Sexual Orientation Interview, 9 questions

This assignment has two options. Please see below and choose the option that best suits your current situation.

Option 1 – Lesbian, Homosexual, and Bisexual

A lot of people know someone who identifies as lesbian, homosexual, or bisexual. Choose someone who is comfortable being interviewed and conduct an interview. You will not need to provide their identity. This exercise will get you familiar asking questions that may be considered uncomfortable.

1. When did you first think you might be gay?
2. When was your first crush?
3. First date or sexual activity?
4. Did you try to live the straight lifestyle for a period of time?
5. Were you ever in denial?
6. Have you come out to your family?
7. How did they react?
8. Have you ever been the victim of homophobic comments?
9. Have you ever been discriminated against?

Option 2 – Heterosexual

Interview someone who you know that is Heterosexual with the following questions and complete your self-assessment.

1. Are you sure you are straight?
2. How do you know?
3. Have you ever seen a member of the same sex and found them to be attractive in a sexual way? Ever?
4. How long have you been straight?
5. Were you born that way?
6. Or was there something that happened in your childhood that made you straight?
7. Were you straight before you had your first sexual experience?
8. How do you know you were?
9. Does your family know you are straight? Have you “come out?”

After you complete the interview, complete a self-assessment (2-3 paragraphs) on how comfortable you felt asking such sensitive and personal questions. What did you learn about discussing sensitive subjects? What will you do differently next time?