“Sorry, We Don’t Have Any LGBTQI+ Service Users”: Bridging Gaps Towards Inclusion in Social Services

Mojca Urek and Anže Jurček
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Mojca Urek: Faculty of Social Work, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Anže Jurček: Faculty of Social Work, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

Social Inclusion, 2025, vol. 13

Abstract: This article addresses the persistent gap between the ethical foundations of social work—rooted in human rights, social justice, and anti‐oppressive practices—and the exclusionary experiences of LGBTQI+ people within Slovenian social work and care services. It examines how these services respond to LGBTQI+ needs, identifies the typical patterns of practice, and explores how general equity principles can be more effectively translated into everyday work. The article draws on a narrative synthesis of three research projects conducted between 2018 and 2021, focusing on the experiences of LGBTQI+ older people, children, and youth in Slovenian social and care services. These include two European projects and a small‐scale qualitative study during the Covid‐19 epidemic. Based on these findings, the article identifies recurring themes and patterns in the response of services, including instances of openly inappropriate treatment, denial through universalist approaches, the “transparent closet,” and examples of inclusive and affirming practices. While exclusion remains widespread, the article highlights promising practices—particularly within NGO‐led initiatives—and calls for systemic change.

Keywords: human rights; LGBTQI+ children and young people; LGBTQI+ older people; professional conduct; social care services; social justice; social work (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cog:socinc:v13:y:2025:a:10563

DOI: 10.17645/si.10563

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