Naturalistic psychedelic experiences and gender-based self-acceptance in transgender and gender-expansive people
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.