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Heterosexism is defined as "the discrimination or prejudice by heterosexuals against homosexuals" (Merriam-Webster, n.d.), and it is predicated on the belief that being heterosexual is the norm and the only accepted type of relationship. Everyday heterosexism manifests in media portrayals, policies, and daily social practices that reinforce heteronormative standards. Social workers, dedicated to promoting diversity and equality, can sometimes inadvertently uphold heterosexist assumptions, contributing to the oppression of LGBTQ individuals. The profession of social work, guided by the ethical standards of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), emphasizes respect for diversity, cultural competence, and advocacy for marginalized groups, including those within the LGBTQ community. The NASW created the National Committee on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues to support these aims and influence policies and practices that promote equity and human rights.

This discussion presents a scenario exemplifying how a social worker’s personal, ethical, and moral values concerning sexual orientation might conflict with those of their clients within the LGBTQ community. For example, a social worker personally holds religious beliefs that oppose same-sex relationships, creating potential tension when working with a gay or lesbian client seeking counseling for mental health issues related to stigma or discrimination. This scenario underscores the importance of understanding the distinction between personal and professional ethics and values. Personal ethics are individual beliefs and moral standards shaped by one’s background, culture, and personal experiences. In contrast, professional ethics in social work are codified standards aimed at ensuring impartiality, respect, and advocacy regardless of personal beliefs (Reamer, 2018).

In addressing this scenario, the social worker’s obligation as per the NASW Code of Ethics is to provide nondiscriminatory, culturally competent services that respect the client's dignity and worth (NASW, 2021). The professional values emphasize service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, and importance of human relationships—all of which may necessitate setting aside personal biases to prioritize the client’s needs. The distinction between personal and professional ethics becomes crucial here, as the social worker must recognize potential biases and actively work to prevent them from impairing service delivery.

Prejudice and bias, whether conscious or unconscious, can create significant barriers to fulfilling professional responsibilities towards LGBTQ clients. For instance, prejudiced attitudes might result in microaggressions, diminished quality of care, or failure to advocate effectively for clients' rights. Such biases undermine the core social work values of advocacy and social justice, potentially perpetuating the marginalization of LGBTQ individuals (Peters, 2020). To counter this, social workers require ongoing self-awareness, cultural competence training, and supervision that encourages reflection on personal beliefs to ensure equitable and respectful services. Upholding professional ethics involves recognizing personal biases, seeking supervision or guidance, and committing to continuous education on LGBTQ issues.

References

• Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Heterosexism. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved October 25, 2023, from https://www.merriam-webster.com
• National Association of Social Workers. (2021). NASW Code of Ethics. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
• Peters, R. (2020). Addressing bias in social work practice: Strategies for cultural competence. Journal of Social Work Values & Ethics, 17(2), 25-43.
• Reamer, F. G. (2018). Ethical standards in social work: A review of the NASW code of ethics. Social Work, 63(4), 327-334.