The LGBT May Face Discrimination

Explain why it is important for social workers to assess the impact of differences in class, ethnicity, health status, rural or urban background, and gay identity on LGBT clients. Be specific and provide examples. Use one peer-reviewed article to help support your answer. No websites are to be used.

This is important because social workers need to understand culture and its capacity in human behavior and society, recognizing the strengths that exist in all cultures. Social workers should have knowledge of their clients' cultural norms and demonstrate competence in the provision of services that are sensitive to these norms and to differences among people and social groups.

Social workers need proper education to understand the concept of social diversity and oppression with respect to nationality, race, sex, ethnicity, age, sexual identity, religion, and mental or physical disability. For instance, a 35-year-old lesbian African American woman living in a rural environment in Georgia will experience very different life circumstances and challenges than a 20-year-old gay Hispanic man living in an urban Los Angeles neighborhood.

Describe/explain the "coming out" process. How can social workers help LGBT clients resolve problems potentially involved in "coming out"? Be specific and provide examples.

The term "coming out" refers to a person's public acknowledgment that they are gay or lesbian. There are four stages in the coming out process. These stages are: realizing one's own sexuality, engaging with the gay and lesbian community, disclosing one's sexuality to family and friends, and publicly acknowledging one's sexual orientation. Social workers can help LGBT clients potentially come out in several ways. One method is to provide the client with accurate information about being lesbian or gay. It is likely that the client may share some societal stereotypes and homophobic responses. A gay man or woman coming out may also need education about the difference between identity and choice of sexual partner.

Describe/explain some of the challenges LGBT clients will face as they age. What strategies and/or interventions may social workers use to help LGBT clients cope and prepare for aging? Be specific and provide examples.

LGBT clients may face discrimination because of their age and their sexual identity or orientation. Overall, LGBT older adults tend to experience unique health disparities and financial challenges. Older adults in this group may disproportionately be affected by physical and mental health conditions, and even poverty. Owing to a lifetime of unique stressors associated with being a minority, they may be more vulnerable to neglect and abuse in caretaking facilities.

As expert guides work with a maturing LGBT population, it is imperative to consider the historically negative atmosphere which has shaped an individual's experiences with, and perceptions of, their sexual identity. Kimmel (2002) outlines recommendations that can be adopted by mental health professionals to enhance the development of crisis competency and combat maladaptive thoughts and behaviors within this population. Some strategies social workers could use to help the LGBT population cope and prepare for aging include aiding the client to find any family or friend support, identifying positive role models locally or nationally who embody traits the client aspires to, practicing coping skills, and assisting in harmonizing their various identities to improve their sense of self.

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