Social Work and Sexual and Gender Diversity PDF

Social Work and Sexual and Gender Diversity  Which acronym? 2SLGBTQI+ It is the acronym used by the Government of Canada to refer to the Canadian community. 2S: at the front, recognizes Two-Spirit people as the first 2SLGBTQI+ communities; L: Lesbian; G: Gay; B: Bisexual; T:...

Social Work and Sexual and Gender Diversity  Which acronym? 2SLGBTQI+ It is the acronym used by the Government of Canada to refer to the Canadian community. 2S: at the front, recognizes Two-Spirit people as the first 2SLGBTQI+ communities; L: Lesbian; G: Gay; B: Bisexual; T: Transgender; Q: Queer; I: Intersex, considers sex characteristics beyond sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression; +: is inclusive of people who identify as part of sexual and gender diverse communities, who use additional terminologies. https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/free- to-be-me/2slgbtqi-plus-glossary.html  Which Acronym? LGBTQ2S+ Toronto Pflag uses LGBTQ2S+ instead of LGBT or LGBTQ to include two-spirit Indigenous people and also other gender and sexual minorities, in addition to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Because there are so many different identities that involve gender and sexuality, it can be challenging to select a word or acronym that makes everyone feel included, though that is the intent. Some people and organizations use 2SLGBTQ+, LGBTQI2S, LGBTTQQIAAP, and many other variants. https://www.torontopflag.org/lgbtq2s-terms-to-know Our text uses TSGBTQ Two spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer  Outline Taking up sexual and gender identity terms Overview of the TSLGBTQ human rights global and Canadian landscape Violence, discrimination, and stigma Intersectionality as a theoretical framework Disclosure of sexual and gender identity: Coming out Families and communities Social work practice with TSLGBTQ people across health-care and social service settings  Outline, cont’d Barriers to access for TSLGBTQ individuals across health-care and social service settings The continuum of attitudes toward sexual and gender difference in health-care and social services Guidelines for social workers to foster safe and affirming spaces for TSLGBTQ people Social location and institutional power Collective empowerment  Learning Objectives To understand the historical, social, structural, and political dimensions of sexual and gender identity and expression in Canada and around the world. To identify and explore terms used to label sexual and gender identity. To explore diverse identities and expressions of sexuality and gender within the Canadian context. To increase understanding of the experiences of social injustice, exclusion, and discrimination experienced by two- spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (TSLGBTQ) individuals. To describe and apply intersectionality as a central theoretical framework for understanding TSLGBTQ individuals and their realities.  Learning Objectives, cont’d To explore barriers facing TSLGBTQ individuals across health-care and social service settings. To identify the relationship between institutional power and social location when engaging in social work practice with TSLGBTQ individuals. To identify and explore how TSLGBTQ individuals and communities engage in individual and social advocacy to resist oppression. To identify community, provincial, and national resources that may assist social workers who work with TSLGBTQ individuals. Taking Up Sexual and Gender Identity Terms  Sexual and Gender Identity Terms – There are many terms related to sexual and gender identity. Two-spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer (TSLGBTQ), among many others. Queer, trans and sexual minority are often used as umbrella terms (Ives, et. al, p. 293) – In practice, it is best to allow people to self- identify in order to avoid making assumptions and be disrespectful.  Commonly Used Terms Related to Gender Identity Gender Identity: An individual’s subjective sense of self as male, female or across a gender spectrum Sexual Identity: Pattern of romantic and/or sexual attraction to men and/or women, which reflects an individual’s sense of personal and social identity, often (but not always) aligned with a person’s sexual behaviour and membership within communities who share this social identity. Two-spirited: Emerged from interpretations of Indigenous languages used during the pre-colonial era for people who were considered to have both male and female spirits.  