Gender Exploration Through Art

LGBTQIA+ Friendly Art Therapy
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Not Everything Fits into Boxes

 

“Is it a boy or a girl?” Why is that the first question?

Blue or pink? Trucks or dolls?  Haven’t we grown past this?  

People like simple, and binaries are simple; pick A or B.  

But that’s not my reality, and it’s not the reality for many, many people.

Trying to fit into a box that doesn’t feel right can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, confusion, and even anger.

One can feel out of place as well as be subjected to judgment and discrimination…

All for not wanting to check a box.

So much of the world just doesn’t get it, and it can be scary.

Comic fo man asking if child is boy or girl; parent responds that it's too early to tell

Art Therapy Can Help You Explore Freely

You won’t be judged here.

Self identity is a core part of how we see ourselves and how we interact with the world. 

Part of becoming yourself may include questioning the assumptions we grew up with and finding a place or several places along the spectrum of the rainbow.  

Art therapy creates a space where creative exploration of self-identity and self-expression is possible. 

Art goes beyond the binaries and can hold paradox, contrast of opposing elements. A space for questioning, mystery, and the undefined. 

Art therapy is a perfect way to navigate the twists and turns of self-acceptance.

Maggi Horseman - Art Therapist in Columbus, OH

I’m Maggi, art therapist in Columbus 

and I get it.

I have had a lifelong interest and exploration in gender and sexuality studies.

More than an ally, I come from a place of understanding that much of life falls within a spectrum rather than in binaries.

Difficult times in life can be a lot easier when someone has your back and is willing to sit with you in the dark.

I’ll be here with you through the whole process, wherever that journey takes you.

Getting Started is Easy

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Find Yourself

Start getting back to feeling yourself again- free from sadness and worry.

How can Art Therapy help?

 

 Art goes beyond binaries.  Art can act as a container for unknowns and for emotions you may not fully understand.  Art has the unique ability to explore symbolic, contrasting, unconscious, and even uncomfortable aspects of a person. This might be in relationship to themselves, their family, and/or their community and society as a whole.  

Is there something wrong with me?

 

The more important question is “are you suffering?”  I haven’t used the phrases gender issues or sexuality issues here because this is society’s issue and identity is a self-chosen description of who you are.  Therapy is great for alleviating anxiety and uncomfortable feelings or negative thinking, so suffering can be soothed.  

Why is gender identity important?

 

Being able to explore and express who you are can be one of the most satisfying and affirming lifetime experiences.  In a world that doesn’t understand and can be cruel, finding a place of acceptance and celebration for yourself can be way to heal the misunderstandings, discrimination, and cruelties that can be a part of someone’s history.  

How does Art Therapy work with Gender Identity?

 

Visual exploration can help a person experiment with their identity.  You can characterize internal aspects of yourself such as qualities and characters.  You can give voice to those parts that haven’t felt free to speak.  Through art activities you can create greater distance from others you don’t want to have as much influence over your thoughts and feelings.  Art sometimes gives us a way to discover options beyond the binary that show a path of integration and acceptance. 

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