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Music therapists work across diverse populations, including the LGBTQIA+ community, where affirming and inclusive care is vital. The Queer Music Therapy Model, introduced by Bain et al. (2016), offers a structured, identity-affirming approach to care that challenges the cissexist and heterosexist foundations of traditional therapeutic frameworks. This model recognizes the unique therapeutic needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals and supports clinicians in offering empowering care.
Originally developed for LGBTQ+ adolescents, the model encourages identity development and resilience through music rather than emphasizing vulnerability (Boggan et al., 2017). Interventions include musical autobiography assessments, gender-bending song parodies, critical lyric analysis, and group anthem writing. These techniques foster self-expression, community, and empowerment in therapeutic settings. Adult and older LGBTQIA+ populations, particularly those from intersectional backgrounds, often face barriers to affirming care. Research confirms that older LGBTQ+ adults of color are frequently excluded from advocacy and policy, facing ageism alongside racism and heterosexism (Christian et al., 2021). Approaches like Relational–Cultural Theory (RCT) and the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies (MSJCC) offer frameworks to support these clients through culturally responsive and justice-oriented care (Cole, 2021). Queer music therapy can also be strengthened by using works from LGBTQIA+ artists to affirm identities and foster connection. Songs like “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga and “Chosen Family” by Rina Sawayama become powerful tools for healing and identity affirmation. As the field evolves, the inclusion of affirming, intersectional, and research-driven practices like queer music therapy remains crucial. These practices not only foster resilience and connection but also challenge systems of oppression through the power of music. References Bain, C., Grzanka, P. R., & Crowe, B. (2016). Perspectives on queer music therapy: A qualitative analysis of music therapists’ reactions to radically inclusive practice. Journal of Music Therapy, 53(4), 375–404. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/thw010 Boggan, K. E., Grzanka, P. R., & Bain, C. L. (2017). The queer music therapy model: Empowering LGBTQ+ youth through musical identity. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 17(3). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v17i3.928 Christian, D., Osborne, J., & Samuels, D. (2021). Counseling older LGBTQ+ adults of color: Relational–cultural theory in practice. Journal of Counseling & Development, 99(3), 330–340. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12378 Cole, R. (2021). Counseling LGBT military clients using the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies framework. Journal of Military and Government Counseling, 9(1), 32–45. https://doi.org/10.1080/2326716X.2021.1945079 Johns Hopkins University. (2022). LGBTQ Glossary – Gender & Sexuality Resources. https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/lgbtq/glossary AAMFT Queer Affirmative Caucus. (2007). A companion to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer studies: Affirmative counseling techniques. American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. https://www.aamft.org/queeraffirmative
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Hi AMTAS community!
My name is Rebeca and I will be your secretary for 2025. I recently completed my course work at Appalachian State University, and am beginning my internship with Symponia Hospice in Decatur GA this summer. In addition to making music, I enjoy working out and journaling, especially as forms of self care. I’m so excited to serve you all this year, and work on sharing ideas through our AMTAS Blog! As music therapy continues to grow and expand as a field, we as students must also continue to explore new horizons and continue celebrating the little things which ultimately culminate to larger accomplishments. My hope for this year is to share advice, ideas, and accomplishments throughout our music therapy community. In addition to offering blog posts written by the members of our eBoard, I also look forward to sharing the experiences of students like you. Whether you have internship advice or have developed a new way of learning repertoire, we want to hear from you! If you’re interested in writing a blog post feel free to email me at [email protected] or you can DM us on Instagram at @_amtas_ . In the next few weeks we have various exciting events coming up including our Give Lively campaign and our AMTAS merch design competition. For more information on both of these events keep an eye on our Instagram and our website. From all of us here on the AMTAS eBoard, we appreciate all you do as students and members of the AMTAS community. We hope to continue serving you and providing you with resources to help you become the best music therapy student you can be! |
Hello AMTAS, my name is Rebeca Coronel and I am your secretary for the 2025 year! The purpose of this blog is to provide updates on the AMTAS region, give helpful tips and tricks for music therapy students, share meaningful experiences, and promote collaboration with all music therapy students across America! If you have any ideas or questions regarding this blog please don’t hesitate to reach out via email.
Interested in writing a post? Click here to submit the Blog Interest Form. Email: [email protected]. CategoriesArchives
August 2025
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