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.
Elizabeth (Lizz) Toledo, LCSW, LMSW, ICADC, CCS
Private Practitioner
Angels Recovery & Spirituality, Inc.
Forest Park, Georgia
Ms. Toledo
Q. Where did you earn your social work degree, what is your area of specialization, and where are you employed?
I graduated from the University of Georgia. My area of specialization is trauma. I have a private psychotherapy practice called Angels Recovery & Spirituality, Inc. In addition, I have worked as an HIV/AIDS counselor and activist, coordinated substance abuse programs for pregnant women, developed and coordinated domestic violence programs for batterers, developed and directed gang violence prevention programs and volunteered for sexual assault hotlines.
My career also includes experience developing and coordinating programs serving communities of color, the LGBT community and women. I also have extensive experience coordinating National, regional and local conferences and events.
Currently, I am the Vice President and Ethics Committee Chair of the Alcohol & Drug Certification Board of Georgia. I also serve on several boards and committees to end domestic violence in Georgia. I strongly believe that hope for recovery from addictions, violence or other destructive behaviors is possible for all persons.
Q. Why did you choose social work as your career?
I am an activist and I also like clinical work. With a social work degree I can do both.
Q. What are the greatest challenges facing the LGBT community and how can social workers help?
The greatest challenge facing the LGBT community is the issue of marriage. While we feel that love should be the primary purpose for marriage, in my practice I listen to horror stories from patients, whose possessions or children were taken away by well intended family members of their diseased partner. A marriage certificate will give LGBT’s equal protection under the law. They will have the right to receive entitlement benefits, make financial, medical and parenting decisions if their spouse should die.
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