Bringing homophobia out of the closet

An activity designed to illustrate the cultural impact of homophobia is described. Role-play scenarios assign group participants a bisexual, heterosexual, or homosexual identity. Activity participants are then given the opportunity to assume or reject their assigned identity in the role-play. College students and participants in professional training seminars report an increased understanding of individual and institutional forms of homophobia and the difficulties associated with "passing" vs. forming a positive homosexual identity.