There are many issues that interfere with the health and happiness of those in the gay and lesbian community. The National Association's position statement on gays and lesbians represents an attempt to abolish such issues within social work practice. One place where individuals of any sexual orientation practice should feel safe is with those who have chosen the field of social work as a means to help the oppressed. Social workers must be aware of their own personal beliefs and values ​​when dealing with the fear and misrepresentation of working with this diverse group. The consequences of not addressing these issues could manifest latently in dealing with the gay and lesbian population and, if not addressed before working in this field, could be devastating to the client. After reviewing the NASW Gay and Lesbian Position Statement, I found that "NASW supports laws and rights regarding gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender or LGBT rights (NASW, 2004)." Furthermore, the position statement identifies that homosexuals should be seen as equal and have the right on issues such as same-sex marriage, adoptions, joint tax filings, shared health insurance, parenting and family leave mourning. As social workers we should not seek to change a person's beliefs regarding their sexual orientation in any way, but seek to gain education regarding human sexuality, human sexual development, and a high degree of comfort and communication skills when responding to these issues (Haldman, 1994 ). Before I delve further into this article, I would like to point out that it is important for people (especially social workers) to know what the meaning of heterosexism is to truly understand the concept of NASW..... . half of the document ...... reflects my opinions and experiences regarding the LGBT group in relation to the NASW position on gays and lesbians. It is because I am a social work student that I celebrate and support this statement.Works CitedHacker. 2011. in Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved May 8, 2011, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hackerNational Association of Social Workers. (1999). Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. Washington, DC: Author.National Association of Social Workers. (2003). Lesbian, gay and bisexual issues. Social Work Speaks: Policy Statements of the National Association of Social Workers, 2003-2006 (6th ed., pp. 224-235). Washington, DC: NASW Press. Walter R. Schumm 2010: The Other Story of Same-Sex Parenting, www. [email protected], Retrieved March 4, 2012 www.eReference.com/reference/dictionary/entry/heterosexism