Queer bodies and queer practices

This chapter sets out to generate discourse and provocation, in order to move the field forward with respect to inclusive practice with lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) clients. It proposes the challenges of dramatherapy practice with LGBTQI populations have been documented in few sources and a queer theoretical framework to consider these challenges. Critical theory and queer theory converge in a place of disrupting the status quo with the aim of questioning and envisioning a potential for change. Through queer theory, dramatherapists can interrogate implicit and taken-for-granted assumptions of heteronormativity and homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in their practice and in the greater societal culture. A culture of silence is particularly prevalent for LGBTQI youth developing their understanding of their sexual orientation and gender identity and can result in the continued oppression of sexual and gender minorities and further propagate the heteronormativity upheld by those in privilege and power.