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Junior High/Middle School (Grades 7-8) and
Senior High (Grades 9-12)
Curriculum
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Published in 1994 by UUA
Out of print. Available from some district libraries and the UUA Lifespan Faith Development Loan Library |
Beyond Pink and Blue
Exploring Our Stereotypes of Sexuality and GenderBy Tracey Robinson-Harris and Ritch C. Savin-Williams
- 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 small-group 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 and Length of Sessions
- 12 sessions, can be expanded to 18 if session time is short
Length: 1 to 1.5 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.
Reviewed on June 30, 1996
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Curricula
