Exploring Self-Reported Effects of Naturalistic Psychedelic Use Among Gender and Sexual Minorities: A Quantitative Survey Study.

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This study investigated subjective psychedelic experiences in the global LGBTQIA+ population. Using validated measures of acute psychedelic effects, psychological flexibility, gender and sexual identity attitudes, adverse experiences, and mental health, we examined self-reported changes in identity and mental health outcomes following psychedelic use. A total of 346 individuals completed the survey. The sample was predominantly White (78.6%) with a mean age of 31.7 years. Over half were assigned female at birth (57.8%), and participants identified across diverse gender categories: women (28.9%), genderqueer (19.5%), nonbinary (17.6%), and men (15.9%). Participants reported lifetime use of classical psychedelics (M = 22.8) and MDMA (M = 11.3). Most (77.2%) endorsed the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for gender dysphoria, and 65.3% reported changes in gender identity attitudes post-experience. Retrospective self-reports indicated significant changes in sexual identity and commitment, with effects ranging from small to large. Mental health improvements included reductions in traumatic stress (d = 1.051), depression (d = 0.756), and anxiety (d = 0.859), and increased psychological flexibility (d = 0.996). Canonical correlation analysis identified a significant relationship (Rc = 0.49, p = .001) between the intensity of acute psychedelic effect and increases in self-acceptance and sexual identity exploration. These findings suggest that psychedelic experiences may positively impact mental health and facilitate identity exploration in LGBTQIA+ individuals. This study offers preliminary support for further research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics within marginalized communities.