainty. Fenning’s activism has helped amplify youth voices in Tallahassee, Key West, Orlando, and beyond, ensuring that policymakers hear directly from those most affected by their decisions .

Prism’s fifth anniversary marks not just a milestone in longevity, but a testament to the organization’s adaptability and innovation. Fenning has overseen the expansion of Prism’s services, including mental health workshops, leadership training, and peer support networks. The organization’s work is grounded in the belief that queer youth are experts in their own experiences, and that meaningful change must be led by those closest to the challenges at hand.

Prism’s programs emphasize intersectionality, recognizing that LGBTQ+ youth are not a monolith and that race, class, disability, and other identities shape lived experiences in profound ways. Fenning has worked to ensure that Prism’s leadership and programming reflect the diversity of the communities it serves, inviting youth to co-create solutions and drive the organization’s strategic direction .

Fenning’s work has not gone unnoticed beyond Florida. Over the past year, Prism has been featured in national media and lauded by advocacy organizations for its innovative approach to youth empowerment . Fenning himself has become a sought-after speaker, sharing insights on grassroots organizing, nonprofit management, and the unique challenges faced by queer youth in contemporary America.

The organization’s approach aligns with broader trends in LGBTQ+ leadership, emphasizing authenticity, visibility, and purpose. This mirrors the impact seen among other prominent queer business leaders—such as Tim Cook and Jennifer Pritzker—who leverage their platforms for social change while remaining deeply connected to their communities .

Prism’s journey under Fenning’s leadership is a story of resilience, innovation, and hope. In the face of adversity, Fenning has remained steadfast in his commitment to queer youth, refusing to let political setbacks or social stigma impede progress. His work is a reminder that leadership is not just about visibility, but about creating tangible change—building systems of support, amplifying marginalized voices, and fostering a culture of belonging.

Fenning’s advocacy resonates deeply with queer audiences, offering a blueprint for how to navigate the complexities of identity, activism, and business. Prism’s success demonstrates that even in the most challenging environments, queer leaders can build organizations that thrive, inspire, and transform lives.

As Prism celebrates its fifth anniversary, Fenning is focused on sustainability and expansion. The organization has launched new partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, and other nonprofits, broadening its reach and deepening its impact . Fenning’s vision extends beyond Florida, with plans to share Prism’s model nationally and even globally, ensuring that queer youth everywhere have access to the resources and support they need.

Fenning’s leadership offers vital lessons for current and future queer business founders:

- Lead with authenticity. Fenning’s openness about his identity strengthens trust among youth, donors, and partner organizations .

- Center youth voices. Prism’s youth-led approach ensures that services are relevant and empowering.

- Embrace intersectionality. By prioritizing diversity, Prism reflects and serves the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities.

- Resist adversity. Fenning’s persistence in the face of legislative backlash highlights the importance of resilience for queer leaders.

Prism’s story is both a celebration and a call to action. Fenning has shown that dedicated leadership, rooted in community values, can counteract even the most determined efforts to silence queer voices. As Prism enters its next chapter, Fenning invites allies, donors, and youth to join the movement—to advocate, support, and build a future where every LGBTQ+ young person can thrive.

For those inspired by Fenning’s leadership, Prism’s upcoming gala and educational initiatives present opportunities to get involved, invest in queer youth, and shape the next generation of LGBTQ+ advocacy .