Duke OTD students have been exposed to how sexual identities shape and are shaped by occupation. That connection has been the focus of research in Occupational Science for several decades. Here is a sample of research illustrating how the research has developed over time. As with all research, there is much room for expansion. All the articles are available through Duke Libraries.
Angell, A. M. (2014). Occupation-centered analysis of social difference: Contributions to a socially responsive occupational science. Journal of Occupational Science, 21(2), 104-116.
Bailey, D., & Jackson, J. (2005). The occupation of household financial management among lesbian couples. Journal of Occupational Science, 12(2), 57-68.
Beagan, B., & Saunders, S. (2005). Occupations of masculinity: Producing gender through what men do and don't do. Journal of Occupational Science, 12(3), 161-169.
Beagan, B. L., & Hattie, B. (2015). LGBTQ experiences with religion and spirituality: Occupational transition and adaptation. Journal of Occupational Science, 22(4), 459-476.
Beagan, B. L., De Souza, L., Godbout, C., Hamilton, L., MacLeod, J., Paynter, E., & Tobin, A. (2012). “This is the biggest thing you'll ever do in your life”: Exploring the occupations of transgendered people. Journal of Occupational Science, 19(3), 226-240.
Devine, R., & Nolan, C. (2007). Sexual identity & human occupation: A qualitative exploration. Journal of Occupational Science, 14(3), 154-161.
Dowers, E., White, C., Kingsley, J., & Swenson, R. (2019). Transgender experiences of occupation and the environment: A scoping review. Journal of Occupational Science, 26(4), 496-510.
Gish, A., Kiepek, N., & Beagan, B. (2020). Methamphetamine use among gay men: an interpretive review of a non-sanctioned occupation. Journal of Occupational Science, 27(1), 26-38.
Jackson, J. (1995). Sexual orientation: Its relevance to occupational science and occupational therapy practice. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 49(7), 669-679.
Lukas, M., Forsyth, L., Lee-Bunting, K., & Forwell, S. (2021). “This is me”: The transition of coming out for gay men through an occupational perspective. Journal of Occupational Science, 1-13.
Twinley, R. (2014). Sexual orientation and occupation: Some issues to consider when working with older gay people to meet their occupational needs. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(12), 623-625.