Identity Works
Led by: Sofia Margaritidou
+357 22559486
s.margaritidou@euc.ac.cy
About Identity Works
The Identity Works program was launched in 2025 to explore the emerging role of occupational therapy for LGBTQIA+ individuals and groups. It focuses on addressing occupational and participation needs related to gender identity, gender expression, and sexuality.
LGBTQIA+ individuals often experience everyday life in contexts that are shaped by social expectations, norms, and access to different environments. Their participation in meaningful occupations, such as work, education, relationships, community engagement, leisure, and self-expression, can be influenced by acceptance, inclusion, equality and opportunities. When social environments lack those, many individuals may experience injustices, exclusion, or stigma, leading to deteriorating mental health and the need to conceal their authentic selves. Over time, these barriers can limit opportunities to engage in occupations they want, need, or are expected to pursue.
Moreover, there are specific occupations that allow an individual to affirm their gender and identity, such as chest binding, tucking, dressing, self-care, and so on. These occupations are closely connected to occupational therapy, as they fall within everyday activities that shape identity, participation, and well-being. Occupational therapy recognises that engagement in meaningful and identity-affirming occupations is essential for health and quality of life.
Free Service
Group or Individual sessions
Online or In Person
Educating EUC Students
What to expect from Identity Works
The identity works program aims to support LGBTQIA+ individuals in engaging in meaningful, necessary, and identity-affirming occupations. Through an occupational therapy perspective, it seeks to enhance participation, promote well-being, and address barriers related to gender identity, gender expression and sexuality. It focuses on creating safe, inclusive, and affirming occupational therapy spaces where individuals can explore, access and sustain everyday activities that reflect who they are.
The main features of the program include:
Environment and Approach
Identity Works is grounded in a non-judgmental, inclusive and affirming approach, ensuring a safe space where individuals can explore and express all of their identities.
Flexibility, Accessibility and Choice
The program offers flexible approaches to support participation across different life contexts, adapting to each individual’s needs, preferences, and circumstances. The service is collaborative and person-centred, with individuals actively involved in setting goals and shaping the focus of the intervention according to their priorities and experiences.
The Identity Works Team
Sofia Margaritidou
OT, MSc | Special Teaching Personnel | Supervisor Plastikids | Coordinator of Identity Works
Sofia Margaritidou is an Occupational Therapist and academic, currently serving as Special Teaching Personnel in the BSc program in Occupational Therapy at European University Cyprus. She supervises the university’s Occupational Therapy Lab, where students gain hands-on experience working with children with developmental challenges. Sofia holds a BSc in Occupational Therapy from the Technical University of Athens and an MSc in Occupational Therapy from Jönköping University, Sweden. She has a strong clinical background in early intervention and occupational therapy for neurodivergent children, with special expertise in autism and parent coaching.
Her teaching focuses on pediatric occupational therapy, client-centered practice, and the creation of inclusive learning spaces where every student feels safe, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Research is a vital part of Sofia’s professional identity. She has contributed to the international standardization of the EASI (Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration) tool and led a phenomenological study exploring how European occupational therapists use creativity as an intervention for autistic children. She has co-authored research selected for presentation at the 1st European Occupational Therapy Congress in Krakow, including work on neurodivergent-affirming practices and theater pedagogical approaches in OT education. She remains actively involved in multiple research initiatives across Europe.
Current Programs
Belonging – A group program for LGBTQIA+ individuals
The Belonging program is an innovative occupational therapy initiative aimed at empowering LGBTQIA+ individuals by supporting them in developing self-advocacy skills and expressing their identity safely. Through an affirming and inclusive approach, it promotes meaningful participation in everyday life, education, work, and community, while enhancing access to safe and supportive environments. It is grounded in the principle that safety, visibility, and equal participation are fundamental rights for all individuals.
The program consists of ten (10) sessions, during which participants engage in a guided process to develop a range of skills. Sessions are offered either online or in person. Cycles of the program start each academic semester (February/October) of every year.
This program can also be offered individually.
Essential Resources
Minority Stress Model
AOTA Caring for transgender and gender diverse individuals: ADLs and IADLs
Doing gender and being gendered through occupation: Transgender and non-binary experiences
Working With Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Clients: Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes
Join the Identity Works program
We focus on creating safe, inclusive, and affirming occupational therapy spaces where individuals can explore, access and sustain everyday activities that reflect who they are. Become a part of our lab today!