Experiences of LGBT Social Work Students

In February 2012 a study was done about the experiences of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) students who were in Social Work programs.  This study was conducted to see if LGB students were satisfied with their experiences within in the program, and what further needs are necessary to make the education and the institution more inclusive.

Through this study it was shown that "while students did not feel that they had been disadvantaged in terms of progression on their programs, some experienced overt experiences of discrimination" (Fairtlough et all, 2012, p.16).  In my opinion discrimination of this population should not be acceptable, and more education on LGB people should be given at this level of education, if not earlier.  Not only should students be further educated, I also believe that many educators need further education as well. 

As humans we have "Rights".  Some of the "Rights" that fall under "Civil Rights" include; inclusion of all people, and end to discrimination.  Through the learning of a Social Democratic view, we have learned that equlaity of all people is important.  Hick (2007) says that people also need freedom - having their voice be heard, and having rights (p.60).  With this being said, LBG students should be able to be themselves in the classroom and should not have fears of being judged or being discriminated against - especially being in the Social Work program.  This type of situation could also be looked at through a Feminist lense - not taking rights away from anyone, and making things equal for everyone (voice, education, no discrimination, etc).  The study above mentioned that "despite the growing literature on sexuality and social work, there is a dearth of research about lesbian, gay, and bisexual social work students, although there are indications that students experience homophobia and heterosexist assumptions on their training" (Fairtlough et all, 2012, p.2).   

As Social Workers we are trained to be supportive of others, empathetic, non-judgemental and know ways to promote positive well-being and resilience in our clients.  Most importantly we must be aware of our own thoughts, beliefs, values, etc.  If there is ever a person, or group of people who we do not feel comfortable working with - we must be aware of this.  Not knowing our own thoughts, values, and beliefs about certain groups of people may not always be therapeutic in the professional, supportive and resilient working relationship. It is also very important to be aware of language as a Social Worker - what is appropriate, what is not appropriate? 

Creating a supportive and safe space in the classroom is also a very important factor to learning.  If students have a fear of being judged, particiation in class activities and learning will be very difficult.  I believe that people should be able to be themselves without being judged, however this is not the case - this world and some people in it can be very harsh.  I think as Social Worker students we can work together to create a safe and supportive space within our classroom, and most importantly be allies for those around us.

10 Ways to Be an Ally & a Friend

1. Be a listener.
2. Be open-minded.
3. Be willing to talk.
4. Be inclusive and invite LGBT friends to hang out with your friends and family.
5. Don't assume that all your friends and co-workers are straight. Someone close to you could be looking for support in their coming-out process. Not making assumptions will give them the space they need.
6. Homophobic comments and jokes are harmful. Let your friends, family and co-workers know that you find them offensive.
7. Confront your own prejudices and homophobia, even if it is uncomfortable to do so.
8. Defend your LGBT friends against discrimination.
9. Believe that all people, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation, should be treated with dignity and respect.
10. If you see LGBT people being misrepresented in the media, contact us at glaad.org

(10 Ways to Be an Ally & a Friend taken from: http://www.glaad.org/resources/ally/2)


References

Fairtlough, A., Bernard, C., Fletcher, J., & Ahmet, A. (2012). Experiences of lesbian, gay and bisexual students on social work programmes: developing a framework for educational practice. British Journal of Social Work, 1-19.

Hick, S. (2007). Social welfare in canada understanding income security. Toronto, ON: Thompson Educational Publishing, Inc.

MEAGAN