The Effects of Participation in Ayahuasca Rituals on Gays' and Lesbians' Self Perceptiion
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Authors
Cavnar, Clancy
Issue Date
2011
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
"identity","hallucinogenic drugs","homosexuality","religious practices"
Alternative Title
Abstract
The practice of drinking the psychoactive drink ayahuasca has been shown in several studies to have positive long-term effects on mental states, and several studies have suggested it has a powerful positive impact on perceptions of identity. This research sought to discover if and in what way these previous findings would be seen in gay people, who are often taught by their culture and religion that their lifestyles, values, and sexual orientation are unacceptable. This qualitative study examined the interview responses of 17 gay and lesbian-identified participants who had used ayahuasca in a group in the past three years regarding their self-perceptions. The results indicated that all participants reported positive effects on their lives from ayahuasca rituals, including affirmation of their sexual orientation, and no participants reported adverse effects on their perception of identity.