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

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 (<i>M</i> = 22.8) and MDMA (<i>M</i> = 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, <i>p</i> = .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.

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