“I Didn’t Feel Equipped”: Social Work Students’ Reflections on a Simulated Client “Coming Out”

Abstract

Few studies have examined social work students’ reflections on and experiences working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and questioning persons and addressing the intersection of race/ethnicity and sexuality within practice. This study explored current master’s of social work student (n = 11) and recent graduate (n = 7) reflections on conducting an objective structured clinical practice interaction with an African Canadian youth coming out as a lesbian. Narrative thematic analyses of reflective dialogues highlighted a variation of competence in gay affirmative practice across attitudes (managing personal reactions), knowledge (addressing diversity; terminology and information), and skills (readiness; challenging heterosexism). Curriculum development and agency-based training is recommended to address gaps in knowledge and competence regarding gay affirmative approaches.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carmen H. Logie

Carmen H. Logie is assistant professor, Marion Bogo is professor, and Ellen Katz is lecturer and director of continuing education at the University of Toronto. Carmen H. Logie is also adjunct scientist at the Women’s College Research Institute.

Marion Bogo

Carmen H. Logie is assistant professor, Marion Bogo is professor, and Ellen Katz is lecturer and director of continuing education at the University of Toronto. Carmen H. Logie is also adjunct scientist at the Women’s College Research Institute.

Ellen Katz

Carmen H. Logie is assistant professor, Marion Bogo is professor, and Ellen Katz is lecturer and director of continuing education at the University of Toronto. Carmen H. Logie is also adjunct scientist at the Women’s College Research Institute.