Attitudes Toward Difference

OVERVIEW: In this lesson, students take a survey that measures their attitudes toward lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. They are then challenged to explore their attitudes more deeply in small and large group discussions. Students are asked to examine the degree to which their beliefs are based on stereotypes and prejudices, and to identify those attitudes that they may need to work on changing.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To help students understand and reflect upon their attitudes toward LGBT people
2. To challenge students to face their own prejudicial or stereotypical beliefs
3. To help students identify the beliefs that they need to work on changing or improving
   
   

AGE LEVEL: Adaptable for Middle and High School
TIME: 1-2 class periods (50-70 minutes)
MATERIALS: Handouts: Attitudes Toward Difference Survey; Attitudes Toward Difference Survey Scoring Guide; Earliest Beliefs

Part 1 – Attitudes Toward Difference Survey (20-30 minutes)

Ask students to take and score the Attitudes Toward Difference Survey. This survey, adapted from the work of psychologist Dorothy Riddle, measures attitudes toward LGBT people along an eight-point continuum from “repulsion” to “nurturance.” Emphasize that the survey is confidential and will not be collected or shared with others. Students should not write their name on the survey and are encouraged to be completely honest. This survey is meant to get students thinking reflectively about their deeply held attitudes around sexual orientation and gender identity. When students have finished, conduct an open discussion using the following questions:

1. Are your attitudes toward LGBT people based upon experience or on preconceived notions?
2. Are you as accepting of LGBT people as you are of people from different racial, ethnic or religious backgrounds? Why or why not?
3. Have you ever had an LGBT friend? How might your attitudes help or hinder you from being an ally for LGBT people?

Part 2 – Earliest Beliefs (30-40 minutes)

In small groups of 3-4, ask students to fill out and discuss the handout entitled Earliest Beliefs. This worksheet encourages students to think about how their attitudes toward LGBT people originated and how they have been communicated over time. After students have had a chance to talk in small groups, debrief the entire class using the following questions:

1. Which of your early beliefs were formed from direct experience and which were formed from stereotypes or indirect information?
2. Which of those early ideas do you still believe and/or act upon?
3. How might your early beliefs impact both yourself and others?
4. Which of those ideas do you need to work on changing?
5. What can you do educate yourself about LGBT issues and improve your attitude with regard to LGBT people?