LGBTQ+ Ayahuasca Retreat Experience is Associated with Benefits to Mental Health, Quality of Life, and Spiritual Well-being: A Prospective, Naturalistic Study
PsyArXiv Preprints – June 13, 2025
Source: PsyArXiv
Summary
LGBTQ+ participants experienced significant mental health improvements after attending ayahuasca ceremonies at a week-long retreat. The study followed 19 individuals, finding marked decreases in depression and anxiety, while spiritual well-being and life quality increased. Many participants described the psychedelic experience as deeply meaningful, reporting better relationships and reduced substance use afterward.
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. Nineteen individuals attending a seven-day ayahuasca retreat completed assessments across six time points from two weeks pre-ceremony to three 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 a 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 such practices for healing, empowerment, and identity affirmation. The results suggest that intentional, culturally responsive psychedelic experiences may offer a valuable therapeutic pathway for SGM individuals. Further research in larger, controlled trials is warranted to better understand these outcomes and support inclusive psychedelic science.