The Effects of Ayahuasca Ritual Participation on Gay and Lesbian Identity

Gay and lesbian people who drink ayahuasca in ceremonial settings report affirmation of their sexual orientation and no negative effects on their identity. This qualitative study of 17 self-identified gay and lesbian participants who had consumed ayahuasca in shamanic, Santo Daime, or Afro-Brazilian ceremonies within the past three years found that the brew's positive effects on mental states and perceptions of identity, previously observed in general populations, extend to this group. Participants also attributed additional positive changes in other life areas to their ayahuasca sessions.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The practice of drinking ayahuasca-a psychoactive brew indigenous to the Amazon-has been investigated in several studies and shown to have positive long-term effects on mental states, and a particularly strong positive effect on perceptions of identity. This article discusses if these previous findings can be found in the experience of gay people, who are often taught by their culture and religion that their lifestyles, values, and sexual orientation are unacceptable. The qualitative study examined the interview responses of 17 self-identified gay and lesbian participants who had drunk ayahuasca in a ceremonial context within the past three years, regarding their self-perceptions and integration of group beliefs. Participants drank either in shamanic or Santo Daime ceremonies or, in the case of one participant, with an Afro-Brazilian group that used ayahuasca. Participants reported affirmation of their sexual orientation, and no participants reported negative effects on perception of identity. Additional positive effects in other areas of their lives, which they attributed to ayahuasca sessions, contributed to the overall positive outcomes that were reported by this group as a result of their ritual participation.