Practicing Allyship : Scenarios for Self-Reflection and Practice

Abstract

This scenario-based learning activity was designed to provide learners an opportunity to practice various forms of allyship, in particular, as it relates to members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Too often, when we are confronted with language and behaviours that we recognize as being homophobic, transphobic, or otherwise demeaning and/or dangerous to members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, we have a tendency to retreat into ourselves instead of speaking up in the moment. Many of us have had the experience of later reflecting on something we witnessed, or participated in, and wishing we had said or done something in the moment. But it can be hard to do that if we haven't ever had the opportunity to practice, and that's exactly what this simulation was designed for: to provide learners with the opportunity to practice the skills needed to be an effective ally.

There are three content elements: prework, scenarios, and a debrief. The prework contains foundational learning designed to prepare learners to engage in the second element, the scenarios. The third element is the debrief. Facilitators are encouraged to review the included facilitation guide to prepare for this final element, which is critical to consolidate learning.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of the simulation activity, learners will 1. Recognize the ways in which members of the 2SLGBTIA+ community continue to face social and systemic oppression--2. Reflect on their own intersectional identities to describe how privilege and oppression can change in different contexts based on those identities--3. Identify statements and acts that prevent the inclusion and decrease the safety of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in a range of social contexts--4. Identify and practice various allyship strategies to support intentional and active engagement in the creation and maintenance of positive spaces--5. Prepare for a facilitated discussion with fellow learners by responding to self-reflection questions throughout the simulation activity.