LGBT Community Social Work

The mental health of individuals in the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered) community is something that is a serious problem. For most of the history of the United States and many different parts of the world LGBT people faced much persecution and in some cases even death. This constant fear of discovery and the pressure that one feels on oneself when “in the closet” can lead to major mental distress. Research has shown that people who identify as LGBT are twice as likely to develop lifetime mood and anxiety disorders (Bostwick 468). This is extremely noticeable the past couple years in the suicides of bullied teens on the basis of sexual identity and expression. The stigma on simply being perceived as LGBT is strong enough to

Since the beginning of their existence and in today’s society, the community of LGBT workers are not being treated fairly or getting their fair share that they deserve in the workplace. They are victims to high rates of workplace discrimination. Instead of being judged as workers and what they bring to their jobs and how they work, they are being judged by their sexual preferences and appearance. Being a gay or transgender worker causes them to be mistreated, not judged for the actual workers they are, and most importantly, halts a majority of them in better career and job opportunities. Although under federal law it is illegal to fire someone who is either gay or transgender, they are still either being denied employment or being terminated from their jobs because of their gender category or sexual orientation.

The most important core value for this case to me is cultural competence. The National Association of Social Worker’s (NASW) describes the importance as cultural competence for a Social Worker to develop “a knowledge base of their clients’ cultures and be able to demonstrate competence in the provision of services that are sensitive to clients’ cultures and to differences among people and cultural groups” (2008). This really seems to be key to this case because the school seems to have Heterosexist values, Heterosexism is having prejudices against those that do not fill the heterosexual norm(Burn, Kadlec, & Rexer, 2005). These values tend to have effect on not only the individuals that may be homosexual, but their greater family system. Often heterosexism can increase psychosocial stress for both the family and the individual. This is extremely common and can even be done through anti-homosexual language such as the things Miranda has over heard.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) falls within societal minority groups such as low income, people of color, and disables (AHRQ, 2011). Due to their gender identity, discrimination, violence, and even denial of human rights and healthcare services is a common challenge among LGBT population. LGBT still faces many health disparities primarily related to the historic bias of healthcare professionals anti-LGBT manners even though society acceptance has been favorable. According to Ard and Makadon (n.d), “until 1973, homosexuality was listed as a disorder…, and transgender still is.” This stigma prevents healthcare professionals to openly ask questions in a non-judgmental manner related to sexual identity. On the other hand, if the patient senses that the healthcare environment is discriminating they may be reluctant to disclose important information as their sexual orientation; thus, missing important opportunities of been educated about safety and health care risks.

According to Dentano et al. (2016), social work programs deliver LGBTQ content in their classrooms, but there are still homophobia and heterosexism within social work education in

The values of social work include service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. Including these values in one’s social work practice will in most cases create rather successful results. Discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people will be the focus of this paper. The Equality Act will also be discussed because it is a policy being pushed to create federal non-discrimination laws for LGBTQ people. This then poses the question, will the passing of the Equality Act into law decrease discrimination against LGBTQ people? To answer this question the five dimensions of social policy and change will be discussed.

For instance, the GLMA provider directory will allow you to search for a trusted therapist. Additionally, the National Alliance on Mental Illness offers resources for LGBTQ people, since this community faces significant risk for depression, suicide, substance abuse and other mental health issues. Your local NAMI chapter may also provide information and referrals to inclusive providers.

Since we are all interconnected within society, it is essential for every person to possess rational ethical standards as the quality of our lives depends on them. Indeed, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and I both recognize the importance of enhancing the well-being of those who are vulnerable and how possession of ethics contributes to such development. While completing the Values Inventory for Policy Practice forms, there were eighteen similarities between the NASW and my personal beliefs regarding the set of statements. Some of them include, supporting gay and lesbian couples in affording the same rights (e.g., marriage) as heterosexual couples, protecting the dignity of commercial sex workers, restoring the right to vote for convicted felons, preserving the right of individuals to control their own end-of-life decisions and recognizing transgendered individuals by their chosen gender identity. Such circumstances pose conflict concerning one’s ability to self-govern versus their inability to make personal choices. Our ability to exercise autonomy is an agentic expression that gives us control over our own lives. Thus, minimizing this ability not only diminishes one’s dignity, but also contributes to internal oppression. The NASW and I both agree that respecting the self-determination of a client (as long as the individual is not causing harm to another) is equally as important as promoting their rights.

