Social workers' perception of practice with lesbians, gays and bisexuals (LGBs) in Nigeria

摘要: People from Low-to-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) like Nigeria, irrespective of differences in beliefs and sexual orientation, face similar challenges terms living standards, access to resources quality life. However, people who have been ‘othered’ on the basis their nonconformity heteronormativity additional challenges. The existence Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act (SSMPA) 2014, which criminalizes normalization homosexual ‘lifestyles’ persistence a homophobic socio-political climate exposes lesbians, gays bisexuals (LGBs) Nigeria unique difficulties. Although social workers are expected work, guided by values justice respect for human rights, with vulnerable oppressed society such as LGBs, contexts they operate can limit how well do this work. This paper seeks explore views work practice LGBs qualitative data obtained 12 professional using in-depth interviews that were thematically analysed. Findings show workers’ perception is influenced existing policies country, addition cultural religious beliefs. Some also view through medical perspective homosexuality being an illness, affect population. Recommendations study include developing contextualized ethical code addresses dilemmas further research centred experiences practice, one few studies