Music therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic approach delivered by qualified professionals that employs music to promote the mental and physical health of individuals (WFMT, 2011). The present research aims to explore the views of professional music therapists in Greece on the needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals and how music therapy can enhance their confidence and well-being. A similar study was done by Boggan et al. (2017) in which they collected music therapists' views on queer music therapy and the use of the model created by Bain et al. (2016) Based on the importance of inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in therapeutic practices, understanding how music therapists connect with this community is considered particularly important. A previous qualitative study of music therapy with two gender-diverse individuals, in the context of a humanistic and psychodynamic approach, showed very positive results on their support and empowerment. The music therapist pointed out that in these cases she followed an individualized approach and differentiated techniques in her clinical work (Kyriakidou, 2024).

The aim of the survey is to record, through a questionnaire, the views of music therapists who work in Greece, regarding the needs and experiences of LGBTQIA+ people, to highlight the level of education and awareness of Greek music therapists on issues concerning the LGBTQIA+ community, to explore the existence of prejudices or stereotypes in the field of music therapy, and to present the suggestions of Greek music therapists towards a more inclusive practice in music therapy. The research hypothesis is that the results of the study are expected to show that although music therapists are willing to work with people from the LGBTQΙA+ community, they often may not be exactly aware of their specific characteristics, and their relevant training may be lacking in terms of LGBTQΙA+ issues. For this reason, it is important that queer theory and the principles of intersectionality are integrated into the education and training of both pre-service and in-service music therapists in order to enable them to effectively maintain their therapeutic relationship with LGBTQΙA+ individuals and to assist in providing the appropriate treatment to empower and support their well-being.

• Inclusion, marginalization, bullying and exclusion
• Music education for social justice and equality

Dimitra Koniari (PhD) serves as Laboratory Teaching Personnel (Department of Music Science and Art, University of Macedonia). She is a graduate of the Department of Music Studies (AUTh), holds a DEA in Cognitive Sciences (Free University of Brussels), and a PhD from the Department of Education and Social Policy (University of Macedonia). She is a member of EAS (European Association for Music in Schools), of GSME (Greek Society for Music Education), and head of the editorial board of the journal of GSME, Music Education. Her research interests lie in the field of music psychology, music education and music neurodidactics.

Artemi Neuhaus is a graduate of the Department of Music Science and Art of the University of Macedonia and majored in Applied Music Studies-Music Education and holds degrees in harmony, counterpoint and piano. She has participated in many choral projects both with the choir of the University of Macedonia and independently. Her research interests lie in Queer Studies and its connection with music.