Journal of Psychedelic Studies
July 1, 2019
Jamilah R. George, Timothy I. Michaels, Jae Sevelius et al.
222 citations
The resurgence of psychedelic science for treating psychiatric conditions like depression, PTSD, and addiction owes much to indigenous healing practices, yet the contributions of indigenous people, ethnic and racial minorities, women, and other disenfranchised groups are often overlooked in the mainstream narrative. This review first highlights the traditional role of psychedelic plants and summarizes the history of psychedelic medicine, then explores historical and sociocultural factors that have led to unequal research participation and treatment. It recommends broadening the Western medical framework to include a cultural focus and inclusive approaches for future treatment development and dissemination.
Frontiers in Psychiatry
October 10, 2022
Christopher S. Stauffer, Melanie Brown, Dee Adams et al.
40 citations
Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people face higher rates of stigma, discrimination, trauma, and PTSD, yet are underrepresented in PTSD research. Clinical trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy show promise for treating PTSD, but issues of equitable access, power imbalances, and vulnerable states of consciousness are magnified for TGD people. Through three virtual focus groups with 17 TGD participants who had trauma-related mental health care, the study identified barriers to adequate gender-affirming and trauma-informed care, frustration with providers lacking cultural humility, and suggested protocol amendments including routine collection of trans-inclusive gender identity data, an explicit gender-affirming treatment approach, culturally safe settings, and diverse co-therapy dyads. Inclusion of TGD voices promotes equitable access and helps tailor research to community needs.
Journal of psychoactive drugs
June 18, 2025
Rafaelle Lancelotta, Meghan DellaCrosse, Diana Quinn et al.
7 citations
Among 346 LGBTQIA+ individuals, mostly White and in their early 30s, those who used psychedelics reported improvements in mental health and shifts in gender and sexual identity. Retrospective reports showed large reductions in traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety, along with increased psychological flexibility. A significant link emerged between the intensity of the psychedelic experience and greater self-acceptance and sexual identity exploration. Most participants (77%) saw therapeutic potential in psychedelics for gender dysphoria, and 65% reported changes in gender identity attitudes after use. The findings suggest psychedelics may support identity exploration and mental health in this population, warranting further research.
Journal of Evolutionary Psychology
September 21, 2020
Monnica T. Williams, Amy Bartlett, Tim Michaels et al.
7 citations
Equity and diversity are essential for inclusive psychedelic research, yet oversights and misattributions of key figures persist. Dr. Valentina Pavlovna Wasson, an important early contributor to Western psychedelic science, remains under-recognized. Researchers must critically examine the foundations of psychedelic studies with an intersectional lens to avoid replicating social and cultural inequalities in the field's research and history.
International Journal of Transgender Health
March 19, 2025
Skylar J. Gaughan, Angie R. Wootton, Daphne Krantz et al.
6 citations
Transgender and gender-expansive (TGE) people use psychedelics in naturalistic, non-clinical settings to explore and affirm their gender identity. Interviews with 20 TGE individuals revealed three main themes: the mindset and physical setting of a psychedelic experience shape its quality; such experiences often increase self-acceptance of gender identity through greater self-compassion and a broader concept of gender; and participants reported both challenging effects like gender dysphoria and benefits like gender euphoria. The findings suggest clinicians should help TGE clients prepare a gender-affirming setting before psychedelic use and support shifts in gender understanding afterward.
Frontiers in Psychiatry
January 22, 2026
Jae Sevelius, Rachel Lynn Golden, B. Stott et al.
1 citation
A novel group-based ketamine-assisted psychotherapy program called Kindred, which integrates cognitive processing therapy, was tested with eight transgender and gender-expansive adults. The nine-week intervention alternated ketamine dosing sessions with cognitive skills-building and integration sessions. All participants completed the program and reported high satisfaction. Significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and cognitive fusion scores were observed, alongside qualitative reports of decreased shame, suicidality, and internalized transphobia. Participants identified group belonging, peer validation, and shared identity as important therapeutic factors. The findings suggest Kindred is a feasible and promising intervention for addressing mental health symptoms related to identity-based trauma in this population.