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Exploring Self-Reported Effects of Naturalistic Psychedelic Use Among Gender and Sexual Minorities: A Quantitative
Rafaelle Lancelotta1, Meghan DellaCrosse1, Diana Quinn2
1College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
|June 19, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic experiences may improve mental health and identity exploration for LGBTQIA+ individuals. This study suggests potential therapeutic benefits for gender dysphoria and increased self-acceptance in this population.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Psychedelic Research
- Sociology of Gender and Sexuality
Background:
- LGBTQIA+ individuals face unique mental health challenges.
- Psychedelics are being explored for therapeutic potential.
- Limited research exists on psychedelic use within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate subjective psychedelic experiences in the LGBTQIA+ population.
- To examine the impact of psychedelics on identity and mental health outcomes.
- To assess the perceived therapeutic potential of psychedelics for gender dysphoria.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 346 LGBTQIA+ individuals reporting psychedelic use.
- Validated measures of acute psychedelic effects, psychological flexibility, and mental health.
- Analysis of self-reported changes in gender and sexual identity attitudes.
Main Results:
- Most participants (77.2%) endorsed therapeutic potential for gender dysphoria.
- Significant improvements in mental health: reduced traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety.
- Increased psychological flexibility and positive shifts in gender and sexual identity.
- Correlation between psychedelic experience intensity and self-acceptance/identity exploration.
Conclusions:
- Psychedelic experiences show potential for positive mental health impact in LGBTQIA+ individuals.
- Psychedelics may facilitate identity exploration and self-acceptance.
- Preliminary support for further research into psychedelic-assisted therapy for marginalized communities.
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