Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression in Social Work Practice: Working with Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender People.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression in Social Work Practice: Working with Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender People. Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression in Social Work Practice:Working with Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender People. Deana F.Morrow and Lori Messinger (Editors). New York: Columbia UniversityPress Columbia University Press is an academic press based in New York City and affiliated with Columbia University. It is currently directed by James D. Jordan (2004-present) and publishes titles in the humanities and sciences, including the fields of literary and cultural studies, , 2006, 536 pages. ISBN ISBNabbr.International Standard Book NumberISBNInternational Standard Book NumberISBNn abbr (= International Standard Book Number) → ISBN m: 0-231-12728-6 $80.00 hardcover. This book is a thorough summary of practice and policy issues withthe gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender (GLBT GLBT Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered ) population. Dividedinto four major sections, the book provides content on the history ofGLBT issues in society, identity development and coming out,relationships and families, and society and culture. Collectively, thechapters analyze the historical sociocultural emergence of the GLBTmovement and the impact of the social environment on development andidentity for this population. In addition, the chapters use alife--course perspective to highlight salient issues and risk situationsfor GLBT individuals at different stages of identity development and forvarious age cohorts. The editors' goal was to integrate content into acomprehensive volume on GLBT issues, and they certainly achieve thisgoal. They provide a well-referenced and researched summary of existingknowledge that cuts across various literatures and areas of practice. A major focus of the book is assessment and intervention with theGLBT population. Some chapters, however, offer richer and morecomprehensive content to inform practice. Sadly, some chapters offerpractice implications as more of an afterthought and retread many of thetypical recommendations that are found in most general social worktexts. In addition, greater attention to evidence-based practiceapproaches with this population would have provided the reader withknowledge about whether various interventions have efficacy for theseclients. Besides a more detailed and analytical discussion about practiceissues, the addition of some other issues would have strengthened thecontent. Although the chapters on gay men, lesbians, and bisexual peopleinclude a few pages each on the topic of intimate relationships withpartners and significant others, the book provides much more content onindividual and family (for example, family of origin and parenting)issues than on relationship issues. Also, same--sex marriage is animportant contemporary issue for gay and lesbian couples. This contentis only briefly discussed in the policy chapter and deserves greatercoverage. Furthermore, a chapter on international issues would have beenextremely interesting. Information emerging from those countries thathave legalized same-sex marriage would have provided rich content todiscuss. In spite of these few problems, the book is a good addition to thesocial work literature. Practitioners who work with same-sex couples orGLBT individuals can use the book as reference material or as acomponent of bibliotherapy bibliotherapy/bib��lio��ther��a��py/ (bib?le-o-ther��ah-pe) the reading of selected books as part of the treatment of mental disorders or for mental health. bib��li��o��ther��a��pyn. with clients. In addition, the book would bea good text for a GLBT course or assigned reading in a human behaviorcourse within social work education. Stephanie K. Swann, PhD, LCSW LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker School of Social Work University of Georgia OrganizationThe President of the University of Georgia (as of 2007, Michael F. Adams) is the head administrator and is appointed and overseen by the Georgia Board of Regents.