Discussion Leader Preparation Preview the Video. The gay or lesbian athletes and their teammates and coaches in this video describe some of their experiences. The video describes some of the challenges that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender athletes and coaches encounter and shows how it takes a team to make sure that all coaches and athletes are safe and respected. Preview the video before showing it or leading a discussion about the video.
Read Basic Materials. Discussion leaders can prepare themselves in a number of ways. We recommend reading through the following material in this kit:
- Terms and Definitions Related to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
- Frequently Asked Questions and Responses
- The Action Guides for Athletes, Coaches, Athletic Directors, and Parents
- The LGBT Issues in Athletics Case Studies
Examine Resources. Examining some of the print, video, and Web-based resources listed in the kit is also excellent preparation for discussion leaders. This basic preparation will provide discussion leaders with more information about this topic, but it is not necessary to be an "expert" on LGBT issues to be an effective discussion leader. Other important leadership qualities that will ensure a good discussion are a commitment to making sports safe for all athletes, effective communication skills, and rapport with the group. The discussion leader's role is to provide an opportunity for participants to explore this topic in a productive and educational manner.
Obtain Required Permissions. If necessary, secure all permissions to show the video. For example in many schools, administrative and/or parental approval is required for showing educational videos to students or athletes. When advertising the video as part of an open
community event, use the title of the video and prepare potential participants for a discussion of LGBT issues in sport. For classes and teams or other "closed" events, explain what the video is about and why the group will be viewing and discussing it.
Prepare Audiences. Preparing the audience for viewing and discussing the video is important to ensure the most effective use of this educational tool. As part of preparing participants for the video and discussion, invite them to think about the topic ahead of time. For example, ask them to:
- Name famous LGBT athletes they know of
- Indicate if they have ever had a LGBT teammate or coach (without violating anyone's confidentiality).
- Indicate if they have heard anti-gay name-calling in the locker room or in competitions
- Think about how they feel about having an LGBT teammate or coach
- Think about what it would be like to be an LGBT person on an athletic team
- Think about the differences and similarities in reactions to gay male or lesbian athletes
Introduce the VideoIf participants express discomfort about or resistance to viewing and discussing the video, invite them to explore what it is about the topic that makes them feel this way. Acknowledge that many people experience discomfort when asked to think about LGBT issues. Part of the reason for viewing the video is to provide an opportunity to discuss fears or concerns and to identify ways that everyone can work to make sure all people in athletics are treated with dignity and respect.
--Show Video--Discussing the VideoThe "Free Write." We recommend allowing at least 30-45 minutes for discussion and more time is better. Sometimes it is helpful to ask participants to do a "free write" of their initial reactions to the video for 1-2 minutes immediately following the video before discussing it (make sure paper and pencils are available). Participants also can talk about some of their initial reactions to the video in pairs before discussion with the whole group. One way to begin the discussion is to go around the room and invite each participant to share one thought or one question in response to the video. Each person should limit his or her comment to one or two sentences (you will need to monitor this). Make sure everyone understands that they can "pass" if they choose to and can speak later or nor at all.
Leaders can use general prompts in the initial free write or pair discussion:
- What part of the video stands out for you?
- What questions do you have about any part of the video?
- What person in the video could you most identify with?
- What part of the video was most uncomfortable to watch?
Choosing Discussion Questions. Addressing issues of fairness, safety, discrimination, or harassment in a comprehensive manner requires an on-going commitment to education and discussion. This video and discussion session is an introduction to this topic. Showing the video and discussing it with a group of athletes, coaches, athletic directors, or parents encourages further discussion and signals to all participants the importance of attention to this topic. The discussion question guide accompanying the video includes general reaction questions and questions about the participants' perceptions of LGBT issues in athletics in their school. In addition, specific questions for athletes, coaches, athletic directors, and parent audiences are also included.
Ideas for conducting supplemental sessions:For coaches and athletic administrators:
- During regular staff meetings
- In-service programs
For athletes:
- Rainy days or days in which the practice facility is unavailable
- During team meetings before or after practice sessions
- As part of a retreat/social program that also incorporates education or team-building exercises
For parents:
- At PTA meetings
- As part of a regular newsletter or e-newsletter to parents that contains interesting information on various topics
Evaluation, It Takes a Team! Participant Reactions to the Video and Discussion. Participants need to "check in" with themselves on how they feel about the presentation and the topic. An evaluation form is provided for this purpose. The form should only be used if there is enough discussion time allotted. Otherwise, if the presentation is restricted to a short time period, this should be a take-home activity.
Handouts. In general, "handouts" should not be distributed until the close of the session. At the very least, the "Action Guide" for your specific audience (administrators, coaches, students, or parents) should be distributed at the end of the initial video discussion session. Other handouts are provided for you to consider (see Section III). They may also be distributed at the end of the introductory session or used for subsequent discussions.
IT TAKES A TEAM!Participant Reactions to the Video and Discussion
- What did you learn about the experiences of LGBT athletes?
- What part of the video and discussion was most informative for you?
- How would you react to an LGBT athlete or coach on your team?
- What are the challenges an LGBT athlete on your team might face?
- What actions can you take to make your team or athletic department safe and welcoming for LGBT athletes?