5 About “We Have the Right to Sit Here!” Introduction This “We Have the Right to Sit Here!” CIVIC (Connecting Individual Voices to Intersecting Concepts) Inquiry Kit explores the use and effectiveness of nonvio- lent and nonverbal protest through analysis of a 1983 LGBT rights incident and subsequent court case involving Deborah Johnson and Zandra Rolón. Their story, which frames discriminatory policies and practices related to sexual orien- tation and gender within the broader Civil Rights Movement, is brought to life through archival audio oral history testimony from the Give Voice to History Project, produced in partnership with the Making Gay History podcast. Through kinesthetic learning activities, scaffolded close listening exercises, classroom discussion, collaborative reflection, self-directed research, instructional games that include role-play, and primary and secondary source analysis, this CIVIC Inquiry Kit facilitates the development of transferable skills, such as research skills, the ability to make connections between past events and current issues, collaborative work, and listening skills. It offers technology integration options in the form of projected images and audio extractions/podcasts. Note: The language introduced in this CIVIC Inquiry Kit mirrors language in the primary and secondary source materials. Using historically accurate language is necessary to understand the social, political, and cultural perceptions of those we label and understand today as LGBTQ+ (including, but not limited to, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer). Learning Outcomes By using this CIVIC Inquiry Kit, students will be able to ● explore times, places, and ways in which different groups have struggled for equality; ● analyze nonverbal protests during struggles for equality and evaluate their effectiveness; ● examine laws and practices related to sexual orientation and gender; ● identify the progression of a court case using close listening activities.