Created with the assistance of Suffolk Learning & Skills Council, Suffolk Interfaith, Rethink Disability, MESMAC and The Refugee Council

Five interviews to support Equality & Diversity sessions

A person's race, religion, sexual orientation or disability is often a reason for people to behave in a prejudiced way. Minds then become closed, only accepting information that supports their prejudiced opinions. This is a dangerous scenario as prejudice so easily turns into harassment and hatred.

Although there are laws to tackle discrimination, laws cannot change attitudes. Attitudes change when everyone is given an equal chance to voice their concerns and opinions. The people interviewed for ‘Just Listen' come from groups in our society that are prejudiced against. They talk frankly about their experiences and the problems they encounter.

The interviews look at the prejudices people have, the stereotypes that have been created and where such opinions come from. Fact or fiction? Each interviewee also talks about the ways our society should change.

DVD Content

Race and Religion
- Ibrahim & Clair

Two 6-minute interviews

Ibrahim's story of personal tragedy dispels many of the myths that exist about refugees & asylum seekers. Clair is a Muslim & tells how lack of understanding leads to prejudice towards other religions – particularly Islam.

Disability
- Linda

A 13-minute interview.

Linda is a wheelchair user and talks about how people treat her, and other disabled people, differently. We see examples from her perspective, giving viewers an insight into Linda's world and the difficulties disabled people have to face.

Gender and Sexuality
- Alice & Mick

Two 5-minute interviews

Alice is a transvestite and describes how transgendered people often have to live with abuse and ridicule. Mick is gay and has been attacked because of ‘What he is'. He talks of the stress that hiding your true identity brings.

Presentation Support

• A trainers guide covering all five interviews. You will find this guide covers a range of ideas relating to Equality & Diversity – many of which can be adapted to support ‘single issue' presentations.

• Transcript sheets of all 5 interviews. A simple resource that allows you easy access to the interview contents enabling you to quote from this with confidence.