Gay affirmative practice in social work with lesbians and female bisexuals

Abstract

This study sets out to outline various issues relating to gay, lesbian and bisexual identities knowledge of which is necessary for social workers in order to be of assistance to this client group. It also seeks to propose the gay affirmative approach as a model of practice to be used by social workers when dealing with lesbian, gay and bisexual service users. This model aims to present a set of guidelines and tenets for effective and respectful work with lesbian, gay, and bisexual individual, based on the belief that homosexuality and bisexuality are of equal value to heterosexuality. The focal point of the study is the research carried out by mean of a self-administered questionnaire. It sought to assess social workers’ attitudes, and beliefs relating to homosexuality and bisexuality, and their perceptions of their work with lesbian and bisexual women. It also investigates social workers’ views on whether and in what way gay affirmative practice may enhance the helping process. An interview with a female bisexual who had sought social work intervention was also carried out. Findings from the study suggest that while not all social workers are homophobic, some may harbour homophobic attitudes and beliefs that could lead to practice that fails to meet the needs of lesbian and female bisexual clients. Moreover, it points that the respondents’ perceptions of their practice are incongruent with their attitudes and beliefs about homosexuality and bisexuality. The study identified the need for training of social workers to address the needed attitudinal change and improve their ability to implement the principles outlined in the gay affirmative approach.