Introduction
To honor LGBT Pride Month we asked Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) social workers to tell us why they chose social work as their profession and to describe the unique challenges facing their community.
Jessica A. Pelletier, MSW, LMSW
Child Welfare Social Worker
New York, New York
Ms. Pelletier
Q. Ms. Pelletier, where did you earn your social work degree and what is your area of expertise?
I attended my MSW from Fordham University with concentration in clinical social work. My areas of expertise are child welfare, body image, and gay/lesbian issues.
Q. Why did you choose social work as your profession?
Ever since I was young, I can remember telling my mother that I wanted to be able to save children. I came from an abusive background and once I truly understood the impact this had on me, I dedicated my life to service. Hoping that I can merge my life experience with my educational background.
Q. If you could address just one issue affecting the LGBT community what would it be and how would you go about it?
I am blessed to say that in my career with the child welfare system I have made an impact on the world. When a child tells you thank you for saving their life, there is no better reward. Touching the life of a child, is making a mark on our world. However, that is not the end of what I want to do. I would love to create a safe and nonjudgmental environment for gay and lesbian teens that they can utilize to express themselves through spoken word and poetry.
They could use this venue to combat homophobia and harassment, building their self-worth, increasing the adaptive functions, and strengthening their coping skills. I have recently submitted a 501 (c)3 application to form an organization to do such that. My strategy to achieve anything in life is make a reasonable plan, stick to it, and never let anything get in the way. Despite setbacks, shortcomings, and red tape, there is always a means to an end.
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