Commonly Used Terms Related to Gender Identity Gender expression: How an individual expresses their gender identity Gender non-conforming: Includes individuals whose physical sex/gender assigned at birth does not align with their gender expression Transsexual/transgender: When an individual’s physical sex/gender assigned at birth differs from their gender identity Cisexual/cisgender: The term cis is used to identify someone who is not trans or gender non-conforming  Commonly Used Terms Related to Gender Identity, Intersex: cont. An individual whose biological body has both male and female characteristics as understood by conventional medical standards Non-Binary This term signifies that gender identity exists beyond the gender binary of (cis) men and women They Can be used as an English language gender- neutral pronoun  Commonly Used Terms Related to Sexual Heterosexual: Identity When a trans, gender non-conforming or cis person is romantically and/or sexually attracted to members of the opposite gender Lesbian: Trans, gender non-conforming or cis women who are romantically and or sexually attracted to other women Gay: Trans, gender non-conforming or cis men who are romantically and or sexually attracted to other men; sometimes used as an umbrella term Asexual: People who do not experience sexual attraction Homosexual: Originated as a medical term to describe same-sex sexuality as a social identity. Historically used as a term to pathologize TSLGBTQ individuals.  Commonly Used Umbrella Terms Trans – Used as an umbrella term to describe individuals who identify and/or express their gender as different from the sex they are assigned at birth – Often understood as short hand for transgender and transexual Queer – Historically used within Anglo European and North American contexts as a derogatory term toward non- heterosexual or non-cissexual people – More recently re-appropriated as an umbrella term for TSLGBTQ people Sexual minority – Umbrella term used of people who are part of a group whose sexual and gender identity or expression differ from the majority Overview of the TSLGBTQ Human Rights Global and Canadian Landscape SLGBTQ Human Rights: Global Context A range of legislative frameworks exist, which influence the degree of violence, persecution, and discrimination within each country (e.g., death penalty, anti-discrimination legislation, etc.). TSLGBTQ people still experience violence and discrimination in countries that have human rights legislation in place. Homophobia is a global phenomenon. Many laws against same-sex sexual activity in various African and Asian countries originated from British and European colonial rules.  TSLGBTQ Human Rights: Canadian Context First Nations before colonial contact: – Understood and affirmed sexual and gender difference – Flexible marriage laws including same-sex marriage – Two-Spirit: describes people who were considered to have both male and female spirits. Revered as leaders, mediators, teachers, artists, seers, and spiritual guides Following colonial contact: – Imposition of European values: heterosexuality and gender conformity – Destruction of the acceptance of two-spirited people in First Nations – Pathologization of same-sex sexuality: homosexuality classified as a mental disorder  TSLGBTQ Human Rights: Canadian Context, cont’d Canadian government: – Instituted policies and laws that criminalized same-sex sexuality – Social and population control against those that were deemed to be sexual deviants Queer and trans activism – Emerged in the 1960s – Same-sex sexual activity decriminalized in 1969 – “There is no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation.” (Pierre Trudeau) – Legalization of same-sex marriage in 2006 Violence, Discrimination, and Stigma  Violence, Discrimination & Stigma Despite changes in legislation, TSLGBTQ people continue to experience overt and more subtle forms of violence. Homophobia: the irrational fear, hatred, and intolerance of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. Transphobia: the irrational fear, hatred, and intolerance of trans people Microaggressions: verbal, behavioural, or environmental indignities, intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative slights and insults. Violence, Discrimination & Stigma Heterosexism: refers to the assumption that heterosexuality is the norm and that all other forms of sexual identity/expression are inferior. Cissexism: refers to the belief that cissexuality is the norm and that all other forms of gender identity/expression are inferior. Internalized oppression: The acceptance and internalization of negative stereotypes and images and the belief in the superiority of the dominant group.  Continuum of Attitudes Towards Sexual and Gender Difference Attitudes towards sexual and gender diversity range on a scale from the most overt forms of hatred to alliances based upon respect and mutual solidarity.  