“QUEERING PSYCHEDELICS”
By: Dustyn Gulledge
The World of Wonder (WOW) gallery located smack dab in the middle of Hollywood hosted the Chacruna Institute for a book launch last week on “Queering Psychedelics” written by researcher and psychologist, Alex Belser, co-authors Dr. Clancy Cavnar, Phd., and including founder of the Chacruna Institute, Dr. Bia Labate—-Unleashed LGBTQ was front and center to dig into all the “trippy” questions.
The entrance to the WOW gallery dazzled with a red carpet (actually electric purple), and a matching backdrop that featured patterned logos of RuPaul’s House of Love cocktails, Chacruna, and World of Wonder. I’m not one for impromptu photo ops, but I did the gracious thing and propped my copy of “Queering Psychedelics” with the title camera facing, suggested to the photographer we do at least three looks for a cheeky experience and Snap, snap, snap, snap. We did four, and had a laugh.
I purchased my copy of “Queering Psychedelics” only days before on Amazon after being told I’d be covering the event. I received it hours before, and was able to skim on a subject I knew little to nothing about. As a small town Texas boy whose sole experience with psychedelics, specifically psilocybin mushrooms, was pulling them out of cow dung, boiling them in cheap Lipton tea, and losing all touch with reality, I was…well, queerly intrigued by the notion of how something often associated with illegal drug use could be contextualized into a medical perspective.
The Chacruna Institute’s mission statement is to “promote reciprocity in the psychedelic community, and support the protection of sacred plants and cultural traditions.” I continued on their website from my phone, legs rambling their way over to the House of Love open bar. I was presented with five different flavors, and some mock options, each with a tiny logo of RuPaul flashing that iconic smile. In an attempt to flirt, I asked the bartender which was his favorite, but he chose the least appealing to me, so I broke up with him, settled on the savory Strawberry Daiquiri, and found my place beside a ten foot Ru-Paul… cardboard cutout. My first sip was intercepted by a soothing voice that commanded the buzzy attention of the room. It was Alex Blesser, holding a smile and his book, ‘Queering Psychedelics' (high in hand). I was all ears. Bresler welcomed the guests, voiced purpose around his book, and certitude over the research and personal experience of psychedelics treating PTSD, primarily in the LGBTQ+ community.
Following Alex Bresler, each co-author and contributor at the Chacruna Institute shared an excerpt of experience and personal research regarding the safe use of psychedelics, such as ayahuasca, biota, psilocybin mushrooms, and “other natural medicines” as a way to treat and heal different forms of PTSD, internalized homophobia, addiction, and other diagnosis often seen in the LGBTQ+ communities. “We, a hundred percent need to be thinking: how are we making psychedelic therapy accessible to people who need it the most,” inclusivity and diversity expert Ariel Vegosen, who focuses on the concept they call “psychedelic privilege” in the book (Page 21). “Right now, so much of this is illegal, and as it legalizes, it’s going to become expensive.”
Vegosen continued to share their research on the economic challenges queer, trans, non-binary, as well as other marginalized communities have historically been relegated from the access to these important treatments within our American healthcare system. Chacruna’s intention is to advocate for the safe accessibility to psychedelics as they inevitably become legalized and ostensibly eradicate the disproportion of socio-economic privilege around that access.
I thanked Alex Bresler as he signed my copy of “Queering Psychedelics,” and bid him a good night.
I am always on the side of keeping an open mind and I feel most people should. This, I believe, is how we nurture the diversity of our world and begin to understand that there may be more than one way of healing. It would be challenging not to read “Queering Psychedelics'' without a slight curiosity around exploring different forms of healing trauma in the LGBTQ+ community—especially, when so many other modules have historically failed or have been misrepresented in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Are psychedelics for healing various forms of trauma that “far-out” from the realm of possibility? Unleashed says: read “Queering Psychedelics” and expand your mind.
For more information on Chacruna, visit https://chacruna.net/
Other resources:
https://www.worldofwonder.com/
https://www.houseoflovecocktails.com/
RUPAUL’S DRAGCON LA - A RECAP
The Queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 7 pose with RuPaul during the ribbon cutting ceremony- Getty Images
[Los Angeles, CA - May 15, 2022] Emmy ® Award-winners RuPaul and World of Wonder (“RuPaul’s Drag Race,” “Million Dollar Listing,” “Wojnarowicz: F**k You F****t F**ker,” “Explant,” “Catch and Kill: The Podcast Tapes”) hosted the tenth annual RuPaul’s DragCon at the Los Angeles Convention Center this weekend. The drag and pop culture extravaganza welcomed 50,000 attendees, with over 150 the world’s top drag queens mixing and mingling with fans of all ages and backgrounds.
