An interpretivist investigation of the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ music therapists’ identity concealment and self-disclosure in workplace environments

Introduction In workplace environments, LGBTQIA+ individuals can experience the dilemma of whether to conceal their sexual or gender identity or to self-disclose and possibly be put at risk for discriminatory behaviors. To date, there is a lack of literature centering and amplifying the voices of LGBTQIA+ music therapists regarding concealment and self-disclosure. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand the lived experiences of how LGBTQIA+-identifying music therapists navigate concealment and self-disclosure in their workplaces.Method We developed inclusion criteria to include board-certified music therapists with one or more years of work experience who self-identified as LGBTQIA+ and were able to communicate in English. We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with five music therapists. We used interpretive phenomenological analysis to analyze data. Participants checked the accuracy of the transcripts and member-checked the findings for trustworthiness.Results We identified six themes: (1) A disconnect between the stated culture and experienced climate of the workplace; (2) Experiencing LGBTQIA+ discrimination in the workplace; (3) Balancing personal safety and authenticity at work; (4) Visibility and LGBTQIA+ support for service users and staff; (5) Therapist disclosure in the therapeutic space; and (6) Creating an LGBTQIA+ affirming workplace.Discussion Although most music therapists disclosed their LGBTQIA+ identities to their work colleagues, the decisions to conceal or disclose tended to center around the therapeutic relationship and safety for the music therapists. Implications for clinical practice, limitations, and suggestions for future research are provided.