Running head: CULTURAL IMMERSION 2

Cultural Immersion 2 with the LGBTQ Community: A Day in the of Bianca Miller

Taesha M Wilcox
Georgia State University

Running head: CULTURAL IMMERSION 2

As a Social Worker, our existence revolves around becoming immersed in all cultures
therefore we have to tools and knowledge necessary to serve the client. In order to provide
services to these individuals in need there has to be a passion embedded within that wants a
change. We must understand that all cultures deserve respect and appreciation. The fact that this
society is ever changing but at the same time there is still a need for society to dictate whom
someone should love or how they should love; shows the desirable need for advocacy for these
minority groups. Love does not have sex, gender, race, or religion. Love is a language known to
every human being and can be equally received and given no anyone matter what features a
person exhibit on the outside.
Prior Perceptions
The perceptions going into this immersion was favorable to this particular group. The fact
that my younger sister is a lesbian, and I have been exposed this culture since she came out in
2009 contributes to my feelings. Before I found out my sister was a Lesbian there was not a
concern for this culture. It never affected me if someone identified as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender, or Queer because I was not raised to show hatred to someone. The idea that people
should live for themselves and do what makes them happy is a motto I follow. Therefore, the
images depicted in the media although some are horrific, does not sway the way I think at all. I
am very sympathetic to this culture because of my personal connection with my sister, and
because these individuals are being judged for loving someone. With a world full or so much
hate it should be widely acceptable for individuals to love whom they please. Hopefully, my
views on the LGBTQ community continue throughout my professional career so that I can have
encouragement to advocate for a change. If there were a need to help someone in this
community, there would not be hesitation on this end because of the drive inside me to help the
cause.
Cultural Immersion
Bianca Miller allowed me to spend a few hours with her to get a glimpse of her everyday
life. Bianca let me meet her two kids Emily and Robert and her partner Candice. Afterward, she
took me the pride parade and allowed me to watch the movement of change that was going on. It
was a joyous moment for the LGBTQ community, but there were also some individuals there to
show hatred for the cause. But through it all Bianca and Candice kept a smile on their face and
enjoyed their day. It was hard to see how much they had to deal with just because they love each
other. I felt uncomfortable for them because it is easy for me to walk down the street and hold
my significant others hand and no one passes judgment if we show affection in public. People
with this privilege could not understand the feeling of shame and guilt because of who you were
designed to love. Bianca shared that she always felt she wanted to be with a woman. But because
of family pressure and the fear of the consequences she hide it for a long time and even had two
kids with a man, but the feelings deep within never went away. So one day she gave up faking
happiness and became truly happy when she came out. She says that nothing hurts more than
denying yourself real happiness, and she would not trade any day she has now with her partner
for the comfort and comes along with being heterosexual.
Research

Running head: CULTURAL IMMERSION 2

The time for change for this culture is prevalent because Research has shown that
socially and culturally based stress induced by being a target of discrimination can impair
psychological functioning and well-being (Becker, M., Cortina, K. S., Tsai, Y., & Eccles, J. S.,
2014, pg 133). There are many individuals who do not take the time to understand this culture,
therefore, the lack of motivation to advocate for the members of this group declines. Especially
heterosexuals because of their privilege they do not see or can internalize what these individuals
foresee. Research suggest that heterosexuals are often resistant to changing their attitudes even
after interacting with LGBTQ individuals, perhaps in part because doing so would conflict with a
lifetime of socialization or garner scorn from particular social or cultural groups (Goodman,
2001, pg 242). This continuation of blindness to the issue will only delay the process of social
justice for the LGBTQ community. Heterosexuals can help themselves and the LGBTQ
community by leveraging their privilege against heterosexism (Perrin, P. B., Bhattacharyya, S.,
Snipes, D. J., Calton, J. M., & Heesacker, M, 2014, pg 242). In order to strengthen the minority
groups there has to be an in-depth support system from everyone; especially from outside
viewers that could take different approaches to helping the same cause. This course is
surrounded by becoming culturally competent and understanding you in the process; therefore
advocacy against heterosexism can help in developing a sense of meaning, gaining social
support from other activists, or working through guilt associated with ones own privilege
(Perrin, P. B., Bhattacharyya, S., Snipes, D. J., Calton, J. M., & Heesacker, M, 2014, pg 242).
There is without a shadow of a shadow of doubt a need to motivate this society for gain
knowledge and become aware of the injustices the minorities face.
Conclusion
This cultural immersion has only solidified my feelings, perceptions, and views that were
there in the beginning. Choosing this particular group to work with was mostly because of the
injustices I see my sister face, and it was touched me deeply to experience what it is like to hurt
because of love. The fact that some individuals do not seek spiritual guidance because of the
backlash that comes from members of the church is heartbreaking. Everyone has their ties with
God, and we all must learn to love and not hate, to understand and not judge, and to help and not
hinder those in need. The events that took place today did not change my perceptions it only
made them stronger. The LGBTQ community faces so many forms of discrimination and social
issues on a daily basis, and no one should be portrayed as sinners, or are judged at by employers
because of their sexual identity. The time for a change is now, how will we get there I do not
know, but I will become avid in advocating a change.

Running head: CULTURAL IMMERSION 2

References
Becker, M., Cortina, K. S., Tsai, Y., & Eccles, J. S. (2014). Sexual orientation, psychological
well-being, and mental health: A longitudinal analysis from adolescence to young
adulthood. Psychology Of Sexual Orientation And Gender Diversity, 1(2), 132-145.
doi:10.1037/sgd0000038
Perrin, P. B., Bhattacharyya, S., Snipes, D. J., Calton, J. M., & Heesacker, M. (2014). Creating
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Allies: Testing a Model of Privilege
Investment. Journal Of Counseling & Development, 92(2), 241-251. doi:10.1002/j.15566676.2014.00153.x