The Art of Identity: LGBTQIA+ and Art Therapy

Art therapy. Some of you might dread the idea of making art. That used to be me. I used to groan at the thought of drawing anything besides a stick figure (which always ended up looking more like a stick bug). 

Today, I have a very different mindset and skillset. I am a digital artist and freelance graphic designer. So, how did I go from a disgrace of a stick-person artist to a working designer and artist? Art therapy.

Well, at least that is what started it. 

Other than creating a passion for art I never knew I could have, Art Therapy also helped me heal. I took up the practice while in a center for Eating Disorder recovery. 

I laughed to myself the first time I took the class.

I laughed at myself for not believing it would work the last time I took the class. 

So, it’s okay if you are skeptical but keep an open mind.

Art Therapy can benefit anyone struggling with their mental health but is especially good for LGBTQIA+ people. 

How so?

Glad you asked!

People who identify as LGBTQIA+ may struggle with self-acceptance, identity, body image, and interpersonal relationships. That turmoil is often hard or uncomfortable to put into words.

Art Therapy eliminates the need to verbally express what you may not understand or feel safe discussing outright. 

A person’s identity is often complex and cannot be contained in basic descriptions. Society has expanded its vocabulary to include nonbinary, inclusive, and non-discriminatory terms.

However, sometimes nothing feels right and that’s perfectly okay! 

That is why Art Therapy works well for certain LGBTQIA+ people. To combat the complexity of describing one’s sense of self, practices such as “Inside Me, Outside Me” can be very eye-opening. 

The “Inside Me, Outside Me” activity allows the patient to create two self-portraits. One represents how they present in public, while the other shows how they present from their perspective (physical v.s mental presentation).

This technique has shown to be particularly helpful to transgender and queer people. 

Creative Self Expression

Art Therapy introduces patients to activities that help them explore self-expression. The idea of self-expression is one of the main topics in the LGBTQIA+ space. 

In fact, the community paved the way for many new forms of self-expression. Examples include Drag, gender-neutral fashion, and new categories of art. 

Self-expression is also a key component in healing through art. Certain patients find it helpful to use art as a medium or “spokesperson” for their identity.

This method, seen in counseling-based art therapy, places space between the issue and the patient. 

Introverted people can open up more comfortably when a figurative space is between them and the therapist. LGBTQIA+ people who struggle with internalized homophobia or coming out may find this exercise helpful as well. 

Further, these approaches give art therapists insight into the inner well-being of patients. That insight allows them to understand the unique struggles of LGBTQIA+ people. 

Such knowledge facilitates open and productive discussion between the therapist and the client.

It also benefits art therapists by opening their minds and expanding their ability to help others. 

Overall, it is mutually beneficial to both parties. They can grow together!

But…Nothing is Perfect

As with any mental health treatment, Art Therapy has its limitations. 

According to a study in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, art therapists need “knowledge of LGBT issues, a non-judgmental attitude towards homosexuality and gender variance, and skills with LGBT clients.”

It is not a shock that a mental health practice is not always inclusive for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Lack of funding, research, awareness and an (annoyingly common) lack of interest hinders patient care. 

On the bright side, since we know what we lack, we know what we need.

We must keep advocating for new best practices, inclusivity training, and LGBTQIA+ informed treatment guidelines. 

The same study previously mentioned states, “the art therapist should have an understanding of…theories of sexual and gender identity development.”

The association is aware of and is working on its shortcomings.

All mental health groups, associations, and practices should do the same.

To make this a reality, we need all hands on deck. Whether or not you are an artist, art enthusiast, stick person, LGBTQIA+ person, or an ally, your support is essential. 

Share this blog to spread the word! Also, try out the “Inside Me, Outside Me” activity! 

Once you finish your masterpiece, contact me via email or on the blog’s social media.

If given your permission, I’d love to share it on Instagram. You can remain anonymous. If you consent, we will tag you in the post.

Most importantly, remember that if I can go from disgrace to decently employable…you can do anything you set your mind to!

Sources:

https://www.plumeriacounseling.com/coming-out-through-art-a-review-of-art-therapy-with-lgbt-clients/