How often have you seen stereotypes of individuals of gay, lesbian, transgender,
Week 7: Sexual Orientation
How often have you seen stereotypes of individuals of gay, lesbian, transgender, or individuals perpetuated in American popular culture such as sitcoms and movies? There are many assumptions made about how certain individuals will behave and look based on their identity, and our media has fed into these beliefs by producing content that can be labeled demeaning and reductive. Further, it sets the stage for a hierarchy of sexual orientation that is very prevalent in society. For example, how often have you heard the word “gay” used to describe something as “less than” or “undesirable.” Consider what the use of the term in this way suggests about the marginalization and oppression of those not in the dominant heterosexual group. This week you will be asked to think about your role as a social worker practicing cultural competence when working with the LGBTQ community.
This week you will read about heterosexism and the impact of homophobia. You will analyze prejudice related to LGBTQ populations and analyze the relationship between personal and professional values and ethics. You will also analyze the advocacy role of social workers in working with LGBTQ populations.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Analyze the potential conflicts between personal values and professional responsibilities related to LGBTQ populations
- Analyze the role of social workers for LGBTQ populations
- Analyze the role of a social worker in relation to international advocacy for LGBTQ rights
Learning Resources
Required Readings
Dessel, A. B., Jacobsen, J., Levy, D. L., McCarty-Caplan, D., Lewis, T. O., & Kaplan, L. E. (2017). LGBTQ topics and Christianity in social work: Tackling the tough questions. Social Work & Christianity, 44(1/2), 11-30.
National Association of Social Workers’ National Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues. (2015). Sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) and conversion therapy with lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender persons [Position Statement]. Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=yH3UsGQQmYI%3d&portalid=0
Ryan, C. (2009). Supportive families, healthy children: Helping families with lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender children. San Francisco, CA: Family Acceptance Project, Marian Wright Edelman Institute, San Francisco State University. Retrieved from http://familyproject.sfsu.edu/publications.
The Trevor Project. (2016). Glossary. Retrieved from http://www.thetrevorproject.org/pages/glossary#
Adams, M., Blumenfeld, W. J., Castaneda, C., Catalano, D. C. J., DeJong, K., Hackman, H. W,… Zuniga, X. (Eds.). (2018). Readings for diversity and social justice (4th ed.). New York, NY: Routledge Press.
· Chapter 73, The interSEXion: queer progressive agenda (pp. 391-394)
· Chapter 66, Privilege (pp. 367-370)
· Chapter 69, Women & LGBT people under attack: 1903s and now (pp. 378-381)
· Chapter 85, Mestiza/o gender: Notes toward transformative masculinity (pp. 434-439)
· Chapter 72, Introduction-How sex changed: A history of transsexuality (pp. 388-390)
· Chapter 76, Transgender liberation (pp. 400-403)
· Chapter 81, Mutilating gender (pp. 419-425)
· Chapter 83, Trans woman manifesto (pp. 429-432)
· Chapter 77, The Impact of juvenile court on Queer and trans/gender non-conforming youth (pp. 403-406)
It Gets Better Project. (n.d.). It gets better. Retrieved September 6, 2013, from: http://www.itgetsbetter.org/
Document: Kaltura Personal Capture – QuickStart Guide (PDF)
Required Media
Chang, J., & Dazols, L. (2015, May). This is what LGBT life is like around the world [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/jenni_chang_and_lisa_dazols_this_is_what_lgbt_life_is_like_around_the_world
Richen, Y. (2014, March). What the gay rights movement learned from the civil rights movement [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/yoruba_richen_what_the_gay_rights_movement_learned_from_the_civil_rights_movement
Optional Media
Granderson, L. (2012, May). The myth of the gay agenda. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/lz_granderson_the_myth_of_the_gay_agenda
Discussion: Personal and Professional Social Work Values due by 07/13/2021
Heterosexism is defined as “the discrimination or prejudice by heterosexuals against homosexuals” (merriam-webster.com) and is predicated on the belief that being heterosexual is the norm and the only accepted type of relationship.
Everyday heterosexism is exemplified in our media, our policies, and daily practices. By making these assumptions, social workers can be in part culpable for the oppression and marginalization experienced by the LGBTQ community.
As a profession, social work embraces diversity and strives to ensure equal rights for all. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is committed to supporting the needs of these groups and, in turn, they created the National Committee on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Issues. During this week’s discussion you will be asked to consider how one’s own personal views on sexual orientation may clash with the profession’s stance.
