Introduction
- Social work requires one to help those who have problems and are in need of help.
- I have chosen to help those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questionable (GLBTQ) to have a normal, successful life just like everybody else, and to try and change the attitudes of the society towards this group of people.
The Problem and its Significance
- Young adults that are GLBTQ are often known to have been constantly subjected to damaging and cruel treatment by others in high school and college/university.
- Anger resentment and fear towards society
- The Resiliency Theory
Empirical Research on the Causes of the Problem (Its Etiology) and Evidence-Based Impact on Society
- Empirical evidence suggests that the problem is caused by intolerance in the society for those who are GLBTQ, as well as reluctance (or inability) of the victims to seek help against harassment.
- According to a survey, GLBTQ students in Michigan State schools faced harassment and lacked access to important school resources such as Gay-Straight Alliances. 97% of GLBTQ students were harassed.
- Due to the alienation and ostracizing of those who are GLBTQ from the society, the society is deprived of the unique skills and god-gifted talents that these people have. These are known as the macro effects of harassment.
e Problem from Multiple Perspectives – Micro, Mezzo and Macro
- On the micro level, there should be a clear communication and understanding between the teacher and the GLBTQ student.
- On the mezzo level, groups need to be established in schools and the community to deal with GLBTQ concerns in order to deal with harassment.
- On the macro level, schools specially created for GLBTQ students, openly supporting the cause of the GLBTQ, and the issuance of formal policies and laws for GLBTQ may be done.
Cross-disciplinary Perspectives
- Socially, GLBTQ students might be made subject to gossip and rumors, face exclusion from groups or conversations, being left out of activities and made uncomfortable
- Psychological effects include such as insecurity, feelings of humiliation and loneliness, psychosomatic disorders, eating disorders, fear of strangers and depression.
- Anthropologically, the behavior of the society towards GLBTQ people is caused by culture, not concepts of biological sex. GLBTQ students are also more likely to skip class and act anti-socially due to harassment.
- Economically, GLBTQ people earn, on an average, less than their heterosexual counterparts. Attempts to reassign genders through hormones are expensive and out of reach for most GLBTQ people.
Cross National Perspective
- It has been shown that developed countries are more likely to adopt a more tolerant attitude towards GLBTQ people. Dominance of religion over the country usually results in a negative attitude towards GLBTQ people.
- The problem is often ignored in many countries, with GLBTQ students often not seeking help against harassment.
- Some countries such as the U.S. have separate schools for GLBTQ students (such as the Harvey Milk High School) and have policies to help such students deal with harassment.
Policy and practices to deal with the issue (and those currently in place)
- Many schools have rules against physical or verbal maltreatment of students, especially GLBTQ students. Some societies such as the American Civil Liberties Union work to legally protect GLBTQ students from harassment.
- Criminal charges may be considered being filed against those who have physically abused such students. Alternately, those who disrespect GLBTQ students should be taught in special classes why it is wrong to do so.
- Organizations and hotlines who help GLBTQ people cope and deal with harassment, Parents, Friends of Lesbians, and Gays, the Trevor Helpline and the Covenant House are extremely invaluable.