Many social workers have had minimal training and preparation in servicing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Questioning (LGBTQ) clients. It is not uncommon or unlikely that even the most seasoned practitioner will display some form of negative bias or utilize misinformation with assisting these clients. Because the Universe and the norms are steadily changing and evolving we as social workers must do the same to better assist our clients especially our oppressed populations. This research paper will provide an in depth look at the LGBTQ community, in particular the adolescent victimization of LGBTQ students in a school setting. Research suggests that youth who identify as LGBTQ are at greater risk of suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts,

Most can have problems finding some where to stay. Because LGBT persons often have great difficulty finding shelters that accept and respect them. Transgender people are often forced to classify themselves as a gender with which they do not identify. These individuals are particularly at physical risk in shelters. This risk comes from a lack of acceptance. Ex. Transgender women (born with male genitalia but identify and live as women) forced to take shelter with heterosexual men are frequently subjected to verbal, physical, and sexual abuse. Transgender individuals are often turned away from shelters and in some cases signs have been posted barring their entrance. (American Journal of Public Health, 2002) In some cases, suicide rates of LGBT people have escaladed in the past few years of feeling neglected. Suicide attempts by LGB youth and questioning youth are 4 to 6 times more likely to result in injury, poisoning, or overdose that requires treatment from a doctor or nurse, compared to their straight peers. (CDC, 2011) The STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) is growing among LGBT groups also. It is another problem they are facing. STDs have been increasing among gay and bisexual men, with recent increases in syphilis being documented across the country. In 2012, men who have sex with men (MSM) accounted for 75% of primary and secondary syphilis cases in the United States. MSM often are diagnosed with other STDs, including Chlamydia and gonorrhea infections. (National Center for HIV/AIDS, 2014) And LGBT are also being discriminated against being hired for a job. Employers are not hiring LGBT people because they do not agree with their life choices and will not hire

There is a need for increased culturally meaningful mental health services specific to the LGBTQ community. Members of the LGBTQ community are at increased risk for a number of mental health problems and

With more and more people coming out and developing their sexual identity each year. I feel as future social workers we have an obligation to support and respect this community as well as each person's identity. Our job involves understanding this population and advocating for equal rights for all individuals. It is clear that the concept of social justice will not be realized until society can embrace the notion that different does not mean bad.“The only idea involved in all questions of sexual orientation are the great transcendent issues of justice and love. Acceptance of the homosexual community will leave both communities free from the need to conform to narrow stereotypes and free to develop all the qualities that belong to the fullness of the human personality.”( Blackwell, C. W., Ricks, J. L., & Dziegielewski, S. F.

Lack of culturally competent (CC) healthcare within lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities, poses a severe threat to the health of LGBT individuals, due to the increase in negative health outcomes. These negative outcomes consist of an increased rate of depression, suicide, anxiety, smoking, alcohol use, and sexually transmitted infections (Garbers, Heck, Gold, Santelli, & Bersamin, 2017; Mayer, Bradford, Makadon, Stall, Goldhammer, & Landers, 2008). The lack of cultural knowledge is detrimental to the individual, with cases linked to improper diagnosis,

Social workers are in a key position to helping parents and children in times of crisis. Social workers can be the helping hands for their clients either in therapy sessions, group therapy/support groups, crisis intervention, etc. Social work practitioners need to look for the warning signs in the teenagers, and the give the right techniques and services to help them cope with their diagnosis and/or struggles.

Refusing to counsel the lesbian couple regarding their relationship issues can be characterized as a form of discrimination towards their sexual orientation. As such, this discrimination could subject the social worker to liability as professional malpractice. “Professional malpractice is generally considered a form of negligence.” Frederic G Reamer, Social Work Malpractice and Liability: Strategies for Prevention (2003). As Social workers you are mandated obtain education about and seek to understand the nature of social diversity and oppression with respect to race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, and mental or physical disability. Moreover, counselors have a professional and ethical duty—set forth in the Code of Ethics,