Devlynn Neu, MS OTR/L, LSVT BIG
What is your passion and area of practice in occupational therapy?
As of right now, I am a traveling occupational therapist and I absolutely love the exposure to many different cultures and OT practice settings. I work in a long-term acute care/skilled nursing facility and really enjoy the diversity in caseload and functional ability, though my happy place would ideally be acute rehab. I absolutely love working with neuro populations and plan to expand my expertise in this area.
My primary passion outside of neuro rehab is working with and advocating for LGBTQIA+ individuals within and outside of the healthcare system. My goal is to provide and enhance education, representation, and inclusion for those who identify within the LGBT+ community, in hopes to elicit a lasting impact on reducing suicidal ideation and attempts, as well as improving the overall healthcare experience the community. Trans men and women are almost 50% more likely to experience suicidal ideation or attempts based on their experiences while in a healthcare setting, due to the treatment they receive from healthcare professionals. The stats are unacceptable and we have the power to change them.
What is your cultural or racial background? How does this influence you as a person and/or as an OT?
I was born and raised in Rochester, NY! My family is primarily of German and Irish decent, but both of my parents were born in the US. I knew from a young age that I am gay, though it wasn’t until early teenage years that realized what that really means. I was the first member of my family (to knowledge) to openly identify with the LGBT+ community so it has been a learning experience for all of us in terms of education and acceptance. I think being gay and being ‘different’ from the societal norm empowers me to empathize with other marginalized groups and has broadened my understanding of the importance of advocacy and speaking up for what you believe in. Living my life openly and going through the struggles of being open with my sexual orientation has furthered my appreciation for diversity. Comprehending the importance of diversity, identity, and inclusion not only strengthens my understanding of what it means to be an OT, but more importantly it strengthens my understanding for what it means to be a human. All of these things spill into every aspect of who I am as an occupational therapist and into the care that I provide.
What is it like being a minority in this profession as a male and someone that identifies as being within the LGBTQ+ community? Any advice for minority students pursuing a career in occupational therapy?
Being a male in healthcare and particularly in occupational therapy has a unique set of challenges, especially in the context of ADLs and understanding roles. We have to approach tasks like bathing or toileting with patients who identify as female with extra respect and understanding of boundaries and beliefs, while still achieving the same goals. As an OT who openly identifies as gay, I have to be conscious of each person and analyze if it’s therapeutically relevant or beneficial to let them in to my identity. I have to think about their beliefs and culture in regards to working with a male in general, as well as working with gay male. I have to think about what is therapeutically best and most comfortable for my patients, while also considering these aspects for myself and my safety.
One interesting fact about you:
My favorite occupation in singing! I even auditioned for The Voice one time during undergrad in college and well.. didn’t make it too far! I once hit the high note in Dream On (I’m a bass/baritone) and totally have witnesses to prove it, though I absolutely cannot hit it anymore.
Where can we connect with you online?
IG handle/Blog/Website: IG: @therainbowOT
Blog/Website: www.therainbowOT.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/therainbowot
