Social democrats (as opposed to those who hold a conservative or a liberal ideology), are a political group who are supportive of LGBTTQ* groups. For those who are not a member of this group, one can only imagine what LGBTTQ* group members are faced with. One thing people can do is educate themselves and others on the issues that affect sexual minorities and provide them with support, resources and acceptance. Sexual minorities have come a long way in their fight for acceptance, as well as community supports. One belief held by social democrats is that human beings are social beings and that we all need social supports from our community in order to achieve our full potential (Mullaly, 2007).
In order for LGBTTQ* groups to further thrive in our Canadian society, an increase in social policies needs to continue. As a result, I believe this will moreover increase our societies acceptance of LGBTTQ* groups. Social democrats (although it has been a struggle) have attempted to do so by implementing social policies that would benefit sexual minority groups. Mishna, Newman, Daley & Solomon (2009), contend that “change should be implemented in families, schools, religious institutions, social policies and laws to combat sexual prejudice and to provide... [sexual minorities with]... supportive environments...” (p.1608). Mishna et. al. (2009) suggest implementing an “inclusive school curricula, beginning in kindergarten, with a focus on accept[ing]... and... appreciating difference, reinforced by support throughout the school” and a “school policies that incorporate zero tolerance for queer bulling” (p. 1606). In order for such polices to be successful in the school setting, the school staff would require training to support LGBTTQ* groups and other students who may have a negative view of sexual minorities (Mishna et. al., 2009). In addition, Mullaly (2007) would agree with the thought of equality for LGBTTQ* groups because it is one of the values held by social democrats that “social services” should meet the needs of society “to the fullest extent possible” (p. 128).
In a country that is believed to pride on its acceptance of diversity, why not also be a country that prides itself of LBGTTQ* groups as part of their uniqueness? A goal of social democrats is to have a society that is accepting of sexual minorities and take steps forward to diminish the “sources of injustice and oppression” (Mullaly, 2007, p. 122) encountered by sexual minorities. A positive step in this direction was displayed in recent months in Burnaby, British Columbia, in which a policy was passed – this displayed acceptance toward LGBTTQ* groups in the school setting. According to the Centre for Civic Governance is an initiative of the Columbia Institute (June 18, 2011), “the “Burnaby School Board unanimously passed policy 5.45, Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity. The policy... [is]...intended to address the diversity within schools and to create an atmosphere of respect and safety.” A supporter of this policy, Larry Hayes (Board Chair) commented that “[w]e believe this policy will help to foster respect, acceptance and understanding in our schools-and our community” (The Centre for Civic Governance is an initiative of the Columbia Institute, June 18, 2011).
Although there has been an increase in social policies that support sexual minorities, socialists are aware that gaps are still prominent that continue to affect LGBTTQ* groups – these gaps need to be filled. Studies have shown that LGBTTQ* groups are more likely than heterogeneous groups to have more social and psychological issues (Travers, Guta, Flicker, Larkin, Lo, McCardell, Meulen, and The Toronto Teen Survey Team, 2010). Social service providers are well aware of some of the issues affecting sexual minority groups and as a result, they have made recommendations on how to embark upon such issues (Travers et. al., 2010). One of the recommendations provided by Travers et. al. (2010) is that staff need to be trained on issues affecting LGBTTQ* groups so they are better equipped to provide support and resources. Moreover, social policies need to further support sexual minorities in order to provide them with a more promising future.
I believe that once societies are able to fully accept LGBTTQ* groups, LGBTTQ* groups will be better able to contribute their talents and abilities to society and the social and psychological issues many continue to endure will be narrowed. Mullaly (2007) suggests in order for this to occur, we need to form a collectivist society in that we must elect social democratic governments. Social democrats have my vote, where do you stand?
Stephanie M.
References
Mishna, F., Newman, P. A., Daley, A., & Solomon, S. (2009). Bullying of lesbian and gay youth: A qualitative investigation. The British Journal of Social Work, 39, 1598–1614. doi:10.1093/bjsw/bcm148
Mullaly, R. (2007). The new structural social work ( 3rd ed.). Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press.
Polaski, A. (2011, January 27). LGBT groups are approaching gay curricula the wrong way [photograph]. The Good Men Project. Retrieved from http://goodmenproject.com/newsroom/lgbt-groups-are-approaching-gay-curriculums-the-wrong-way/
The Centre for Civic Governance is an initiative of the Columbia Institute. (June 18, 2011). Anti-homophobia and discrimination policy unanimously passes at Burnaby School Board meeting. Retrieved from http://www.civicgovernance.ca/resources/1380
Travers, R., Guta, A., Flicker, S., Larkin, J., Lo, C., McCardell, S., Meulen, E. V. D., & The Toronto Teen Survey Team (2010). Service provider views on issues and needs for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered youth. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality. 19(4), p. 191-198.
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