Introduction
The Gay, lesbians, Bisexual, and Trans-gendered persons refer to individuals with different sexual orientation or gender identity. The various sexual orientation of the GLBT person influences their emotional, romantic, and sexual interactions with either men, women, or to both sexes. The GLBT persons in the society face major criticism, which is based on their sexual orientation and their gender identity. The lack of approval of the GLBT persons in the society results in discrimination based on social and cultural beliefs that disapprove of the sexual orientation of the population. Cases of discrimination among the given population place the GLBT persons at high risk in the society considering that majority are denied their fundamental rights based on their sexual orientation. However, the increase in human rights movements within the United States has provided an avenue for creating an intervention that focuses on protecting the rights of the GLBT person, with the aim of enhancing equality.
Demographic and Factual Information of GLBT Population
In recent years, the United States has experienced a significant increase in the number of GLBT persons in the society, which is attributed to the rise in the human rights movement that seeks for the provision of equality to all persons in the society despite sexual orientation. According to Johnson (2018), research conducted in 2017 indicated that approximately 4.5% of the American citizens were identified as GLBT, which portrayed a significant increase from the 4.0% in 2016. Although the population faces a steady growth, some risks and challenges influence the survival of the population within the American society. The cultural and religious backgrounds in the society hinder individuals from expressing themselves based on their sexual orientations as it results in criticism and discrimination. Cahill, Baker, Deutsch, Keatley, & Makadon (2016) mention that the majority of people in the society do not believe in the aspect of different sexual orientation or gender reassignment thus creating the basis for stigmatization.
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According to Ryan, Russell, Huebner, Diaz, & Sanchez (2010), the GLBT persons in the American society faces issues that relate to societal stigma, and discrimination, which leads to the denial of their fundamental human rights. The societal stigma arises on the basis that such persons are considered not being straight as per the social expectations. One critical aspect that concern the discrimination of the GLBT persons in the society include facing health disparities leading to poor health among the population. According to Beasley, Jenkins, & Valenti (2015), a majority of the GLBT persons faces discrimination that is associated with the denial of quality health and abuse that translate in poor health and worst cases to death of the persons. Denial to access healthcare services creates a significant risk on the population, which is an aspect that creates the need for the human rights interventions. The human rights movements capitalize on ensuring that GLBT persons receive quality health care services regardless of their sexual orientation.
Another critical aspect that concern the GLBT population entails economic deprivation and oppression of the given persons. Considering that majority of people in the society do not approve the element of different sexual orientation and differing gender identity based on cultural and religious views, the GLBT person experienced oppression cases influencing their social interactions. According to Långström (2016), the GLBT population in the United States do not receive equal treatment in aspects such as leadership and employment opportunities in the society. The stereotyping of the GLBT persons in the society results in cases of oppression considering that majority of the people believe such person as being outcasts in the society. The denial of fundamental rights and cases of discrimination create a negative impact on the social interactions of GLBT persons and other people in the society that are considered to be straight.
According to Snapp, Watson, Russell, Diaz, & Ryan (2015), discrimination of the GLBT persons results in an increase in mental health issues among the population. Majority of the GLBT tend to keep their sexuality hidden with the fear of facing criticism and stigmatization thus leading to emotional and psychological distress. The GLBT persons are likely to experience depression, anxiety, and substance abuse 2times more than the straight persons considering the social attitudes and perception thus leading to increased mental health issues within the population. Another fundamental impact of the discrimination of the population entails withholding of crucial information regarding their sexual practices to healthcare professionals thus leading to increased health issues. In most cases, the GLBT persons tend to avoid seeking medical care due to the fear of denial of access to healthcare services and fear of discrimination. In extreme cases, the issue of discrimination and oppression of the GLBT persons in the society results in self-harm and suicidal attempts, thus creating a life-threatening issue.
Unmet Needs of the GLBT Population
The GLBT persons in the social experiences various unmet needs attributed to the issue of discrimination and oppression. The human rights movements in the American society capitalize on ensuring that the population receives equal treatment by reducing cases associated with social stigma. The unmet needs of the population include the provision of access and proper healthcare services and provision of equal opportunities in different positions within the society (Dessel, Goodman, & Woodford, 2017). Additionally, there is the need to ensure that members of the society accommodate and accepts the GLBT persons despite their differences in sexual orientation. Although the human rights capitalize on ensuring that the needs are met, some issues present barriers while addressing the needs of the population. The first factor that creates a significant hindrance entails withholding information concerning sexual orientation. Most people in the society do not disclose their sexual orientation thus creating a considerable impediment in dealing with the issue. The second aspect concerns the issue of cultural and religious beliefs regarding differences in sexual orientation (Morrison, Bishop, & Morrison (2015).
Interventions
According to Morrison, Bishop, & Morrison (2018), it is necessary to focus on different interventions that would play a primary role in reducing the risks associated with the GLBT population. The first significant intervention would include considerable amendments in the American constitution that define the rights of the GLBT persons. The provision of the given rights may help in ensuring that the population receives equal treatment despite their different sexual orientation. This would help in reducing cases associated with discrimination and oppression thus allowing for more people to appreciate their difference in sexual orientation and gender identity. Additionally, the implementation of a social work practice that involves counseling may play a significant role in overcoming issues relating to discrimination. The social practice may help in ensuring that member of the society appreciates different sexual orientation thus reducing oppression cases and providing a platform for effective social interaction. Counseling is the GLBT persons may help in ensuring that the population learns to appreciate themselves and assist in enhancing their relationship and interactions with the members of the society considered straight (Anderson & Flatt, 2018).
References
Anderson, J. G., & Flatt, J. D. (2018). Characteristics of LGBT caregivers of older adults: Results from the national Caregiving in the US 2015 survey. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services , 30 (2), 103-116.
Beasley, C. R., Jenkins, R. A., & Valenti, M. (2015). Special section on LGBT resilience across cultures: Introduction. American journal of community psychology , 55 (1-2), 164-166.
Cahill, S. R., Baker, K., Deutsch, M. B., Keatley, J., & Makadon, H. J. (2016). The inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in stage 3 meaningful use guidelines: A huge step forward for LGBT health. LGBT health , 3 (2), 100-102.
Dessel, A. B., Goodman, K. D., & Woodford, M. R. (2017). LGBT discrimination on campus and heterosexual bystanders: Understanding intentions to intervene. Journal of Diversity in Higher Education , 10 (2), 101.
Johnson, C. (2018). An Anti-LGBT Bill Moves through Congress. The Gay & Lesbian Review Worldwide , 25 (3), 5-5.
Långström, N. (2016). 3.44 PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH, VICTIMIZATION EXPERIENCES, AND FAMILIAL CONFOUNDING AMONG LGBT YOUTH. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry , 55 (10), S156.
Morrison, M. A., Bishop, C. J., & Morrison, T. G. (2018). A systematic review of the psychometric properties of composite LGBT prejudice and discrimination scales. Journal of homosexuality , 1-22.
Ryan, C., Russell, S. T., Huebner, D., Diaz, R., & Sanchez, J. (2010). Family acceptance in adolescence and the health of LGBT young adults. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing , 23 (4), 205-213.
Snapp, S. D., Watson, R. J., Russell, S. T., Diaz, R. M., & Ryan, C. (2015). Social support networks for LGBT young adults: Low-cost strategies for positive adjustment. Family Relations , 64 (3), 420-430.
Thompson, E. S. (2015). Compromising equality: an analysis of the religious exemption in the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and its impact on LGBT workers. BCJL & Soc. Just. , 35 , 285.
