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date: 11 February 2025

Queer Communities, LGBTQIA2S+ Populations, and Macro Practicelocked

Queer Communities, LGBTQIA2S+ Populations, and Macro Practicelocked

  • Michael P. DentatoMichael P. DentatoLoyola University Chicago

Summary

Related to understanding queer identities, an ongoing need exists for the expansion of competency among social workers across micro and macro practice frameworks. Practitioners must be aware of their own positionality and use of cultural humility associated with practice and advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and two-spirit+ (LGBTQIA2S+) communities, which include those identifying as demisexual, omnisexual, and pansexual, among others. Relatedly, social workers must be attentive to evolving terminology and contexts through which the term queer has been defined over the years, as well as relevant challenges with connectedness to (or separation from) the larger LGBTQIA2S+ community. Age cohort associations and the role of intersectionality also have relevance and underscore the multidimensional discourse necessary to develop effective competency and the ability to engage in affirming macro practice with queer communities. Social work practitioners must understand the implications for best practices associated with establishing and maintaining an affirming alliance with queer clients via policy practice efforts, advocacy efforts, community organizing, service provision, or therapeutic context. In addition, there remains a continued need for ongoing research associated with understanding the unique needs of queer identities and the queer community at large.

Subjects

  • Gender and Sexuality
  • Macro Practice
  • Populations and Practice Settings
  • Race, Ethnicity, and Culture
  • Social Justice and Human Rights

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