Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people are members of all communities and originate all ethnic backgrounds, ages, major religions, socioeconomic levels, and states. Whether individuals classify as LGBTQ individuals, friends, colleagues, or service providers, social workers are dynamic allies in the vital efforts to guarantee the well-being, security, and justice of all LGBTQ individuals. Based on the case study, Jude deals with numerous challenges that include being open of sexual orientation and connection. He requires medical assistance and support to overcome stigmatizations. Being a social worker, I would do my part to help Jude in navigating these apprehensions.
Initial Feelings
Jude, a young boy, has experienced and is dealing with many different and life-altering challenges. Having to contend with an alcoholic parent initially, he constantly seeks acceptance and his father to like him. He appears to be a boy who craves relations despite experiencing so many difficulties in life, even if they are unpleasant. Regrettably, this is the grim fact of this narrative: Jude is most likely struggling to deal with connection problems because of having an abusive parent. Incredibly, he has belief in this challenging position, and he was able to come and seek support to tackle the problems he is experiencing. He acknowledges that he requires assistance, which is a vital first step. Jude needs love and affection to alleviate feelings of despair.
Societal Stereotypes
In the current societal settings, youthful gay people are subjected to societal stereotypes. The most common perception that pertains to Jude’s scenario is that gay people are sexually promiscuous. This also pertains to the stereotypical image that these men are more likely than not infected with STDs or HIV. This stereotype was prevalent in the early years of HIV/AIDS when every individual affiliated the deadly virus with homosexual behavior. This stereotype led to a great deal of hate crime and persecution for the LGBTQ.
Moreover, it was presumed that if you were a young gay man, you were a victim of emotional pain or exacerbated by parenthood. A young person had to have a reason to pick to be with another man. As our universe acquires more understanding and knowledge of homosexual acts, it has become clear there is a genetic basis as well. It is not purely the result of an occurrence or parent in the kid’s development.
Cultural Oppression
In the United States, heterosexuality is the dominant culture. Transgender reassignment and embracing a specific sexual orientation are two central issues in our society that cause marginalization, alienation, and stigmatization. Since they are afraid of their families, communities, and society, people are reluctant to discuss their gender identity. There are many advances in our current societal understanding of LGBTQ and acceptance, but people still feel insecure regarding express their true selves (Harper-Dorton and Lantz, 2016). For these individuals, denial is a very genuine feeling. Moreover, transgender individuals are regularly targets of resentment and stigmatization. They also fear rejection and uproar from society, so even if they need not identify as their gender, they opt to remain that way to prevent being stigmatized.
In most cases, these individuals would choose to undertake gender reassignment to be capable of passing the sex they desire to be, so the public would not judge them as harshly as if they maintained the gender they were but dressed and appeared as the opposite sex. These persons ought to be permitted to keep their desired sexual preference without fear of judgment by the community, but subjugation remains a significant challenge for many.
Personal Biases
The only component of this case that could be a problem for me, and yet is not a bias, is that Jude, like myself, was born and raised with an alcoholic father. Alcoholism is a common issue in social work, and it is a topic that is special because my elder brother was an alcoholic. I do not presume it fosters a tight relationship or compassion for a victim, but rather a greater understanding of what they went through. Nevertheless, I am fully aware that everyone is in a unique situation, but because I went through it myself doesn’t mean I’m a specialist or can understand fully what Jude was feeling at the moment.
Impact of Differences
Based on the case study, Jude’s actions are contrary to the norms of a dominant culture. In this case, Jude did not perform well in school and despised sports. He had few associates and struggled on a social basis and academically. This is different because, within the society, for one to be successful in their undertakings, it is essential to engage with peers and other members of the society. Numerous mental problems could occur because of the social worker’s work with Jude. For instance, attachment is not explicitly mentioned but maybe presumed once Jude ultimately conveys his thoughts and emotions. Lastly, He is torn between what the Biblical teachings regarding same-sex partnerships and his firm belief that he was meant to be gay. In this case, he goes against the norms of dominant Christian culture, mainly against gay relationships, despite confessing profound Christian values.
