Download SOCW 6210 Navigating LifeNavigating Life's Journey: Embracin and more Lecture notes Accounting in PDF only on Docsity! Navigating Life's Journey: Embracing Diversity in Sexual Orientation Walden University SOCW 6210: Human Behavior and the Social Environment II Introduction Trying to figure out how people behave and how society works is like trying to get around rough terrain. As a future social worker, I've studied how gender identity, sexual orientation, and life span development are all connected. I've learned a lot from both the useful resources provided by Zastrow, Kirst-Ashman, and Hessenauer (2019) and the personal stories shared in King and Richardson's (2016) study on gay men in midlife and older age. A Personal Exploration: My journey into comprehending the impact of gender identity and sexual orientation on life span development has been both enlightening and deeply personal. Zastrow, Kirst-Ashman, and Hessenauer (2019) guided me through the foundational concepts, emphasizing the dynamic nature of human behavior and the intricate interplay of environmental factors. This understanding set the stage for a more nuanced exploration of the unique challenges faced by individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. Insights from King and Richardson (2016): King and Richardson's (2016) study told a moving story of how gay men in middle age and older age deal with hardship and strength. The study showed that income, being in a relationship, resolve, and discrimination can all have different effects on mental health problems. Through these people's personal stories, I saw how deeply societal factors affected their health and happiness. This showed me how personal stories and larger social structures are linked. Application to My Social Work Practice: In translating these insights into my social work practice, I am driven by a commitment to fostering inclusivity and supporting individuals across the lifespan. The lessons learned from Zastrow, Kirst-Ashman, and Hessenauer (2019) inspire me to approach assessments with cultural competence, recognizing the significance of personal narratives in shaping one's identity. King and Richardson's (2016) study serve as a compass, guiding my advocacy efforts and interventions. Each individual I work with has a unique tapestry of experiences, and my role is to advocate for anti-discrimination measures, build resilience, and create safe spaces for self- expression. These personal encounters have reinforced my belief in the transformative power of education, pushing me to engage in community-wide initiatives that promote understanding and dismantle stereotypes. Cultivating Resilience: One powerful lesson that can be learned from both is how important it is to be strong. Theoretical frameworks are laid out by Zastrow, Kirst-Ashman, and Hessenauer (2019), while King and Richardson's (2016) stories clearly show how resilience can be used in the real world to deal with problems in society. In my work, I try to make people more resilient by giving them the tools they need to deal with social expectations, make friends, and accept who they are as individuals. Conclusion: My journey to understand how gender identity, sexual orientation, and lifelong growth all affect each other has changed me. I'm better able to handle the different and complex situations of the people I work with. As I continue to work as a social worker, I am committed to advocating, educating, and empowering people, because I know that these personal journeys have a huge effect on making society more accepting and caring. Resources: King, S. D., & Richardson, V. E. (2016). Influence of income, being partnered/married, resilience, and discrimination on mental health distress for midlife and older gay men. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health, 20(2), 127-151. https://doi.org/10.1080/19359705.2015.1127191 Zastrow, C. H., Kirst-Ashman, K. K., &
