ATTENTION PLEASE! We are in the process of updating all A SACReD Journey online resources. While most resources match the updated curriculum, there are some misalignments across the modules. We apologize for any frustration or complication this adds to your facilitation of the ASJ Curriculum. We aim to have all modules updated by early April. If you have questions please reach out to Kentina Washington-Leapheart: [email protected]. Thank you for being with us on this journey! 

• Playlist
• Fact Sheet 6.1–Reproduction Realities

CONTENT WARNING

This module explores the messages we have received about sex, gender, and reproduction and invites us into self-reflection. This may bring up content related to homophobia, anti-trans violence, sexual violence, spiritual abuse, and/or racial violence. These may bring up painful feelings or memories for participants. Please care for yourself in this session. If you need to step away or take a break, please do so.

Write the prompt before the session begins: 

• “I see…” – What RJ issues do you see happening in your example?
• “I think…” – What do you think is happening in this situation?
• “I wonder…” – Wonder to yourself:How this could be different?

Facilitators read:

I invite you to close your eyes or turn them gently downward. Sit comfortably in a chair. Tune into your breath and to your body. Let’s say this breath prayer together, adapted from the work of Cole Arthur Riley. (Cole Arthur Riley, “Black Liturgies,” colearthurriley.com, accessed July 31, 2025.)

Alternative Opening:

Offer a prayer or reading from your own tradition that invites people to be open to different experiences, or select one from the bank found on the Resource Page.

• Introduction instructions in the chat: Name, Pronouns, What is one word or sound that represents how you are feeling or arriving?
• Are there any themes or pressing content that came up in your RJ Show and Tell discussions?

Glossary – https://www.sacreddignity.org/asjresources/glossary/

•  What are your initial reactions to the homework videos and definitions?
•  What questions do you have?

You may not get to each of these questions. Participants can discuss their answers in pairs, small groups, or the full group.

• What do you notice from the responses?
• What are some of the norms and beliefs you have learned about gender identity, gender roles, and sexuality from each of these different sources?
• Pay special attention to the messages you learned from your faith community and the media. Where specifically did these lessons come from within your faith community, pop culture, and the media?
• How conscious of these beliefs and norms have you been? Do you still agree with or hold these beliefs? Why or why not?

Video: TEDx Talks — “From Homophobic to out and affirming, From homophobic to out and affirming, LGBTQ+ Christian advocate | Aubrey Brolsma | TEDxHopeCollege” (14:07)

Participants can answer these questions in their journal, in pairs, small groups, or the full group..

• What was Audrey taught about sexuality growing up?
• How does what you learned compare?
• What kinds of changes have happened in your own life around your sexuality or gender identity and expression? What led to those shifts? Did they lead you away from a faith tradition? Towards a faith tradition?
• What liberative “norms” that affirm the diversity of bodies, sexualities, and reproductive journeys can your faith community promote?

Pick one or two questions below to write about what has surfaced for you throughout this module. Come back to others later as you work out your full story.

• How has your faith journey intersected with your gender and sexual identities?
• How has your faith journey been part of a positive transformation, or made change or transformation more difficult?
• What kinds of changes have happened in your own life around your sexuality or gender identity and expression? What led to those shifts? Did they lead you away from a faith tradition? Towards a faith tradition?
• Are there stories from your tradition that you want to claim or reclaim?

Participants can answer these questions in pairs, small groups, or the full group.

• What is one word that represents your experience of this journaling?
• What is one learning you will take with you from this module? Thank you for engaging these stories with vulnerability.

• Prepare your RJ Show and Tell item.
• Read Fact Sheet 6.1–Reproduction Realities
• Journal and reflect on your Faith and Reproductive story that you started today

Let’s end with another breath prayer as we reflect on our learning today. Once again, close your eyes or turn them gently downward. Sit comfortably in a chair. Tune into your breath and to your body.

Alternative Closing:

Offer a prayer or reading from your own tradition or select one from the bank found on the Resource Page.