Assignment: Journal Entry: Advocacy, Internationally
USE THE RESOURCE LINKS IN DEVELOPMENT OF THIS PAPER.
Throughout the world, members of the LGBTQ community continue to struggle for their rights. In some countries, they have made some progress. Canada, for instance, legalized same-sex marriage in 2005 (CBC News, 2012). Progress in the U.S. has been a bit slower with only 13 states allowing same-sex unions as late as July 2013 (ProCon.org). However, in other countries, the LGBTQ community faces much greater obstacles, and the consequences of fighting for basic rights are grave. According to a 2011 United Nations report, being gay is a crime punishable by death in five countries and is illegal in a total of 76 countries (United Nations Human Rights Council, 2011). For example, not only is it a crime to be gay in Russia, but it is also a crime if you are found supporting the LGBTQ cause in any way. Officials routinely conduct inspections of non-governmental organizations to ensure they are not distributing pro-gay literature. Individual citizens can be fined for failing to report someone who they believe is gay (Lindsey, 2013).
To prepare: Read the United Nations Address on Global LGBT Rights by Hilary Clinton.
Submit a detailed explanation of your reaction to this essay. Then, explain why, in the context of practicing social work in North America, it is important for us to acknowledge and address sexual orientation and gender diversity of marginalized populations across the world. Explain the role of social workers on an international level in relation to the rights of the LGBTQ community. Identify specific skills and actions you would employ as an advocate.