Intersectionality as a Theoretical Framework  Intersectionality as a Theoretical Framework Intersectionality: – Suggests that people who are multiply oppressed experience entirely new and complex forms of marginalization – Highlights the ways in which systems of oppression based on race, class, gender, ability, religion, citizenship status, and sexual/gender identity, intersect resulting in a complex set of relations of power Two facets of intersectionality are relevant to social work practice: – Structural intersectionality: when the burdens faced by a specific group of multiply marginalized people result in particular systemic discriminatory practices in the realms of housing, employment, immigration & health care – Political intersectionality: when a specific group of people is situated within two subordinated groups that frequently pursue conflicting political agendas  Intersectionality as a Theoretical Framework Social location refers to the personal, cultural, and social context of one’s structured position within society. – Consists of someone’s affiliation as a member of a group and the particular geographic and socio-historical context into which one is born. – A person’s group affiliations intersect resulting in differential access to social power and privilege (or penalty). – Social location and identity are fluid, flexible, and shift according to situation and context. – Allows us to see how different groups affiliations and positions intersect and operate. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXJ4Dbd m1ks What did Ashley’s example of a school activity illustrate about how common practices can marginalize people with intersecting identities? What did you learn about intersectionality from this video? How might some of the common practices in social service settings overlook Ashley’s intersecting identities? Families and Communities  Families TSLGBTQ people are situated differently within diverse family structures: – Many TSLGBTQ people experience homophobia, transphobia, and isolation in their families of origin – Extended family networks can be crucial pathways to support, particularly for Indigenous and racialized TSLGBTQ people Chosen family: – refers to alternative family structures and support networks TSLGBTQ people build outside of their family of origin. – Chosen family members are not always recognized in health-care and social service settings Intimate partner relationships: same-gender and trans couples will often face social discrimination, which becomes more complex when one or both people face multiple forms of marginalization  Communities “Gay village”: – Key geographic space for socialization and community building – Dominated by cisgender, gay, white men and thus, women, people of colour, trans people and older adults may face intersecting experiences of oppression within this space Many other TSLGBTQ communities and spaces for connection and socialization exist including the Internet, activist groups, community organizations, and local bars or restaurants. TSLGBTQ people’s affiliations with diverse communities can cause tensions. Social Work Practice with TSLGBTQ People Across Health-Care & Social Service Settings  Historical Dimensions Until recently, there has been little knowledge about the global health and social service needs of queer and trans people. Sexual and gender diversity has historically been socially defined within medical terms as a mental disorder. – Homosexuality was removed from the DSM in 1973 – Gender dysphoria and Gender Identity Disorder (GID) are still classified as psychiatric disorders in the DSM  Social Dimensions Social determinants of health shape queer and trans people’s access to health-care and social services. – E.g., class, gender, race, ability, First Nations status, etc. Specific groups of TSLGBTQ people are especially vulnerable to these social determinants including First Nations, trans people, people of colour, older adults, immigrants/refugees, and people with disabilities.  Trans and Gender Non-conforming People Trans and gender non-conforming people experience multiple layers of cissexism across health-care and social service settings. Transitioning: the process through which trans people start to move away from their gender assigned at birth to their preferred gender expression and identity. Results in specific concerns for trans people. A major barrier involves changing their legal name and sex designation. – Trans migrants and refugee claimants have the additional barrier of having to be accepted as a refugee and gaining permanent residency status or Canadian citizenship Another barrier is trans-specific health care including hormone- replacement therapy and trans-specific surgery. – May require out-of-pocket costs – Must be diagnosed with gender dysphoria  TSLGBTQ People Living with HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks a person’s immune system – The final stage of HIV is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) The virus can be contracted by anyone, but certain groups are disproportionately at risk, including gay men, trans people, racialized people, and Indigenous people  TSLGBTQ People Living with HIV, cont’d TSLGBTQ people living with HIV experience stigma and discrimination Due to the fear of loss of their social support networks, many people living with HIV have difficulty disclosing their HIV status – This creates challenges in accessing adequate and equitable health care Services usually cater to gay cisgender men, but services are starting to emerge that address the particular needs of queer people of colour, trans people, and Indigenous TSLGBTQ people  TSLGBTQ Older Adults Not all older TSLGBTQ people benefitted from the queer rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s Many choose to be discreet about their sexual and/or gender identity as a survival strategy May not self-identify as TSLGBTQ or feel a sense of belonging within the queer community  TSLGBTQ Older Adults, cont’d TSLGBTQ older adults face numerous challenges: – Difficulties managing stigma related to heterosexism and cissexism – Mental health challenges – Distrust of health-care providers – Heterosexist/homophobic/transphobic environments in long-term care facilities – Choosing whether or not to disclose their sexual and/or gender identity to care providers – Lack of recognition of chosen families  TSLGBTQ People Living in Rural/Remote Areas Few social spaces dedicated to TSLGBTQ people Coming out can be challenging in tightly knit communities Practitioners should foster spaces in which TSLGBTQ people will feel comfortable and safe disclosing or speaking about their sexual and gender identities – Health and social service institutions are smaller and more centralized, resulting in fewer options for TSLGBTQ people – Service providers may have less experience working with TSLGBTQ communities – TSLGBTQ practitioners may also encounter challenges coming out to work colleagues or service users  Queer and Trans Youth in Care Marginalized groups are disproportionately represented in out-of-home and residential care. – These include First Nations children, and children from low-income and immigrant backgrounds No statistics on queer and gender non- conforming children and youth in care in Canada. Surveys in the US suggest that queer and gender non-conforming youth, especially Indigenous and racialized, are most likely overrepresented in out-of-home and residential care.  Intimate Partner Violence There are very few policies and procedures in place that meet the particular needs of queer and trans people experiencing intimate partner violence. TSLGBTQ people seeking services often encounter barriers: – Heterosexist and cissexist assumptions and prejudice – Few services that attend to complex intersectional and systemic barriers – Challenges with the issue of disclosure Barriers to Access for TSLGBTQ People Disclosure of sexual and/or gender identity: – Difficult to do given the heterosexism and cissexism that is embedded in health-care and social service institutions Invisibility : – Service providers underestimate the proportion of queer and trans people – Policies are developed with the assumption that the service user is heterosexual and/or cissexual – Promotional materials are of heterosexual and cissexual people – “Indifference model” ignores the unique experiences of TSLGBTQ individuals Social Location and Institutional Power Institutional power refers to the various forms of power that an individual holds based on their social location and position within a particular institution or agency. Crucial for social workers to engage in critical analysis and reflexivity in order to situate themselves in relation to the kinds of institutional power they hold. – Makes space for social workers to develop context- and site-specific strategies that respond to the needs of TSLGBTQ people  Small group discussion In your small group, discuss what is needed to create safe and affirming spaces for TSLGBTQ clients. Consider things such as: Policies Approaches Physical space Culture Practices Staffing  Guidelines for Social Workers Health-care and social service settings may or may not have policies meant to guide practitioners in how to address sexual and gender diversity – Social workers need to examine agency policies and tailor their practice based on the specific ways in which policies address (or do not address) issues related to sexual and gender diversity Practitioners can work toward creating spaces that are open, affirming, and safe for TSLGBTQ service users Using an intersectional approach allows social workers to understand the impact of multiple forms of oppression and develop concrete strategies that recognize and affirm people’s multiple and intersecting identities ostering Safe and Affirming Space Post signs that openly state that your office is a safe space for TSLGBTQ people. Have posters or visual materials that include same-sex couples and trans people. Be aware of language and terms you use related to sexual and/or gender identity and affirm the ways in which people self-identity, understanding that this may shift and change over time. Do not assume one’s sexual and/or gender identity. If you are asking about an intimate relationship, ask about a partner. Fostering Safe and Affirming Spaces, cont’d Do not assume that one’s sexual behaviour always needs to “match” self-identification of sexual identity. Do not assume that one’s gender expression will always “match” self-identification of gender identity. Validate TSLGBTQ people’s experiences of heterosexism and/or cissexism. Do not assume what a person’s biological or chosen family structures may be. Learn more about the degree to which someone participates within TSLGBTQ and other communities.