Anthony, Lane and Rashawn are close friends and roommates who all identify as men. Increasingly, discussions amongst themselves engage issues of sex and gender in the context of sexism, and they are sharing more vulnerably with one another about their thoughts and questions related to the epidemic of sexual harassment and sexual assault in the community.
Most recently, they begin to open up with one another about their experiences as both bystanders and instigators of inappropriate and threatening behavior. The honesty of their conversation enables them to identify behaviors they recognize in themselves and each other that need intervention and to share their commitment to intervening in response to such behaviors when they observe them in the future.
- The Issue: Anthony, Lane and Rashawn discuss their community's epidemic of sexual harassment and sexual assault and recognize inappropriate and threatening behaviors amongst themselves.
- The Deliberation: The group continues to share more vulnerably with one another, and through their honesty, establishes a commitment to holding themselves and one another to a higher standard of conduct.
The Growth: Anthony, Lane and Rashawn realize that honesty and vulnerability enables dialogue and reflection, and results in a greater sense of community, connection and support.