Today, people use a number of reasons for discrimination, but, at the same time, they want to live in a free and democratic society. Alone with racial, gender, and social inequalities, the question of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) rights remains open. Social workers, as well as some political figures, aim to support and protect the representatives of these minority groups. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW, n.d.) developed a statement that LGBTQ relationships have to be improved in terms of inheritance, insurance, property rights, and other services. Regarding my social work experience and real-life observation, I want to support the chosen position and help LGBT groups obtain their freedoms and rights.
The role of social workers is to help individuals solve their problems, improve their quality of life, and discover available sources to promote changes. In regard to LGBTQ populations, the functions of a social worker should never differ because this group of people expects to find support and understanding, the same way other citizens can. Many organizations do not like to hire LGBTQ representatives as they think that their sexual orientation could influence their image and determine clients’ judgments. However, any social worker has to comprehend that same-sex relationships are not new in modern society, and the rights of people cannot depend on their personal sexual preferences. Therefore, social workers are obliged to enhance equality and mutual endorsement.
During the meeting of the United Nations in Geneva, Hilary Clinton developed a powerful speech about the rights of LGBTQ populations. She mentioned that all people, regardless of their gender, race, or sexual orientation, deserve the right to be treated with dignity (Xtra Magazine, 2012). Personally, I like her intention to explain the position of LGBTQ men and women by posing simple questions. It is hard to think about what a person should feel when to love means to commit a crime or when the nature that cannot be changed becomes a reason for discrimination. The creation of a new Global Equality Fund will be a solution for minorities to learn how to use the law and protect their rights (Xtra Magazine, 2012). Although her speech requires more supporters and real actions, her vision corresponds with my beliefs and values.
In North America, the number of LGBTQ people continues to grow, and the government develops special programs to identify the conditions for equal employment, marriage, and other requests. In some African, Asian, and Middle East countries, security forces have to arrest LGBTQ individuals because of public morality violations (UN High Commissioner for Refugees, 2015). It is impossible to make the whole world accept sexual orientation differences on the same basis, and social workers should take the first steps to unit people and encourage freedoms for LGBTQ communities.
At the international level, local social workers are not able to introduce significant changes and help LGBTQ people. However, it is possible to investigate the situations in different countries, compare their experiences, and make conclusions with respect to the idea of global human rights. Social influence and oppression exist in different forms, and the awareness of social workers serves as a solid opportunity to reduce pressure.
In general, to advocate for LGBTQ communities, I, as a good social worker, have to continue my education and improve my knowledge about the history of human rights and the freedoms that people have already deserved. Attention to past achievements and the desire to improve the future are two qualities that should be constantly developed. Therefore, such skills as listening, communication, and critical thinking may contribute to my work with LGBTQ men and women. Hilary Clinton has already shared her position; now, it is the turn of ordinary citizens to make their choices and recognize the worth of freedom either in social relationships or loving affairs.
References
National Association of Social Workers. (n.d.). National committee on lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender issues (NCLGBTI). Web.
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. Web.
Xtra Magazine. (2012). Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s historic LGBT speech – full length – high definition [Video].