Reflecting on one’s own values (Exercise)

When working with LGBTQI+ persons, we can sometimes we may encounter our own barriers of various types that could affect the relationship and work with LGBTQI+ clients.

The following exercise focuses on the reflection of such barriers. If we identify and know about them, we can work on them. If we don’t know about them, we won’t do anything with them. It is therefore fine to realize that something like this could also applies to us.

• You will need: pen and paper, LGBTQI+ glossary (optional)
• Estimated time: 15 minutes

Task description:

Think about the following question and write down the answers:

• What was said about LGBTQI+ persons around you? What was said in your family, your school, your job, your city, your country?
• How do you think this might affect the way you work with LGBTQI+ service users?
• Do you know LGBTQI+ persons in your personal life?
• How do you think this might affect the way you work with LGBTQI+ service users?
• Do you know something about LGBTQI+ history, legislation and social policies focused on LGBTQI+ persons, LGBTQI+ friendly organisations?
• How do you think this might affect the way you work with LGBTQI+ service users?

Based on your answers to the above questions, identify please three of your weaknesses and three of your strengths!

Please answer the last two questions in this exercise before moving on:

• As for your weaknesses in working with LGBTQI+ persons, how can you deal with them?
• As for your above strengths, how can you use them to improve your social work with LGBTQI+ clients?