Theme: Society & Culture

Gender 101: Myself in the World

by Brooke Wells

This lesson encourages participants to explore various facets of their own and others’ identities and how these impact the way they interact in and with the world. Using interactive activities, group discussion, and personal reflection, this lesson offers participants the opportunity to learn distinctions between gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation and how these intersect with race; to examine their own and others’ assumptions and biases around these; and to explore how each of these facets of identity influence sexual identity and behavior.

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, participants will be able to:

  • Define race, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
  • Identify internal and external perceptions and biases around race, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
  • Discuss how societal influences regarding race, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation may impact their own sexual decision making.

Included in this Lesson

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Group Size

This lesson is written for groups of 10–15 with two co-facilitators. However, it can be adapted for smaller groups. For groups of five or less participants, all activities can be completed as  a full group and with a single facilitator. 

Time

110 minutes

Materials

Flip chart paper or newsprint
Easel or tape
Markers
Computer and projector
Printed handouts