Gayze through the looking glass: The curious absence of queer narratives in psychedelia
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – April 02, 2024
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Queer psychedelic experiences are critically under-documented, despite rising public acceptance of both LGBTQ+ identities and psychedelic medicines. In Canada, the USA, and the UK, anti-2SLGBTQ+ sentiments clash with enthusiasm for psychedelics. Integrating diverse queer narratives, informed by history and gender studies, is vital for ethical psychedelic-assisted psychotherapies. This ensures safe, accessible care, protecting against gender-based violence. Acknowledging varied sexuality and behavior, and their expression in literature and broader sociology, is crucial for inclusive healing models.
Abstract
Abstract Background and Aims Despite increasing public acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community and psychedelic medicines, published accounts of queer psychedelia are limited. Specifically, the queer nature of psychedelics and the parallels between narratives of being queer and of psychedelic experiences, are lacking. This report brings queer experiences of psychedelia out of the metaphorical closet and argues for the development of Queer Affirming models of Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy (QA-PAP). Methods This knowledge report examines the extant psychedelic literature as it relates to queerness, and positions it against reports of rising anti-2SLGBTQ+ sentiments, and legislation aimed at dismantling civil liberties. Results Specifically in Canada, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom, the current socio-political climate fosters increasingly positive attitudes towards psychedelic medicine, while recently won 2SLGBTQ+ civil rights are under attack. The convergence of these trends means the psychedelic community must guard against repetition of mistakes made during the first wave of psychedelic research. Conclusions Including queer narratives within psychedelic research is integral to the equitable, safe, effective and accessible implementation of emerging modalities of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapies (PAP), and to ensure that ethical standards protect patients from sexual and gender based violence.