Ryn Heine L&S Social Sciences
Psilocybin Usage in the Transgender Community
Although existing research has not examined the effect of psilocybin use for individuals experiencing gender dysphoria, the available literature documenting the positive impact of psilocybin use for anxiety, depression, and relationship to body experience, suggests that it may be well-suited to help support those undergoing gender transition. The research that has found psilocybin to be supportive of processing trauma may also contribute to assisting in trans mental health. Gender-affirming care remains the best way to treat gender dysphoria, however, psilocybin use may be able to support trans mental health during the gender transition process by promoting connectivity to the body, while also addressing the disproportionate rates of anxiety and depression. In the proposed study, we will investigate how experiences with psilocybin impact transgender individuals’ depression, anxiety, relationship to previous trauma, and gender dysphoria. The aim of this study is to extend existing literature supporting the use of psilocybin to promote well-being in clinical populations to an in-need community with limited treatment options.
Message To Sponsor
Thank you so much for funding my research! I am so grateful for all of the support that you are providing and for the opportunity with my honors thesis. I am so excited to be able to take part in this research and cannot wait to begin. You have made this possible for me and I am forever grateful.