This activity is useful for running with small groups of about 10-20 participants. Take fifteen minutes of your time to try the exercise to get a feel for being in a gay or lesbian person's 'shoes' in our modern 'tolerant' culture.
Discrimination
Examine the impact of discrimination through the following role-play:
About 10-20 participants are needed for this role-play activity. Explain to the whole group that these participants will each be given a role that describes a particular sexual identity. They are not to disclose what this role is until the end of the exercise.
Hand out the role cards and allow time for each player to assume their role. They are to imagine what their life might be like: their family, their friendships and their situation at school.
Players line up against one wall so that everyone has the same starting point.
Players take a number of steps in response to a series of questions: one step forward if they can say “yes” to a question; if their answer is “no”, or they are unsure, then they stay in place. Remind them that they are to respond to the questions as their role, not as themselves.
Read out the questions allowing time for players to consider their move. It may be necessary to remind them not to ask clarifying questions as this may reveal their role. If they are not sure they should remain in place.
By the end of the questions there will probably be two separate groups. Ask players to describe how they felt during the activity and how they feel about where they are standing, without disclosing their roles.
Discuss with the whole group who might be in each group and why. Then check by asking players to raise their hand if in their role they are:
- Heterosexual
- Male
- Teacher/Principal
- Female
- Gay
- Lesbian
- Non-Identifying orientation
- Student
Players de-role by pretending to take off an imaginary coat. They return to their seats as themselves. It is important that the de-role is obvious to both players and observers.
Focus questions:
What are the basic human rights outlined in the role-play?
Who do you think is most advantaged in our community? Why?
Who do you think is most disadvantaged in our community? Why?
What do you think are some of the consequences of discrimination for a person’s sexual health (physical, emotional social and spiritual)?
What impact do you think sex-based discrimination has on our community as a whole?
What do you think could be done to address this discrimination?
Questions
- Do you feel safe in your school, Uni or workplace?
- Can you be yourself without fear of rejection?
- Do you find it easy to talk about yourself in new situations?
- Would you feel safe talking about your sexual identity with people in position of authority / responsibility?
- Do you feel safe disclosing your sexual orientation publicly?
- Can you talk about your relationship with friends and family?
- Can you take your partner to family gatherings, eg weddings, parties, anything?
- Does school, Uni or workplace give you positive messages about your sexual identity?
- Are role models of your sexual orientation discussed in your school, Uni or workplace?
- Do you have a say in how your school, Uni or workplace is run?
- Would you feel confident making a complaint to the Sexual Harassment Officer at your school, Uni or workplace?
- Can you realistically expect to be promoted in your chosen career?
- If attacked by your partner, would you feel comfortable going to the police?
- Can you hold hands with your partner walking down the street?
- Would you take your partner home to meet the parents?
This activity is from the "Out With Homophobia" manual available from FPQ Queensland.