Social Work with People Practicing Same-Sex ... - ILGA Europe

I should tell you that
homosexuality in our country has
been eliminated virtually, but
not entirely. Or, to be more exact,
entirely but not completely. Or to
be even more exact, entirely and
completely, but not once and for
all. What is the preoccupation of
the general public now? Nothing,
but homosexuality.
Venedict Erofeyev, a Russian
writer, 1938—1990.
Moscow — Petushki
54
attitude towards MSM. Moreover, the attitude of an outreach worker should serve
as an example of a humane, sympathetic and non-judgemental attitude and
understanding.
4. Confidentiality and anonymity. The atmosphere of outreach work with MSM
should be based on trust, confidentiality and non-disclosure of information
received by the outreach workers from their clients. It is especially important to
understand this principle when an outreach worker provides counselling to the
client on sexual behaviour, HIV testing and other sensitive issues.
5. Timely provision of the relevant and reliable information to the target group. In
order to ensure the adequate and useful information for the MSM, it is important to
determine, which kind of information they are lacking in the first place. Information
should be specific, proven (competent) and relevant. Information should meet the
needs of MSM in health, social and legal spheres. It is also recommended to focus
on the provision of MSM with diverse and useful information on the life of LGBT
community and other subjects that would enliven the work.
Ethical Norms of Outreach Work with MSM
Outreach workers should always distinguish between the personal and working relations
with the MSM. It is also related to the safety rules and sexual harassment by the
clients.
1. Outreach workers should be tolerant to all subgroups in the MSM community and
to all specific features of the community.
2. Sincere and honest relations with the client are the necessary condition for
outreach work.
3. Outreach workers should make all possible efforts to preserve professional limits in
their work, even though the outreach work may be of an informal nature.
4. Safety of outreach workers is a joint responsibility of an organization and an
outreach worker. Compliance with the safety rules is a necessary condition for a
successful work.