Lgbtq Community

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 This year's federal legalization of gay marriage and campaigns like "#LoveWins," have been crucial to the movement against discriminatory injustice. However, while marriage-equality supporters spent time rejoicing with rainbow-tinted Facebook avatars and joyous tweets proclaiming that #LoveWins, the road to full equality remains long, and there are still many pressing issues facing the LGBTQ community. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning young people around the United States, and the world have the right to safe and accepting environments, including homes, schools, and healthcare settings. They have the right to live with dignity and without fear of stigma, discrimination, and violence. However, LGBTQ people continued to face many challenges in the community and culture which are ultimately homophobic.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender patients sometimes postpone care because of discrimination concerns. Research suggests that older LGBTQ adults are less likely than their heterosexual peers to access aging services and to reach out to providers, senior centers, meal programs, and other entitlement programs because they fear discrimination or harassment if their sexual orientations or gender identities become known. These individuals are at an increased risk for social isolation, depression, and anxiety. They often delay seeking care for themselves due to fear of discrimination and mistreatment by family members, society, and service providers. Many LGBTQ still hide their real identities to feel safe in an environment that could harbor discrimination and violence.

As social workers, we should focus on understanding the unique barriers that LGBTQ members face to provide adequate services that will create an environment that is inclusive and welcoming of diversity, as well as ensuring that LGBTQ members can acknowledge their life experiences with dignity and respect. The LGBTQ groups are more comfortable expressing themselves in their way. They make a conscious effort to surround themselves with friends who love and accept them for who they are. The LGBTQ community will continue to strive to live for themselves and not for anyone else.

Social workers play a vital role by being an advocate for the LGBTQ community. Social workers can provide resources in the community, and support for the clients who are taking courageous steps in coming out to their loved ones. Understanding and knowledge of the LGBTQ community will also help the clients feel comfortable in opening up to the social worker. It is also important for social workers to ease the stress about gender identity that clients may encounter. Most importantly, when working with the LGBTQ community, social workers should create a safe environment where clients can express their needs and issues freely. LGBTQ individuals need inclusive and culturally appropriate health care and sexual health education. Furthermore, they need to be accepted and loved for who they are.