Said RuPaul: “The return of DragCon LA exceeded my wildest expectations. To our dazzling queens, our amazing vendors, and each and every one of our beautiful attendees, thank you for 3 dragalicious days of love, light and laughter. It takes a village, people! The celebration continues later this week as ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 7’ makes its global debut on Friday, May 20.”
Said World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato: “At this time in our herstory where we have spent so many months isolated from one another, we are especially delighted to bring our tribe together again to celebrate life and love at RuPaul’s DragCon LA 2022. Drag is the resistance! We thank the talented queens and gorgeous attendees of all ages and walks of life who joined us from all over the globe. Cheers with a House of Love cocktail and see you for RuPaul’s DragCon UK in January!”
RuPaul DJing from the House of Love MainStage - Getty Images
Created by RuPaul and World of Wonder Productions, RuPaul’s DragCon is a family-friendly event welcoming attendees from around the world to kiki with their favorite drag queens and pop culture stars in a creative, inclusive and accessible environment. RuPaul himself DJ’ed two dance party sets for all attendees to enjoy. House of Love cocktails and mocktails officially launched, with attendees and queens alike enjoying the beverages throughout the weekend. The House of Love-sponsored Main Stage included live runway performances, a kids’ fashion show, fan competitions and makeovers, and electrifying performances by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” stars The Frock Destroyers and rocker Adore Delano, among others. Other happenings on the convention show floor included fan signings, the ever-popular Kids’ Zone, and over 350 exhibitor booths offering everything from interactive fan experiences, exclusive merch, beauty products, apparel, art and more.
The three day event also included extensively curated panels, reuniting select casts for the franchise including “Bring Back My Girls,” an original WOW Presents Plus series of exclusive DragCon panel conversations with the casts of RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 12), RuPaul’s Drag Race vs. The World, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK (Seasons 1 & 2), RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, Canada’s Drag Race (Seasons 1 & 2) and Drag Race Holland (Seasons 1 & 2), hosted by TV personality and LGBTQ+ activist Ts Madison.
World of Wonder made major franchise announcements out of the convention, including the news that “Drag Race Philippines” will premiere exclusively on WOW Presents Plus on August 18, 2022 with “Drag Race” alum Jiggly Caliente serving as the first confirmed member of the judges panel. Jiggly herself announced the news from the Main Stage. World of Wonder also announced a full lineup of original programming coming to WOW Presents Plus in 2022. This slate includes reality dating show starring “Drag Race”’ star Miss Vanjie, “Vanjie: 24 Hours of Love” presented by House of Love, and second seasons of fan-favorites “All The Queens Men” and the previously announced season two of competition series “Painted with Raven.”
The convention featured Queens and other celebrity talent for performances, meet and greets, panels and more, including: RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Willow Pill, Jinkx Monsoon, Monét X Change, Raja, Shea Couleé, The Vivienne, Trinity the Tuck, Kornbread The Snack Jeté, Priyanka, Kita Mean, Lawrence Chaney, Symone, Kylie Sonique Love, Carmen Farala, Icesis Couture, Aquaria, Mariah Balenciaga, Alaska, Tammie Brown, Kim Chi, Heidi N Closet, Eureka O’Hara, Gigi Goode, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Kameron Michaels, Naomi Smalls, Pandora Boxx, Ariel Versace, Blu Hydrangea, Kahmora Hall, Mrs. Kasha Davis, Scarlet Envy, Nicky Doll, Vivacious, Dusty Ray Bottoms, Baga Chipz, Shuga Cain, Sasha Velour, the United Kingdolls, the Frock Destroyers, and more. Additional notable attendees include June Diane Raphael, Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ts Madison, Cheyenne Jackson, Julia Butters, Lisa Loeb, Adam Shankman, and Daniel Franzese, and World of Wonder co-founders & DragCon co-creators Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato.
DragCon also featured a robust lineup of special guest stars. Across the WOW Podcast Network, celebrities joined live recordings; Daniel Franzese (“Mean Girls’) joined It Do Take Nerd. “Drag Race” judge Carson Kressley got in on the action as well and sat down for the WOW Presents Plus: Fashion Photo Ruview panel. Cast members from upcoming feature film “Fire Island” including Joel Kim Booster and Matt Rogers, with drag queens Jan and Yuhua Hamasaki chatted with Variety’s Marc Malkin about what fans can expect from the film.
On Sunday, World of Wonder's WOWIE Awards took place to honor the very best in artistry, activism, entertainment, and more. This year's nominees feature the trailblazers, innovators, and legendary icons that made us go “WOW” in 2022. A full winners list is available HERE.