Questions for Jude
Jude has a duty to educate both his peers and me. I would start with asking Jude what makes him feel good and how I could support him. I firmly believe that beginning with what is essential for an individual and vital for being backed creates trust, mutual understanding and exemplifies legitimate concern. After understanding the relevant data, I would frame the appropriate questions on Jude’s reactions and concentrate on the elements essential to him. Based on the details given, it seems that it would focus around his belief and being homosexual, not willing to inform his household that he is promiscuous and has HIV and that he necessitates health services and assistance. I would want to be certain Jude had a good support system to help him navigate these concerns, and I would be apprehensive about his psychological health as he was tired and crying a lot. I would ask him noninvasive questions to assess his psychological health and make sure he is not in danger, or if this is not part of my job role, I will refer him to someone that can ensure he would not be a danger to himself.
Learning from Jude
Working with Jude would teach me about being a kid of an alcoholic, same-sex partnerships, and how he integrated religion to tackle the challenging moments. Persons are often incapable of knowing God, but Jude had the ability to gain a strong faith, and is a significant connection that he has in his life considering he was engaged in an unnatural relationship. As the social worker, would make sure that I continue offering him the needed support. Most Christian churches presume that you can always “love the sinner but hate the sin.” This is frequently interpreted as meaning that Religious people should love and care for homosexual people, but gay people must not engage in sex. Most churches teach that sex should only occur within the sacrament of matrimony, which the church describes as a union of males and females.
Personal Values
In this case, my value is enabling Jude to express his identity. I want him to feel at ease being himself, which I believe is essential because it would seem that the individuals around him want something different than he does. For example, his parent wished for him to enjoy sports and be active as a child. Jude tried to adhere to his father’s wishes, but it was not where his desire. Everybody, in my opinion, should be entitled to express themselves and be present in person. No human being on the planet is similar, which is considered a true beauty. Although I am a person of faith, my belief systems have nothing to do with Jude being homosexual. Ultimately, he must feel comfortable in expressing himself in whichever manner he deems appropriate.
Biblical Impact
Because Jude is concerned regarding his understanding of what the Bible says about same-sex marriages, the Bible plays a role in this case. The Scriptures can be construed differently in terms of same-sex relationships. On the one hand, firm Believers believe a man must not settle with another man, but on the other hand, God made human beings to love each other. One Bible passage that can be inferred as saying homosexuality is sinful is Romans 1:26-27, which asserts, “For this reason, God gave them up to disgraceful desires.” Their women swapped natural for unnatural partnerships. The men similarly abandoned natural relationships with women and were devoured with desire, men perpetrating shameless deeds and obtaining the due punishment for their discrepancy in their persons. However, some argue that this verse does not assert that all same-sex partnerships are unnatural. In the Religious community, different versions have been given to Biblical verses that mention same-sex partnerships.
Simultaneously, we should not follow the adage “treat others as you would like to be treated” and respect an individual’s decision. I would read to Jude the bible verses about same-sex partnerships, including respect, embracing others, and uniqueness, and then allow him to listen, exemplify and assess his reply to these religious texts. I would then ask him what he felt after learning about these verses. I would also make sure that I did not sway him since I believe that the Christian faith does permit same-sex relationships. This is his faith and relationship, and I want him to develop his feelings and opinions. I would impart knowledge to him and motivate him to be his own biggest cheerleader for his principles and set of beliefs.
Value Management
Since its inception, the career of social work has been intrinsically tied with spiritual and religious doctrines. I only have a sense of empathy because I am a survivor. My religious view does not predispose me to Jude’s sexual preference. I can regard a person’s sexuality because I believe in person-centeredness and significance rather than a spiritual or societal point of view. By declining service based on sexual preference, Jude might feel precluded, disrespected, or abandoned.
