Identity Through Art: Art Therapy Program Proposal to Address Internalized Homophobia in Queer Youth

Art Therapy has been a successful way to treat many different populations for decades. There are many specific forms and types of art therapy to address certain populations such as trauma patients or transgender patients. However, queer youth have not yet been addressed directly through art therapy. In this thesis, I explore the potential connections between art therapy and queer youth regarding a queer-specific issue: internalized homophobia. Through interviews with art therapists, LGBTQ+ experts, and a queer focus group, I designed a proposal for an art therapy program that could be implemented at an LGBTQ+ youth center. The program asks participants in small groups to depict how they feel they express themselves, how they feel they are perceived by others, and finally their core identity. The potential impact this program can have on LGBTQ+ youth is discussed and recommendations are given for continued development and application. To conclude, the program is analyzed through a sociological lens with regard to two significant pieces of work.