Queer and Trans Leadership in Music Therapy

Abstract

Abstract Queer and trans music therapists have served as leaders in music therapy associations in the United States regionally and nationally for many decades, yet their experiences and stories have never been documented. They have played key roles in the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), American Association of Music Therapy (AAMT), and National Association of Music Therapy (NAMT), assisting with the daily function of the organization, creation and maintenance of key documents, and advancing cultural responsiveness. This research details the experiences of 10 diverse queer and trans music therapists who have served in these associations. Findings included in the results were: (i) disclosure, (ii) experiences of bias, (iii) queer and trans leadership, (iv) the future of music therapy and the role of queer and trans leadership, and (v) newly recognised expertise.