Viewing the Unique Challenges for LGBTQI+ Clients through a Social Work Lens

Overview: Historically, LGBTQI+ individuals have been victimized because of their non-traditional sexual orientation. Currently, most LGBT adults (92%) say society is more accepting, however, they report still having negative experiences. Relatively few (19%) report feeling societal acceptance. Social workers must understand their challenges to competently provide services to the LGBTQI+ community.Proposal text: While an overwhelming share of America’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults (92%) say society has become more accepting of them in recent years, a high percentage still report negative experiences. This includes being rejected by a family member or close friend (39%), feeling unwelcome in their house of worship (29%), being treated unfairly by their employer (21%) and 58% report they have been the target of slurs or jokes. Even though they do report that things are better than in the past, relatively few (19%) say there is a lot of social acceptance for the LGBT population today (Pew Research Center). This speaks to the importance of realizing the challenges and barriers faced by this community on a daily basis. LGBTQ, or sexual minority, individuals often confront issues that are not faced by heterosexual members of the community. These include adversity in all aspects of their life: family, school, employment, housing, and locating health and mental health providers that understand their needs.
In order to clarify some of the unique challenges of sexual minorities there are several concepts that will be examined including heterosexism, homophobia, sexual minority stress, structural stigma, and fundamental causes. Heterosexism can be present in social situations, as well as prevalent in the workplace, schools, and religious institutions. It can lead to discrimination, oppression, anti-gay stereotypes, and/or fear of anyone that is not heterosexual. This fear is one aspect of homophobia which is the personal belief that LGBT people should be pitied or hated because they have perverse desires and then transferring this belief into bias and prejudice.
Institutional homophobia occurs when organizations, such as businesses, government and religious institutions create discriminatory policies and refuse to provide appropriate and professional services to people because of their sexuality. These practices negatively affect an individual’s coping, and social functioning. The constant struggle experienced in day-to-day interactions can be stressful. With support and strong defenses, many LGBTQI+ individuals manage well, while others with fewer resources may develop maladaptive coping strategies. Facing stigma and marginalization has led to members of the LGBTQI+ community having health and mental health consequences, including increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, anxiety, depression, suicide, and trauma related disorders. In addition, they often have less access to resources like money or beneficial social connections which may hamper their ability to access medical care, employment, and other important needs. Stigma can be felt in discriminatory practices and/or in mistreatment by others such as verbal abuse or avoidant behaviors.
Legal victories and challenges will be covered in this presentation. The objective is to help participants gain awareness of the unique challenges faced by sexual minorities and help them understand how LGBT affirming treatment can help clients reach their maximum potential. Social workers will learn how to provide services in a culturally affirming way and have improved understanding of the client’s experience. Case studies are used to exemplify LGBT lived experiences and practical suggestions will be provided for interventions. Resources and a glossary of important terms will be provided.