Queer and Trans Approaches
Most often, trans communities are often discussed as lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans, and queers (LGBTQ) in social work. A few colleges and universities have made good progress in the creation of an inclusive environment in the last decade for LGBTQ students. Currently, most institutions of higher learning have policies that are against stigma and discrimination for trans students. A study done by REF shows that most of the systems in the trans community focus on nondiscrimination related to one’s sexual orientation. Some religious institutions, however, have sought the exemption of Title IX that supports the rights of the LGBTQ students. There is much that the colleges and universities can do in support of the LGBTQ students= by creating nondiscriminatory policies. These will go a long way in making sure that the students, faculty, administrators, and staff have a work and educational environment that makes them feel supported and safe. This paper will focus on how I would work and interact with individuals in the LGBTQ communities, Organizations, or policies.
REF notes that for there to be equity in the institutions; then there should be institutional and departmental nondiscrimination policies that are visible to all staff, faculty, and students through bulletin boards, corporate websites, and print media. Visible signs like the rainbow flag should be put in student lounges. This will go a long way in making the trans community feel accepted and supported. However, despite these recommendations, discrimination against the LGBTQ continues to linger. The bias is based on heterosexuality, which is referred to as usual.
REF shows that living with heterosexists poses challenges to those with non-heterosexual orientations. Many gays, lesbians, and trans genders face numerous challenges like violence, heterosexism, discrimination, and social stigma. Stigma, in this case, can be defined as social disapproval towards a persons’ characteristics. This often leads to discrimination and prejudice against the individual. Antigay bias, according to REF yields barriers that make it difficult for the social workers to provide quality care services to these minority populations. With this as an individual, I learn that it would be very problematic to work with the LGBTQ community if I stigmatize them. It is not straightforward, given the fact that in my research, I am supposed to subscribe to the codes of ethics that promote social justice to everyone.
According to Miller, Wynn, and Webb (2017), disability continues to be disconnected from nonnormative sexual and gender identities. Irrespective of the increasing of intersectional research in colleges and universities. Here the authors give real stories where they interviewed disabled students who identified themselves as gays, lesbians, transgender, queer, or bisexual. These trans communities have no other way to identify themselves, as this is how they are viewed by society. REF notes that there is an increased risk for substance abuse, and psychiatric distress among the LGBTQ community is attributed to the adverse effects of stigma.
These readings urge me to understand that prejudice, discrimination, and stigmatization can yield stress and create concerns about issues to do with personal security for the gays, transgender, and lesbian clients (REF). Thus, safety in the therapeutic environment for them is vital. With this, one understands the effect of stigma, thus help the client through validation and awareness. During my research, I will be able to assess a client’s history of victimization, harassment and stigmatization before engaging them.
With this knowledge, during my research, I will consider coming up with personal and social resources, increase my client’s sense of safety and try to minimize stress, resolve existing trauma, and also empower the clients to confront discrimination and social stigma. Additionally, I have a better understanding that being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer is not a mental illness. The difference between heterosexuals and homosexuals is attributed to their psychological functioning. This is a result of the victimization that homosexuals face concerning their sexual orientation.