A few years ago, we at BridgingBeyond created the “What Are They Thinking” (WATT) series as a way to strengthen the bonds of community through empathy and understanding. To learn more check out our website here.
We are inviting people who identify as Cis straight & LGBTQI+ to come together to participate in a “What Are They Thinking” online event the 12th of March at 7:00 pm. The session brings together a small group of Cis straight and LGBTQI+ for sharing and deep compassionate listening.
Session Purpose: Gain insight into the lives and perspectives of others whose experiences differ from yours. Practise seeing the world with empathy. Our goal is understanding — not debate, argument, or resolution. The session is a form of dialogue, with facilitators offering prompts as needed to keep the flow.
Agenda:
The session will begin with a welcome and brief introductions to help everyone feel at ease. From there, each group will have an opportunity to share their experiences while the other listens with openness and care. Afterward, participants will move into smaller groups to reflect on what they’ve heard and explore what it might feel like to have lived those different experiences. We’ll then come back together for a final round of shared reflections before closing the session.
Guidelines for a Positive Experience:
- Listeners: Listen openly without analysis; imagine yourself in the speaker's position.
- Speakers: Share from personal experience—this is not about politics or theory. Respect each other's experiences.
Practical Details:
- Quick Zoom overview: raising hands, camera, mute & unmute functions.
- Listening group will be on mute; speakers, mute only if there’s background noise.
- Minimise distractions by silencing other devices and keeping video on.
- Close other apps to prevent notifications or slow internet.
- Photos and non-attributable quotes may be taken with consent from participants.
If we fail to see the humanity in others, humankind is doomed.
