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Queering Psychedelics: From Oppression to Liberation in Psychedelic Medicine
As psychedelic-assisted therapy becomes more mainstream through cultural acceptance and policy changes, “Queering Psychedelics: From Oppression to Liberation in Psychedelic Medicine” seeks to promote accessibility and diversity in the field of psychedelic science, practice, and conversation.
This collection challenges and aims to dismantle the sexist, heteronormative, transphobic, and homophobic forms of oppression within the psychedelic community, paving the way for an inclusive future. Edited by Alex Belser, PhD, Clancy Cavnar, PsyD, and Beatriz C. Labate, PhD, “Queering Psychedelics” brings together diverse viewpoints from queer academic researchers, LGBTQIA+ clinicians, and indigenous and transgender advocates.
“This timely, informative, and exciting book offers hope, inspiration, and wisdom for a better future—for everyone. Read here now!”
Annie Sprinkle & Beth Stephens, Authors of Assuming the Ecosexual Position—the Earth as Lover
“Packed with well-referenced wisdom from the brightest minds in the psychedelic community. From addressing addiction with psychedelic therapy to exploring the dark history of psychedelic-assisted conversion therapy, these leaders are challenging heteronormativity, homophobia, transphobia, and sexism. Here’s to liberation for all!”
Julie Holland, MD, Author of GOOD CHEMISTRY: The Science of Connection, From Soul to Psychedelics
About the editors
Alex Belser, Ph.D.
Alex Belser is a psychologist and psychedelic researcher involved in clinical trials at NYU and Yale University, where he also co-founded the psychedelic research group. He has studied at Georgetown University, the University of Cambridge, Columbia University, NYU, and Yale University. He currently holds the position of Chief Clinical Officer at Cybin and previously served in the same role at Adelia Therapeutics. Additionally, he is a member of the Chacruna Institute’s Women, Gender Diversity, and Sexual Minorities Working Group. His research has focused on the use of psilocybin and MDMA to treat depression, anxiety, substance use, OCD, PTSD, and end-of-life distress. Belser is a co-author of EMBARK, a model for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, and contributed to “Psychedelic Justice: Toward a Diverse and Equitable Psychedelic Culture,” published by Synergetic Press in 2021.
Clancy Cavnar, Psy.D.
Clancy Cavnar holds a Psy.D. in clinical psychology from John F. Kennedy University in Pleasant Hill, CA. She practices privately in San Francisco and is a Co-Founder and Board member of the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines. Additionally, she is a research associate at the Interdisciplinary Group for Psychoactive Studies (NEIP). Cavnar is a clinical psychologist, artist, and researcher, with a Master of Fine Arts in painting from the San Francisco Art Institute and a Master’s in counseling from San Francisco State University. She completed the Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). She has authored and co-authored articles in several peer-reviewed journals and co-edited eleven books with Beatriz Caiuby Labate.
Beatriz Caiuby Labate, Ph.D.
Dr. Beatriz Caiuby Labate (Bia Labate) is a queer Brazilian anthropologist based in San Francisco. She holds a Ph.D. in social anthropology from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil. Her research interests include plant medicines, drug policy, shamanism, ritual, religion, and social justice. She serves as the Executive Director of the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines and is a Public Education and Culture Specialist at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Additionally, she is a Visiting Scholar at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley and an Advisor for the Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition. Labate co-founded the Interdisciplinary Group for Psychoactive Studies (NEIP) in Brazil and edits its site. She has authored, co-authored, and co-edited twenty-eight books, three special-edition journals, and numerous peer-reviewed articles.