Reference no: EM132580810

Journal Entry - Social Workers and the LGBTQ Population and Advocacy, Internationally

• The LGBTQ community continues to experience incidences of prejudice and bias. Not only are these prejudices exemplified in interpersonal interactions through slurs and violent acts but also in the policies maintained in social work agencies and institutions. On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court extended marriage rights to same-sex partners. Since this ruling, the federal government has extended all federal and military/veteran benefits to married same-sex couples. Despite this progress, states continue to debate laws and policies that would legalize forms of discrimination toward LGBTQ individuals. Advocacy organizations, such as the Human Rights Campaign, provide policy maps showing the different rights provided in different states. Social workers are expected to fight to eliminate these inequalities throughout communities, programs, and institutions.

• Around the world, members of the LGBTQ community continue to struggle for their rights. In some countries, they have made some progress. In 2016, 20 countries legally recognized marriage for same-sex couples (Human Rights Campaign, 2016). However, in other countries, the LGBTQ community faces much greater obstacles, and the consequences of fighting for basic rights are grave for both LGBTQ individuals and allies. Being gay is a crime punishable by death in 10 countries and is illegal in a total of 73 countries (Human Rights Campaign, 2016). Because of the violence and social exclusion experienced globally, LGBTQ individuals may seek refugee status because of their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression (UN High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR], 2016).

Question 1: Describe what you think is the role of social workers in equal rights and access to LGBTQ populations.

Question 2: Provide a detailed explanation of your reaction to the United Nations Address on Global LGBT Rights.

Question 3: Explain why, in the context of practicing social work in North America, it is important for us to acknowledge and address sexual orientation and gender diversity of marginalized populations across the world.

Question 4: Explain the role of social workers on an international level in relation to the rights of the LGBTQ community.

Question 5: Identify specific skills and actions you would employ as an advocate. For skills, please refrain from the previously used communication, active listening, non-judgmental, empathy, etc. These are the obvious skills one would typically use. Please research and come up with other skills that are applicable to the situation.