Guided Imagery: "An Average Day"

By listening to a story and discussing its content, participants examine how people often assume that everyone is heterosexual and how this assumption can affect those who are not a lesbian.

Goals:

• To identify the subtle heterosexism faced by lesbian women.
• To become aware of the feelings of oppression a lesbian may experience when others assume she is heterosexual.

Group Size:Unlimited.

Time:20 - 30 minutes

Materials:None

Process:

• Read An Average Day to the group.
• Lead a discussion using the following questions:

When did you recognize the point of the story? What were some of the examples of heterosexual bias in the story? How would you feel in Jane's situation? What contributed to those feelings? How could the people around Jane show more sensitivity in each situation she encountered? Can you think of other kinds of subtle cultural biases that exclude groups of people?

If, after a few questions, some participants do not understand the point of the story, read the story again to allow participants to listen with a different understanding.

An Average Day

It was an average day. Jane grabbed a newspaper on the way to breakfast. The headlines read: Presidential hopeful unmarried; who will be the First Lady?

As Jane headed to class on her bike, she passed several couples holding hands and discussing their weekend plans. She was looking forward to the weekend as well.

In Psychology 204 the discussion topic was Dating and Marriage. Surveys were distributed and students were asked to rank characteristics they found attractive in members of the opposite sex.

In Law 101, the topic was discrimination. Jane reported on Title VII, protective legislation in hiring based on color, national origin, sex, and religion.

Jane passed though the Student Union on her way to her meeting. It was always interesting to overhear bits and pieces of conversation. A couple of guys were talking and laughing. "He's such a faggot!" "Hey, what time are you picking Mary up tonight?"

With all the racism on campus, Jane decided to get involved with an advocacy group. Members of the various cultural centers on campus were present, as well as several whites allies. "Marginalized No More!" was the theme of the ethnic dance they were planning. The group wanted a large turnout so girlfriends and boyfriends were encouraged to attend. As an incentive, dates of advocacy group members would be admitted to the dance free of charge.

As Jane biked home she noted a sheet hanging for a third story apartment window proclaiming, "Alice, I love you! Will you marry me? Bill".

Jane returned to her residence hall just in time to meet her floormate for dinner. They were all excited about the blind date party on Saturday night. They were curious about which guy Jane's roommate, Sally, had chosen for Jane to go with. Jane broke the news that she'd be gone for the weekend, much to the disappointment to the other women.

"Hi, your Mom wants you to call her," Sally informed Jane as she walked in the door. "She asked if you've met any nice boys yet. Hey, a bunch of us are going out dancing tonight, Jane. Do you want to come?"

"No thanks, Sal," Jane replied, "I have to study. Have fun." After studying, Jane thought she'd watch a little TV before going to bed. She turned on the set to find reruns of Joni Loves Chachi and Married with Children.

As Jane crawled into bed she was feeling a little down but wasn't sure why. After all, it had just been an average day. Jane was glad tomorrow was Friday. Only one more day before she could go spend the weekend with Rachel, her girlfriend.

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This exercise was found in "Working with Groups in the Workplace: Celebrating Diversity" (Cheryl Hetherington, Whole Persons Associates) and was adapted from an activity created by Donna Haner, University of Minnesota.