Exploring Social Perceptions of Queer and Trans Music Therapists and Clients

Existing research presents a mixed picture on music therapists’ preparedness to work effectively with LGBTQIA+ clients, highlighting deficits in training and a lack of insight on the part of some music therapists into what LGBTQIA+ inclusive practice actually entails. Alongside this, there is a growing literature on clinical practice with and interventions for LGBTQIA+ clients; however, there is an absence of research exploring directlywith members of LGBTQIA+ communities their experiences and perceptions of music therapy. The current study aims both to expand the limited literature exploring music therapists’ preparedness to work with LGBTQIA+ clients, and to begin to explore LGBTQIA+ people’s perceptions of music therapy. It does so through use of the novel, creative method of story completion (SC)—participants were given two (of four) “story stems” based on a hypothetical implied first therapy session scenario involving a trans or queer client or therapist and asked to complete them. Forty-six participants (20 trainee/qualified music therapists [nineof whom identified as LGBTQIA+]; 23 LGBTQIA+ people; threeno demographic data) wrote a total of 87 stories. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to develop three themes: 1) disclosure in therapy is important for the therapeutic relationship and the client; 2) effective therapists are non-judgmental and inclusive; and 3) shared identity matters. The analysis suggests a lack of knowledge of LGBTQIA+ communities and inclusive practice on the part of straight and cisgender music therapists, alongside an aspirational commitment to an open and non-judgmental approach. The stories written by LGBTQIA+ participants recognised the potential for prejudicial treatment—these participants framed openness as an ethical imperative.   Acknowledgements We would like to thank all the participants for their contributions in this research.   Funding There was no funding for this research.