Beyond Pink and Blue

			Beyond Pink and Blue

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Exploring Our Stereotypes of Sexuality and Gender

Authors: Tracey Robinson-Harris and Ritch C. Savin-Williams

Publisher: Unitarian Universalist Association

Pub. Date: 1994

Available From UUA Bookstore

Theme and Description Invites participants to examine our cultural understandings of gender identity and gender roles, sexuality and what it encompasses, and how stereotypes and prejudice influence the way we think and act as males and females. Through smallgroup work, experiential exercises, and discussions, participants assess their own attitudes, actions, and feelings about gender roles and identity.

Goals for Participants

To increase awareness of thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviors related to gender identity, gender roles, and sexual orientation
To listen to and understand the attitudes and feelings of others
To become more discerning of the ways institutions and culture address gender issues
To feel affirmed in one's own identity.

Age Range Ages 13 to 15

Size of Group 8 to 12 ideal

Space Requirements A comfortable, private room that is large enough to allow participants to divide into small groups

Number of Sessions 12 (can be expanded to 18 if session time is short)

Length of Sessions 1 to 1 1/2 hours

Leader Training No special training is required. A teaching team of one woman and one man is strongly recommended. Leaders should be familiar with issues of gender stereotyping, and be comfortable working with adolescents. Leaders should be organized and work well as a team.

Leader Preparation 1 to 3 hours per session

Strengths

Encourages exploration and examination of gender-stereotype and sexual-orientation issues
Includes a wide variety of activities
Is an excellent follow-up to sexuality education program
Includes a worship component (closing circle) and other group-building activities
Engages youth through popular media such as magazines and music.

Limitations

Some sessions require advance planning; e.g.,ordering a film
Leadership team needs to be open, responsive, and skilled with this age group
Leaders might need to supplement sessions with active games for high-energy groups.

Adaptability

Can be used in a youth-group setting
Group size can be expanded.

Unitarian Universalist Values The Principles and Purposes are explored in the first session, setting the tone for the entire program. Implicitly addresses the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; and a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.