A Lesbian/Straight Team Approach to Changing Attitudes Toward Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered People

SUMMARY

Advantages of a lesbian/heterosexual team approach to education on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues are examined and a case study is analyzed. A lesbian guest lecturer provided a contact experience, personal anecdotes, passion, and expertise. Facilitation of later class discussion by the heterosexual instructor allowed for frank discussion among students, processing of presentation content, and modeling of gay-affirmative attitudes by the instructor and other students. Summaries of the guest lecture (fantasy exercise and informational lecture) and later discussion are provided. Student comments during discussion demonstrated evidence of deep challenge, attitude change, and heightened understanding.

Key Words:

• Homosexuality (attitudes toward)
• attitude change
• sexual orientation
• homophobia
• college students