Title: Addressing Sexuality in Gender-Affirming Care: The Role of Occupational Therapy
Date: 2025-08-18
Author/Creator: McGinley, Kendall M.
Abstract: Introduction: Gender-affirming care is essential to the health and well-being of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals. Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) can provide this care in a variety of occupations, including more taboo and private occupations, like sexuality. Purpose: This doctoral capstone project examines the role of occupational therapy in addressing sexuality within the lens of gender-affirming care. It will explore different areas of sexuality and how gender identity can impact occupational participation and performance. There are a variety of occupational therapy specific and interdisciplinary theories and models that will be applied to guide practice in this area. Approach: Following the research and development of the resource guide and presentation, individuals within the field of occupational therapy and in the field of gender-affirming care reviewed the materials and gave feedback. The feedback was analyzed and applied to improve the final product for dissemination. Outcomes: The feedback received demonstrated that there was a wealth of information regarding this topic. There were specific suggestions regarding the implementation of case studies to apply the concepts and theories; inclusion of goal areas within case studies to demonstrate goal writing within sexuality; additional information on trauma, masculine and feminine assumed roles, interventions for sexuality; and fleshing out occupational therapy’s role and how it differs from other professions. Recommendations: Future research in this practice area could include direct input from TGD perspectives, sex with chronic pain, massage and other somatic techniques incorporated into practice, before and after care, co-occurrence with other identities (such as spinal cord injury), specific indications of when to refer to other providers, and interventions for pelvic floor OTs with this population.
Advisor: Darla Coss, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Department/School: Occupational Science/Occupational Therapy
Degree Name: Doctor of Occupational Therapy
