Social Workers and the LGBTQ Population and Advocacy, Internationally
Social workers normally have a role in ensuring the well-being of all members of the community. They help vulnerable members of society to get professional help, avoid negative experiences, and manage their affairs better. LGBTQ members are among the groups that utilize the help of social workers.
In the statement, the speaker recognized the role of NASW in promoting all people’s well-being regardless of their social affiliations. The organization seeks to make social workers’ work easier through the provision of a conducive work environment (Extra, 2012). I believe the statement was strong and encouraged social workers to serve humanity and do well in society.
Under NASW, social workers have an important role in promoting equal rights for members of the LGBTQ community. Their role entails ensuring that these people have access to all services that normal people access. Some of these privileges include healthcare, education, access to social amenities like parks, and playgrounds. The work of these workers also involves trying to address prejudice against the members of the LGBTQ community. Notably, these people face a lot of backlash from conservative members of the community. Thus, social workers help create awareness that they are part of society and deserve recognition and respect like all other people. Social workers also have a role in helping the members of the LGBTQ access help regarding mental health. They connect them with mental health experts who understand the need for same-sex couples. Therefore, they can feel comfortable talking about their problems.
The United Nations supports LGBTQ rights and encourages all people to embrace them as part of society. Its address on global LGBTQ rights was progressive and an eye-opener to all governments to stop opposing these people (UN High Commissioner for Refugees, 2015). I think the organization was trying to use the address to encourage people to accept these individuals and give them a chance to explore their passions without feeling threatened. Through the lesson, it wanted governments that subscribe to the United Nations to be at the forefront in letting LGBTQ members know that they have a place in society. Whatever they pursue in life should be respected and accepted because there is space for all people in the modern era.
When practicing social work in North America, it is essential to acknowledge and address sexual orientation and gender diversity of marginalized populations across the world. It is important for record-keeping and addressing their healthcare needs. Notably, the healthcare needs of these people are different from those of other members of the population. Thus, getting their sexual orientation enables social workers to address these issues more effectively. Apart from that, getting information about the LGBTQ members is essential in making them feel accepted in the community. Prejudice and negative publicity are discouraged.
The role of social workers on an international level in relation to the LGBTQ community’s rights involves ensuring that these people feel comfortable in society. They help them get access to the best professional help medically, socially, and economically (Human Rights Campaign, n.d). They also provide them with advice on overcoming prejudice, marginalization, and shaming from other members of the larger community. Social workers help members of the LGBTQ community to meet fellow members, form support groups, and organize meetings where they discuss their affairs, including problems, achievements, and fears, among many other things.
Members of the LGBTQ community utilize the help of social workers to help them live more prosperous lives. They help them access medical services, legal support, and economic assistance, among many other benefits. They also give them tips on how to live their lives as same-sex couples