Discussion Post: Personal and Professional Social Work Values
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.
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.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.
Textbook: 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.
a) Chapter 73, The interSEXion: queer progressive agenda (pp. 391-394)
b) Chapter 66, Privilege (pp. 367-370)
c) Chapter 69, Women & LGBT people under attack: 1903s and now (pp. 378-381)
d) Chapter 85, Mestiza/o gender: Notes toward transformative masculinity (pp. 434-439)
e) Chapter 72, Introduction-How sex changed: A history of transsexuality (pp. 388-390)
f) Chapter 76, Transgender liberation (pp. 400-403)
g) Chapter 81, Mutilating gender (pp. 419-425)
h) Chapter 83, Trans woman manifesto (pp. 429-432)
i) Chapter 77, The Impact of juvenile court on Queer and trans/gender non-conforming youth (pp. 403-406)