Questioning Sexuality: Session II

Objective(s) & Context

Determine how one can be more open and accepting of the sexual orientations of others, and encourage questioning sexuality.
Determine and promote acceptance of different sexual orientations.

Duration

3 hours

Group Size

10–30

Age Group

13 +

Skills(s)

Communication, critical thinking, writing, and comprehension

Format(s) & Technique(s)

Journaling and reflection

Materials

Flip chart paper

Markers

Notebooks

Pencils or pens

Facilitation Tips

This activity should be done after trust has been established in the group.
This activity should be done once the participants have an understanding of sexuality terminology, homophobia, and heterosexism.
This activity should follow Questioning Sexuality: Session I.
Discussions about reclaiming words can be difficult, especially around questions of who gets to use reclaimed words and when.
It is important to acknowledge that a large part of the power of reclaimed words lies in who is using them. For example, only people who have been oppressed by a certain word can reclaim it.

Popular Education Prompts

It could be useful to specifically ask the participants to privately think over words that they have reclaimed, or words that they would like to reclaim. Some examples could include nerd, misfit, etc.

Leading the Activity: Steps to Take

Preparation:

1. Prepare the list of questions for Part 1 on a piece of flip chart paper beforehand.

Part 1 (45 minutes):

Lead a discussion with the group on issues around language and sexual orientation.
Before beginning, present the statement about reclaiming words to the participants.

Reclaiming words is using a term that is usually used in a derogatory way to identify oneself. It is reverses the effect of the term, turning a once negative term to a positive one.

Continue the discussion using the suggested questions listed below.

You may want to write them on flip chart paper so that participants can think about them for a few minutes.

Make sure to fully explain this activity to the participants beforehand. For example, the reasons for generating this list; the fact that you are by no means condoning the use of these words in a derogatory way; by naming these words, participants are not admitting to have used them, etc.:

What are some terms pertaining to sexuality that you would find derogatory?
Why are they considered derogatory?
Can you think of other words that do not necessarily pertain to sexuality that are now unacceptable to use today? For example, with respect to race.
Have you heard of “reclaiming” a word?

Share the example provided below, using the term “queer”:

Example: Queer – A term used by people of non-heterosexual orientations to identify themselves with a non-heterosexual identity.

It includes being gay, lesbian, and bisexual and is seen as an umbrella term for different sexual orientations.

Using a flip chart paper with the title RECLAIMING WORDS at the top, ask participants to brainstorm words that can be/have been reclaimed.
Ask them to share how these terms can be used positively. These can include words pertaining to women as well as to sexuality.

Part 2 (20 minutes):

1. Debrief with the participants by having them journal the thoughts and feelings they have.

2. Ask them to write down in their journals the following reflections: