LGBT people and Occupational Science: a literature review

Abstract

Objective

To know the investigations within occupational science that involve the LGBT population.

Methodology

A literature review was performed using the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and EBSCOhost, and a direct query in the list of references.

Results

24 articles were selected to be analyzed and grouped into 3 general categories according to the type of group belonging to the LGBT population that was studied. The categories were (1) trans people and occupation, (2) gay men and occupation, and (3) lesbian women and occupation. These categories, in turn, were divided into specific thematic axes.

Conclusion

Occupational science studies have covered the occupational experiences of LGBT people in a limited way. Occupational transition and gender performativity through occupation are issues that are addressed transversally in most categories of analysis. A lack of intersectional approach is highlighted in emerging research to be able to understand in a more complex way the occupation and the structures of exclusion and discrimination experienced by LGBT people.

Keywords:
Gender Diversity; Sexual Dissidents; Gender Studies; Occupational Therapy