Start Stop Replace: A Scoping Review of Theatre of the Oppressed As a Strategy Against LGBTQ+ Youth Aggression

Background and Purpose

This scoping review explores the profound impacts of violence and discrimination on the LGBTQ+ youth community, a topic extensively addressed in numerous studies. These impacts often manifest as psychosocial stress, feelings of isolation, and increased rates of self-harm among LGBTQ+ youths. Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed (TO) is a community-based intervention that has garnered interest for its potential to empower marginalized communities and heighten consciousness about systemic issues such as violence and discrimination. Within the context of the LGBTQ+ community, TO has emerged as a tool for not only raising awareness but also fostering dialogue and facilitating meaningful engagement with issues of violence and discrimination.

Methodology

This scoping review delves into the efficacy of TO specifically in combating violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, drawing from a selection of eight articles that showcase its effectiveness as an intervention tool.

Results

Key findings from the reviewed literature highlight several important aspects of TO's impact on the LGBTQ+ community. Firstly, TO has been shown to facilitate heightened empathy and awareness among participants, enabling them to better understand the experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. This heightened empathy often translates into increased support and solidarity within communities, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive environment. Moreover, the review underscores the pivotal role of dialogue within TO interventions. By creating spaces for open and honest conversation, TO encourages participants to explore complex issues surrounding violence and discrimination in a supportive environment. These dialogues not only foster understanding but also empower participants to challenge discriminatory attitudes and behaviors, ultimately contributing to the prevention of violence against LGBTQ+ youths. Additionally, the review highlights the importance of bystander intervention skills cultivated through TO. By equipping participants with the tools and confidence to intervene in instances of violence or discrimination, TO empowers individuals to actively contribute to the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ community members. This emphasis on bystander intervention represents a tangible way in which TO interventions can directly impact the prevalence of violence and discrimination within communities. While the literature reviewed in this scoping review provides valuable insights into the efficacy of TO as an intervention tool, it also acknowledges certain limitations. Notably, there is a lack of longitudinal studies assessing the long-term effects of TO interventions on the LGBTQ+ community. Longitudinal research would be beneficial in understanding the sustained impact of TO beyond immediate outcomes and its potential role as a mezzo-level strategy in combating discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

Conclusion and Implication

This scoping review highlights the potential of Boal’s TO as a valuable intervention tool in addressing violence and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. Through its focus on empathy, dialogue, and bystander intervention, TO has demonstrated promise in raising awareness and fostering supportive communities. This review emphasizes the potential of TO as a mezzo-level strategy in combatting discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community.