tion. The worker may have to empower the client by giving information necessary to write to elected officials concerning laws (Ashmon-Hull, 1999). A worker must have the knowledge of the legislative process by which they can advocate (e.g..arranging for sponsorship of a bill, revising a bill or educating the public). Be aware of the resources available such as legal services, housing, or counseling agencies and then select the best resource system that can help the client. In summarizing practice issues of social workers they need to address the following issues when working with gay males, lesbians or bisexual individuals. The practitioner needs to be knowledgeable about and nonjudgmental toward these individuals. As a product of society, most of us have been socialized into the stereotypical and prejudicial behaviors we must now identify and work to eliminate. Identifying how our traditional beliefs and values (what we believe to be right and wrong) affect us is not an easy task. Homophobic behavior needs to be viewed in the same context as any other prejudice against a particular minority group (e.g., women, blacks, etc.). The social worker must first educate himself/herself on the subject. This can be done by reading professional literature and attending workshops, in-services and seminars which cover non-heterosexual behaviors in general and homophobic reactions in particular. The social worker must also become familiar with resources in the gay male and lesbian communities.At all times, social work practitioners need to subscribe to the highest of ethical and moral standards. Professions typically publicize their ethical standards in the form of codes of ethics. According to Jamal and Bowie (1995), codes of ethics are designed to address major issues. These must include the right of client self-determination and respect and support for whatever sexual preference(s) a client has chosen. Being a gay male, a lesbian,...
