Art Therapy with the LGBTQ Community

Abstract

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community is a population that has faced discrimination for many years. There has been a shift in attitudes towards this community following the rise of the 45thpresidential administration. Noteworthy events that have impacted this community are briefly explored, to provide context for what these individuals have and continue to face in this society. This ranges from when homosexuality was defined as a mental disorder, to the present military travel ban on transgender individuals. As this discussion continues, the issue of increased mortality rates of individuals that identify as LGBTQ is explored, connecting to the impact of historical and current events. The importance of identity to this community is briefly discussed, specifically sexuality and gender, stressing the impact these events have. Additionally, there is a brief overview of important terminology that is explained and defined for the reader, to provide a comprehensive understanding of LGBTQ identities and the community. Art therapy is one treatment approach that can serve this community.The intention of this scoping review is to identify what is in best practice in art therapy to service this community. The results of the study compiles art therapy and psychotherapeutic approaches and reports on what is found to best serve this population.