LGBTQ+ Ayahuasca Retreat Experience is Associated with Benefits to Mental Health, Quality of Life, and Spiritual Well-Being: A Prospective, Naturalistic Study.
Matthew X Lowe, Quinn A Darby, Sasha Kalcheff-korn, Heather Jackson
Journal of psychoactive drugs March 13, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2026.2644858 via PubMed
Summary
Participants from sexual and gender minority (SGM) backgrounds who attended a seven-day ayahuasca retreat reported significant reductions in depression and anxiety, as well as increases in spiritual well-being and quality of life, particularly within the first month post-retreat. Many described the experience as one of the most meaningful of their lives, with positive behavioral changes such as improved relationships and reduced substance use. Adverse effects were minimal and temporary.
Study at a glance
| Design | prospective, naturalistic study |
|---|---|
| Population | sexual and gender minority individuals attending an ayahuasca retreat |
| Key finding | The ayahuasca retreat led to significant reductions in depression and anxiety scores among SGM participants. |
Abstract
Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals experience disproportionately high rates of depression, anxiety, trauma, and discrimination, yet remain underrepresented in psychedelic research. This prospective, naturalistic study explored the impact of an ayahuasca retreat experience on mental health, quality of life, and spiritual well-being among SGM participants. Participants attended a seven-day ayahuasca retreat and completed assessments across six time points from 2-4 weeks pre-ceremony to 2-3 months post-ceremony. Findings revealed significant reductions in depression and anxiety scores, alongside increases in spiritual well-being and quality of life, particularly within the first month following the retreat. Participants consistently described the experience as highly meaningful and spiritually significant, with many identifying the ceremony as among the most meaningful of their lives. Benefits were further supported by reports of positive behavioral changes, including improved interpersonal relationships and reduced substance use. Adverse effects were minimal and transient. Importantly, this study addresses the historical gap in the literature and highlights the need to reconceptualize psychedelic spaces as inclusive and reparative for queer communities. Given the historical misuse of psychedelics in conversion therapy, these findings mark a critical step in reclaiming psychedelics for SGM healing, empowerment, and identity affirmation.