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Expanding the Map, Drawing New Territories

Alyssa B. Gursky

May 5, 2026 DOI: 10.4324/9781003567578-23 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper
Keywords Queer Cognitive reframing Creativity Harm Ethnography Intersection aeronautics Transgender Agency philosophy Aesthetics Epistemology Silence Engineering ethics Identity music Ethical issues
Key points Argues that integrating psychedelic and queer art therapies enables LGBTQIA+ clients to embody queer worldmaking, affirm identities, and reframe outdated narratives through creativity and non-ordinary states.

Abstract

This chapter explores the intersection of psychedelic and queer art therapies within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities. The author's experiences as a practitioner, researcher, and community member contextualize this interdisciplinary approach to queer worldmaking with clients. It outlines a practice lineage for this emerging framework, blending lived experiences with literature examining the use of psychedelics for and against LGBTQIA+ individuals. The chapter highlights recent efforts to create supportive queer spaces in psychedelic research, alongside theoretical and practical analyses of how art and psychedelic therapies can enhance support for the LGBTQIA+ community. The author demonstrates how creativity and non-ordinary states enable clients to embody queer worldmaking, with clinical insights illustrating how art therapy can affirm identities and reframe outdated narratives, all while emphasizing ethical considerations and harm reduction.