Pre-Test

As previously disclosed, the data collected from this survey will be utilized to assess the impact of the training, identify demographics, inform research concerning training methodology, and may be utilized in future trainings and publications. Your name and contact information will not be shared. Please answer as honestly as possible.  No other participants will see your responses. 

Terms to Know

This PDF guide of important terms will help you as you move though this training. You can save/download it, print it, and review it as you need to. These terms may be completely new to you, or you may already be familiar with them. Even if you are already familiar with these terms, this guide can be a useful tool when discussing these topics with others. You're going to be hearing many of them often throughout this training, so it is important to familiarize yourself with them. This list of terms is not exhaustive.

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**Important- Please note that different regions within the country and around the world may have different terminology and social understandings of the LGBTQ+ community. Some terms and information discussed may vary slightly depending on where you live.**

Who is the LGBTQ+ Community

Who is the LGBTQ+ Community? In this series of slides/graphics and videos we will answer that question and identify some important terms and basic information that will provide you a good foundation as you move through the training. Scroll through the slides with the right arrow.

**Important- Please note that different regions within the country and around the world may have different terminology and social understandings of the LGBTQ+ community. Some terms and information discussed may vary slightly depending on where you live. Please consider this information as LGBTQ+ basics, and a jumping off point for further learning**

Now that you've some basic information about the LGBTQ+ community, please view the following videos which feature folks who are part of the LGBTQ+ community talking about identities and orientations.

Below you will find links to two articles which highlight a few historical and current LGBTQ+ folks who made/are making an impact. This is an optional resource for you to enhance your knowledge of LGBTQ+ history and culture. 

A Brief History

Homosexuality, bisexuality, and gender nonconformity have always existed.  

The following two videos are episodes of the PBS series Origins of Everything. These videos provide quick and simple breakdowns of some of the social and legal frameworks that have influenced our social views concerning the LGBTQ+ community. Think about it, society at large has been conditioned to associate the LGBTQ+ community with social unrest and unlawfulness.

In the following videos, you'll be exposed to some of the historical events which outline our history of discrimination and abuse against the LGBTQ+ community. As you watch these videos, begin to contemplate the following question:  Who has the right to tell you your existence is invalid?

Please understand that the history and experiences shared below are only a small part of this history. Information for further study of LGBTQ+ history will be provided at the end of module 3. These videos may contain sensitive images and language. You may watch the videos in this cluster in any order.  

Pause to Reflect

As you move to the next segment of this module, reflect on this question: Do you think these historical events, rules, and laws still impact our society today? What are your thoughts after viewing these videos? 

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Exploring the Link Between Sexism, Misogyny, and Anti-LGBTQ+ Narratives

Gender is as we know it, is a social construct. A social construct is an idea within a particular culture or society which exists solely because people agree to behave as if it exists or agree to follow certain conventional rules. It is an idea that has been created and accepted by the people in a society. Constructing the idea of differences, rules, and expectations concerning gender and sex, paved the way for severe discrimination and abuse against those who did not conform. 

Let's examine some common myths and stereotypes regarding the LGBTQ+ community, and start to discuss how they shape into narratives and bias.

For an example of anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda, as an optional activity you can view this video linked below.

Now that we've explored some historical context, and narratives surrounding gender which inform anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, and specific narratives and stereotypes regarding the LGBTQ+ community, let's explore the the relationship between history, narratives, stereotypes, and bias. Scroll through the slides with the right arrow.

Narratives, Dehumanization, and the AIDS Epidemic

We've now discussed how history and legal frameworks worked to create narratives surrounding the LGBTQ+ community that still persist today. We still see discrimination and violence. The use of propaganda to drive a narrative of fear has played, and continues to play, a key role in maintaining anti-LGBTQ+ narratives, legislation, and social conflicts. The following videos will demonstrate the impact of this as it relates to the AIDS epidemic.

The AIDS epidemic was ignored for years as it was viewed as only impacting the Gay community, and then those who used intravenous drugs. With both the Gay community and those who used intravenous drugs, society at large viewed AIDS as a consequence of their "lifestyle", assigning blame and also making it easier to explain away lack of empathy and lack of urgency. It wasn't until AIDS began to impact the heterosexual community that a shift began to occur. But, even for those who were heterosexual, including 13 year old Ryan White, stigma and narratives surrounding AIDS and the Gay community impacted them socially.

The following is a chilling example of the impact of anti-gay narratives and dehumanizing propaganda. The public and the nation's leaders laughed in the face of AIDS as it took thousands of lives. 

**The content of this video may be triggering or difficult to view **

After watching this video, how do you feel? What did you think while listening to homophobic jokes, laughter, and general disinterest exhibited by the press secretary, and the press themselves? Think about what that reality must have been like, as friends and family fall gravely ill and lose their lives, to be ignored, laughed at. Remember, there was largely no effort by the government to engage in research for treatment, and no official name given, until it began to impact heterosexual people.  Think about that.

Optional Reflection

Now that you have viewed all of the content for Module 1, how much do you believe our history informs people's beliefs and behavior today?  What information in this module stood out to you or impacted you the most? 

Optional Journal Entry

This journal entry is a chance for you to record your personal thoughts about Module 1. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions or seek clarification from the facilitator on any of the content from Module 1. Your entry will only be visible to you and the training facilitator. 

You must complete the short quiz below before moving to Module 2