LGBT clients are not any different from any client

This letter was sent to ST Forum but was not published.

The Singapore Association of Social Workers (SASW) code of professional ethics states that a social worker's responsibility to clients is to avoid discrimination and prejudice, respect individual differences and accept that professional responsibility must take precedence over personal aims and views. The personal beliefs of these professionals have no bearing on how they interact with clients who have lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues. (Social workers feel 'ill-equipped to deal with LGBT clients'; 11 Feb)

Social work is based upon a belief in the value and dignity of all human beings, and a concern for their social well-being. Each client has some form of brokenness, including a client who struggles with LGBT issues. He is no different from every client who comes to the social worker with specific problems. By highlighting these clients with LGBT issues, we risk isolating them from the community and prioritizing them over clients with other issues. A client is first a person of intrinsic worth. He is not labelled by his problem nor limited by it. There are many clients who have overcome LGBT issues and have led a new life.

Social workers affirm the right to self-determination by ensuring that the client is both aware of and has assessed alternative options. They provide all relevant information that would allow the client to make an informed decision. As such, Oogachaga, Singapore LGBT group should not be the only voice and option for those who struggle with sexuality issues. As in the case of Mr Ranjana Tanggaraju, even if the counsellor had let him wear a blouse and a skirt, it would not have eliminated the issues that he would face as a transgender. A social worker is not responsible for the ultimate decision made by the client. 

Social work is dedicated to the enhancement of the lives of human beings and is responsible for the welfare of the society as a whole.  380 new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections were reported among Singapore residents from January to October 2015 by the Ministry of Health (MOH). 98% of the 144  cases within the first 6 months acquired the infection through sexual intercourse. Heterosexual transmission accounted for 38% of these cases while 60% were from homosexual and bisexual transmission. Certain lifestyles adopted by a small group of people carry risks to their well-being. Such lifestyles do not contribute to the common good of the society. It is against the ethics of a social worker not to present this information to the clients even when it may not be well-received.