A case is made for the value of art therapy in addressing traumatic interpersonal and structural experiences of cis-heterosexist violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) clients. The urgency of developing culturally responsive approaches to art therapy for trauma is highlighted by reviewing research on mental health among sexual and gender minorities (SGM). Interventions are investigated through intersectionality and minority stress theory to provide a preliminary overview of current research and practice-based results for art therapy. These subjective and objective interventions are divided, then related to recent literature on art therapy with LGBTQIA + populations. Subjective interventions include critical self-reflexivity of art therapists, challenging harmful assumptions, raising awareness, externalising and self-expression, facilitating positive identity development, supporting the coming-out process, strengthening interpersonal relationships, fostering family-of-origin and peer acceptance, and cultivating resilience and hope. Objective interventions include critically conscious studio audits, affirming media and materials, LGBTQIA + continuing education and training, community connections and resources, organisational advocacy, workplace advocacy, and political engagement. Overall, these considerations are limited due to the lack of comprehensive and formal research on art therapy for SGM trauma experiences. Implications such as the need for further research and adaptive frameworks are discussed. Clinical recommendations and examples are presented throughout to highlight the nascent and imaginative work that art therapists have done with LGBTQIA + clients.
