Conspicuously Absent: Lesbians in Professional Social Work

Abstract

The social work profession, in its efforts to maintain legitimacy and secure its status in the marketplace, perpetuates heteronormative customs that support the suppression of its own lesbian presence. This article describes some of the traditions that have marginalized groups, particularly lesbians, within the profession and calls for a revision of these practices. Recommendations emphasize broadening the theoretical base of the curriculum of professional studies as early as the undergraduate level.