Wednesday, October 18th, 2023 from 12:00-1:30pm PST

Join us for the Community Forum as we navigate transgender identity in the psychedelic ecosystem, shedding light on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by transgender individuals. Explore the pervasive issue of tokenism and its prevalence, as we aim to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment. Discover the potential of radical self-expression and its power in dismantling transphobia. We will explore the role of queer spirituality in psychedelic spaces, uncovering the connections between spirituality and psychedelic experiences. This forum will be led by Maya Fern, a queer, transgender woman, and somatic-aware clinical hypnotherapist from Eugene, Oregon. Maya is impassioned about leveraging these insights to facilitate holistic wellness and empowerment in marginalized communities. This event will be moderated by Taylor Dahlia Bolinger, who is an MA in linguistics from the University of North Texas in Mesoamerican linguistic anthropology, and a master’s in social work from the University of Texas at Arlington to work

Maya Fern is a queer, transgender woman and somatic-aware clinical hypnotherapist based in Eugene, Oregon. Deeply influenced by the transformative power of psychedelics on her personal journey toward self-realization, Maya is impassioned about leveraging these insights to facilitate holistic wellness and empowerment in marginalized communities. Her expertise lies at the intersection of trans identity and psychedelic therapies, positioning her as a thought leader in fostering safe and inclusive spaces for the queer and trans psychedelic experience. Maya is focused on dismantling systemic barriers in the psychedelic ecosystem through her writing, speaking, workshops, and therapy services. Driven by her core values of empathy, inclusivity, and intentionality, Maya is fervently committed to amplifying the voices of queer and transgender individuals in a landscape that often risks overshadowing them through tokenization and marginalization. Her ethos centers on meaningful engagement rather than performative allyship, making her a cherished guide and advocate in the expanding universe of psychedelic therapies.

Taylor Dahlia Bolinger (she/her) began her plant medicine practice 15 years ago, sitting for her friends while they processed the trauma of growing up queer in Texas. This grew alongside helping organize safety teams at regional Burning Man events in Texas. It was the radical acceptance, queerness, and gender fluidity possible in these spaces that led her to embrace her identity as a trans woman. Taylor co-founded Decriminalize Nature Dallas and helped start Street Medics Dallas with her fellow safety volunteers during the George Floyd Uprising last summer. Taylor worked as an ESL teacher for ten years before deciding to pursue medicine work full-time. She has an MA in linguistics from the University of North Texas in Mesoamerican linguistic anthropology and a master’s in social work from the University of Texas at Arlington to work. She is now licensed as an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) and works with homeless LGBT young people. Taylor is a proud gay mom and practices permaculture at home with her partner. Her goal is to be a professional integrative therapist who works with minority populations. She intends to continue to advocate for social change and democratized access to plant medicine.

This talk will be recorded and immediately available for rewatch for all attendees.

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An Exploration of Psychedelics, Self Discovery and Trans Issues