Developing an Inclusive Practice
Let’s explore ways to cultivate a more inclusive practice that affirms LGBTQIA+ and gender non-conforming communities. Together we will deconstruct dominant narratives thinking about how they serve or dis-serve. Have you felt hindered or harmed by cultural or societal expectations?
Gender Affirming Care is when someone receives social recognition and support for their gender identity and expression. Feeling seen, heard, respected, and having your identities affirmed promotes wellbeing. It is an interactive, interpersonal process and can lead to Gender Euphoria. This means, you can change someone’s experience just by seeing them as who they are.
To be open and curious to people who live outside of our understanding, allows space for them to self-identify, in ways we can’t yet imagine. It can broaden our perspectives, grow empathy, and deepen connections.
(LGBTQIA+ is an umbrella acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Two-spirited, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, plus other identities such as Pansexual, Brotherboy and Sistergirl).
About Lucian Marine
Lucian (they/them) is a gender queer, art therapist and health worker, interested in connection, inclusion and sustainability. They grew up in regional towns feeling out of place and sometimes unsafe. Living within more accepting and inclusive communities enabled them to feel seen and cultivate a sense of belonging and pride.
Through Creative Circles, Lucian facilitates art therapy sessions and community group programs for young people, carers, LGBTQIA+ and gender non-conforming people. They are intrigued by the power of groups to grow interpersonal connections and a sense of belonging. The positive impacts of groups can continue to unfurl long after the they have ended. Lucian is interested in collaborative community projects and art making in groups. Lucian started Rainbow Arts Therapy, and joined organisational inclusion networks to become a more visible advocate and ally, which they found to be an empowering and healing experience.
Noticing a gap between the inclusive services people want to provide, and the practical application of LGBTQIA+ affirming care, Lucian facilitates professional development for creative and expressive arts and health workers to grow inclusive practices.
Find these free posters on the below websites to promote inclusivity in your practice.
https://zbgc.org.au/resources/
https://www.transhub.org.au/
The 2023 Creative Mental Health Forum and Self Care Retreat Welcomes Lucian
WE WELCOME
CREATIVE THERAPISTS,
ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
AND EDUCATORS WHO:
want to learn more about creative mental health,
be inspired by holistic and diverse workshops and presenters,
and “refill your well” with time in a beautiful nurturing environment and space for self care.
Leave a Reply