Biopsychosocial Assessment
The biological aspect of this case is linked to Jude’s genetic factors and Jude’s HIV prognosis. Because alcohol addiction has gene mutations, Jude’s genetic factors might also play a significant role. Also, Jude has started to display signs of possible anxiety or depression, which could impact his judgment to drink excessively. In addition, being diagnosed with HIV brings the prospect of health complications that must be resolved. The psycho component of this case is Jude’s emotions, acknowledging his identity, learning his values and beliefs, and learning how to assist him with his sleep deprivation and crying.
Presenting Problems
This young man has battled his entire life with determining his personality. Years passed, and at the age of 13, Jude’s parent accepted Christ in his life. His father tried to be a father figure; however, he and Jude were strangers. The father became incredibly annoyed with his child’s poor grades and strongly encouraged Jude to try different things. Due to his engagement in homosexual behavior, he has contracted an ailment that requires medical attention, and he is apprehensive about his religious family and his own belief. At the center of this challenge is Jude’s urge to explore who he is and how he desires to engage members of his family in hopes of gaining the physiological, psychological, and spiritual guidance he necessitates. Jude is frequently weeping and having trouble sleeping. He needs medical assistance and has a confined support structure.
Textbook and Journal Research
The article, Cross-cultural practice: Social work with diverse populations, addressed how society understands more about transgender people, which has contributed to the return of marginalization and stigmatization. Also, HarperDorton and Lantz (2017) analyze how some individuals are afraid of opening up to their communities and families, while others find it exhilarating. The article identifies some of these men’s risky sexual behaviors, which must be comprehended in combination with other factors. Anxiousness, drug abuse, embracing his sexual preference and gay-related aggravation, or safer-sex actions are instances of such aspects. According to Harper-Dorton and Lantz (2016), interventions that target sexual risk conducts in youthful gay males might be more efficient if they also resolve psychological problems and facets of the coming-out procedures. I also presume that tackling Jude’s psychological health and the source of his personality will assist him in addressing other concerns, such as seeking his family’s support and the healthcare he necessitates.
Wisdom Gained
Multiple psychological issues might arise because of the social worker’s job with Jude. For instance, attachment is not explicitly mentioned and might be assumed once Jude conveys his emotions wholly. The social aspect is Jude’s partnerships, or lack thereof, with the individuals around him, acquiring welfare and health services, the society, and their acknowledgment of same-sex partnerships. Being a Member of the church and recognizing what the Bible says about homosexual behavior is the religious element.
Social Work Values and Ethics
The current Code of Ethics includes a definition of the fundamental values that guide the career, including the values: service, social equality, the significance of human relations, the integrity and worth of each person, honesty, and competency. As I interact with Jude, I should maintain the Social Work Values and Code of Ethics. I would make certain that I was offering services and awareness to my client in line with the values. I could also emphasize the significance of social justice and seek justice for a marginalized group in same-sex partnerships. The essential aspect of the case is a person’s self-respect and worth. Jude deserves to feel highly regarded, and he needs to know that someone is finally taking the chance to understand him and honoring his wishes.
Case Plan
Case management aids in the evaluation, planning, tracking, and evaluation of services and potential options for the clients’ needs. Case management facilitates social employees to focus on a patient’s and their family’s needs to deliver the best conceivable care and outcomes. I would plan to meet with Jude and compile a list of essential things for him so that I can offer adequate support. This will involve learning about his weaknesses and strengths, what he appreciates, who he strives to become, among other aspects. I would also have Jude’s mental health assessed to guarantee that any anxiety and depression were not damaging. I’d like to see that Jude’s physical and spiritual requirements are fulfilled. I could either present explanations to his religious queries or recommend him to a social service worker capable of providing adequate information. I would be advocating for Jude’s desires and gaining the aid he necessitates.
Conclusion
For the first time in his life, Jude should be allowed to be himself, and the services he obtains should help him feel at ease in his skin. There might also be family psychotherapy to encourage Jude if he eventually comes out to his household. A social worker could help Jude in various ways, but they should all be clarified to him before he determines what he desires.