By Day 3
Post a scenario of how a social worker’s personal, ethical, and moral values in relation to the LGBTQ community might conflict with those of their clients. Explain the distinction between personal ethics and values and professional ethics and values evident in the social work profession in addressing this community. Be specific and explain how this distinction relates to the scenario you posted. Also explain how prejudice and bias might create barriers to fulfilling your professional responsibility to the LGBTQ community.
Follow rubric:
Week 7 Discussion Rubric
Responsiveness to Directions
8.1 (27%) – 9 (30%)
Discussion posting fully addresses all instruction prompts, including responding to the required number of peer posts.
Discussion Posting Content
8.1 (27%) – 9 (30%)
Discussion posting demonstrates an excellent understanding of all of the concepts and key points presented in the text(s) and Learning Resources. Posting provides significant detail including multiple relevant examples, evidence from the readings and other scholarly sources, and discerning ideas.
Competency Demonstrate Professional and Ethical Behavior-Values
1.35 (4.5%) – 1.5 (5%)
Student demonstrates an excellent understanding of social work values and ethical standards. Student demonstrates expert ability to apply professional value framework when working with a specific population.
Competency Demonstrate Professional and Ethical Behavior-Cognitive and Affective Processes
1.35 (4.5%) – 1.5 (5%)
Student demonstrates a high level of critical thought related to application of social work values and ethics. Critical thought may be demonstrated through the ability to consider multiple perspectives, ability to recognize personal values, and ability make the distinction between personal and professional values.
Peer Feedback and Interaction
5.4 (18%) – 6 (20%)
The feedback postings and responses to questions are excellent and fully contribute to the quality of interaction by offering constructive critique, suggestions, in-depth questions, additional resources, and stimulating thoughts and/or probes.
Writing
2.7 (9%) – 3 (10%)
Postings are well organized, use scholarly tone, contain original writing and proper paraphrasing, follow APA style, contain very few or no writing and/or spelling errors, and are fully consistent with graduate level writing style.
Assignment 2: Journal Entry – Social Workers and the LGBTQ Population and Advocacy, Internationally
Due by 07/16/2021
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 (see https://www.hrc.org/state-maps). 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).
Human Rights Campaign. (2019). State Maps of Laws & Policies. Retrieved from https://www.hrc.org/state-maps
Human Rights Campaign. (n.d.). International. https://www.hrc.org/resources/international
UN High Commissioner for Refugees. (2015). Protecting persons with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities: A global report on UNHCR’s efforts to protect Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex asylum-seekers and refugees. Retrieved from http://www.refworld.org/docid/566140454.html
To prepare: Consider the following statement:
NASW encourages the adoption of laws that recognize inheritance, insurance, same-sex marriage, child custody, property, and other rights in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender relationships. The Association firmly believes that all federal protections and responsibilities available to legally married people in the United States should be available to people who enter same sex unions (including domestic partnerships, civil unions, and same sex marriages).
Then, read or view the United Nations Address on Global LGBT Rights by Hillary Clinton.
Clinton, H. (2011, December). Gay rights abroad. Speech delivered in recognition of International Human Rights Day, Geneva, Switzerland. Text posted with permission from the White House Office of Communications at https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/06/hillary-clinton-gay-rights-speech-geneva_n_1132392.html?ref=mostpopular
Xtra. (2012, March 13). Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s historic LGBT speech – full length – high definition. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIqynW5EbIQ
Submit a 2-3 page reaction to this statement of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Describe what you think is the role of social workers in equal rights and access to LGBTQ populations. Next provide a detailed explanation of your reaction to the United Nations Address on Global LGBT Rights. Then, 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. Explain the role of social workers on an international level in relation to the rights of the LGBTQ community. Identify specific skills and actions you would employ as an advocate.
Week 7 Assignment Follow Rubric
Content Accuracy and Application
18 (36%) – 20 (40%)
Content includes excellent answers, specific to the questions asked and issues presented. A clear connection to the concepts presented in readings and resources is applied to the journal. Journal response demonstrates an excellent understanding of all of the concepts and key points presented in the text(s) and Learning Resources.
Critical Thinking and Reflection
18 (36%) – 20 (40%)
The entry demonstrates exceptionally thoughtful in-depth reflection on the topic that draws on knowledge gained throughout the course. Content demonstrates a high level of critical thinking and understanding of personal perspective.
Writing
9 (18%) – 10 (20%)
Journal response is well-organized, uses appropriate tone, uses original writing and proper paraphrasing, contains very few or no writing and/or spelling errors, and is fully consistent with graduate-level writing style. Journal uses appropriate citation if referencing resources.
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