Hot off the heels of DragCon LA, World of Wonder also announced that tickets are also now on sale for DragCon UK 2023. The gag-worthy three-day spectacle, which will take place from Friday, January 6th to Sunday, January 8th 2023, will see ExCeL London play host and once again feature extraordinary Drag Queens from all over the world. For more information and to buy tickets and VIP experience passes to RuPaul’s DragCon UK at ExCeL London visit: https://uk.rupaulsdragcon.com/
World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey & Randy Barbato pose at WOW booth- Getty Images
About World of Wonder:
World of Wonder (WOW) has reshaped international pop culture, earning 28 Emmys, inspiring two Oscars, creating global network WOW Presents Plus across 190 territories, and bringing drag culture to the world stage via RuPaul’s Drag Race and DragCon. WOW’s pioneering television portfolio includes other smash-hit franchises like Million Dollar Listing. Their film division WOW Docs produces groundbreaking documentaries including Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures, Party Monster, and The Eyes of Tammy Faye. WOW also operates YouTube channel WOWPresents, music label World of Wonder Records, the WOW Podcast Network, and year-round international live events. Co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato have been profiled in Variety’s Reality TV Impact Report. Honors for their trailblazing work include the IDA Pioneer Award, Realscreen’s Global 100 list, and the OUT 100. Most recently, World of Wonder was ranked #2 among film and TV powerhouses in Fast Company’s World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies.
Nicky Doll & Wesley Smoot
Unleashed LGBTQ to Cover RuPaul's DragCon LA 2022
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY
These last two years have been a drag. And not in a cute way… COVID-19 has kept us from enjoying some of our favorite events, one in particular: RuPaul’s DragCon.
Not to worry Ms. Thang. RuPaul and World of Wonder Productions are proud to announce DragCon LA is back! Returning for its 10th ever in-person conference, this annual event celebrates the artistry and culture of Drag like no other. Attendees can expect three days of performances, panels, exhibitors, Q&As and everyone’s favorite: the chance to meet your favorite drag performers in-person. The convention will take place Friday, May 13th - Sunday, May 15th at the Los Angeles Convention Center, featuring — for the very first time — a full day of programming on Friday. Tickets are on sale now at RuPaulsDragCon.com.
Unleashed LGBTQ is honored to have the opportunity to cover Drag Con LA.
Wesley Smoot had this to say:
“This franchise (Ru Paul’s Drag Race) has seen so much success, we are privileged and honored to cover the events of DragCon LA 2022 and give our readers a glimpse inside one of the year’s most anticipated LGBTQ events.”
“Everyone from Alaska to Yuhua Hamasaki is included in this year’s line-up with more talent expected to come onboard. There’s over 100+ performers confirmed— DragCon 2022 is expected to be a powerhouse of talent and an unforgettable experience. I’m literally gagging!”
-Jojo Love
This three-day convention is the world’s largest all-ages and family-friendly celebration of drag including supermodel of the world RuPaul, recent season winners - Priyanka (Canada’s Drag Race), Kita Mean (Drag Race Down Under), Lawrence Chaney (Drag Race UK), Symone (RuPaul’s Drag Race S13), Kylie Sonique Love (Drag Race All Stars 6), Carmen Farala (Drag Race Espana S1), Icesis Couture (Canada’s Drag Race S2), and all your other favorite dazzling queens from across the global award-winning “Drag Race” franchise including Aquaria, Mariah Balenciaga, Alaska, Priyanka, Tammie Brown, Kim Chi, Heidi N Closet, Divina De Campo, Eureka O’Hara, Gigi Goode, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Kameron Michaels, Naomi Smalls, Pandora Boxx, Ariel Versace, Blu Hydrangea, Kahmora Hall, Mrs. Kasha Davis, Scarlet Envy, Nicky Doll, Vivacious, Dusty Ray Bottoms, Baga Chipz, Shuga Cain, Sasha Velour, the United Kingdolls, the Frock Destroyers, and more. Additional talent includes June Diane Raphael, Rachel Bloom, Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ts Madison, and Daniel Franzese just to name a few. Find the full list here, henny…
SYMONE | RuPaul’s DragCon 2022 Los Angeles
“I’m so excited that our tribe will be safely reunited once again.” says RuPaul, “RuPaul's DragCon is the most gorgeous, most gagworthy and most life-affirming drag convention on the planet, and our aim is to serve you a super amazing experience, while keeping you as safe as possible.”
Santiago Felipe/Getty Images
DragCon aims to make its first priority the health and safety of everyone involved. Given how quickly information and safety requirements surrounding COVID-19 are changing, specific COVID guidelines will be determined closer to the event.
“The 2022 LA convention marks the first time ever we will be featuring a full-day of Friday programming for the three-day convention,” says WOW co-founders Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey. “With our last DragCon having been a virtual experience, we are thrilled to be bringing our flagship in-person event back to the community we love so dearly, and rest assured safety will be our top priority!”
Stay tuned for more updates and coverage of events by subscribing to our emails and following us on all social media platforms: @UnleashedLGBTQ and stay updated on everything #DragCon by following @RuPaulsDragCon!
See you in LA!
KYLIE SONIQUE LOVE | RuPaul’s DragCon 2022 Los Angeles