Sex, Sexuality and Gender

Language game
Session objective:
Session overview:
Materials needed:
Time:
Familiarization with words relating to human sexuality
which are used (or not found) in local languages
Small group discussion and facilitated report-back
Prepared list of words and flipchart
60 minutes
This activity is meant to show how labelling people can do harm and create barriers
with community.
Language is very important when approaching the issue of orientation as much of
the language used can be stigmatising and discriminating, this is language that we
use in our day to day lives but we have to know what is appropriate to use so that
we do not offend or alienate anyone. Language can be strong in its intent and very
hurtful, we want everyone to discover what is good and what is negative language.
• zExplain to participants that when we work with sexuality education, we get forced
to used words that are sensitive, and which we are not always comfortable using
ourselves.
• zIt is important to note that when you work with any age group in their local language,
these words will have to be said to ensure understanding and so that we do
not confuse the people that we work with.
• zExplain that it is important for us to get used to using these words in a way that is
not derogatory, but that ensures that learning is optimised.
• zAsk participants to get into groups based on their local languages or locality. (Only
if it is not a community based workshop).
• zExplain that their task is to come up with similar words to those listed below in
their local language.
• zEncourage participants to cover a range of different words, including polite, street,
rude, and local words, including different words used by men and boys or women
and girls.
© INERELA 2012
On separate sheets of paper write the term:
• zGay
• zLesbian
• zMan
• zWoman
• zBisexual
• zTransgender
Spread these pieces of paper around the room and leave a maker pen with each
sheet. Break the group up into smaller groups. The intention is for them to rotate
between all the sheets writing all the names they know for the terms at the top of the
page. They are allowed to be free in this activity and write the terms that we know
are not right to use, they can use their own language.
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