Fostering Critical Consciousness Through Theater of the Oppressed: A Mixed‐Methods Study With Gay, Bisexual, Queer, and Transgender Men in Singapore
Journal of Community Psychology
Published online on June 15, 2026
Abstract
["Journal of Community Psychology, Volume 54, Issue 5, July 2026. ", "\nABSTRACT\nThis convergent mixed‐methods study explores how Theater of the Oppressed (TO) fosters critical consciousness among gay, bisexual, queer, and transgender men (n = 16) in Singapore. Grounded in Freirean praxis, the study assessed pre‐ and post‐intervention changes across four domains: perceived inequality, egalitarianism, critical motivation, and support networks. Quantitative findings showed a significant improvement in support networks and positive shifts in motivation. Qualitative insights revealed how TO's embodied and dialogic methods promoted reflection, solidarity, and agency. Furthermore, this study operationalizes support networks as a distinct, measurable component of critical consciousness within a TO framework. Findings highlight the potential of arts‐based, relational interventions to advance psychosocial resilience and collective empowerment among marginalized queer communities in non‐Western contexts.\n"]