Disseminating queer and gender studies: rethinking social work theories and practices starting from university education

This article explores the relevance of disseminating gender and queer theories within Social Work curricula as a means to foster critical thinking and informed advocacy regarding the rights of LGBTQIA+ communities. After outlining the relationship between social work practice and gender/queer studies, the paper empirically examines the extent to which these perspectives are incorporated into the teaching programs of Italian public universities. Finally, drawing on a recent ruling of the Italian Court of Cassation that severely restricts the rights of same-sex parents, the article underscores the urgent responsibility of universities to equip future social workers with the theoretical and practical tools required to challenge structural inequalities and to advocate effectively for marginalized groups.