Lily Kay Ross & Psychedelics: Uncovering Abuse & Seeking Answers
Is the burgeoning world of psychedelic therapy truly a haven for healing, or does a darker reality lurk beneath the surface of its promises? It's a question that demands honest examination, especially as the voices of those harmed by abuse within the community rise to the forefront, challenging the narrative and demanding accountability.
On November 11, 2021, amidst growing discourse around the potential benefits of psychedelics, an urgent call to action emerged: it was time to shift the focus from the proponents of these substances and instead, center the experiences of the victims. This shift was not merely a matter of ethical consideration; it was a fundamental necessity in the pursuit of genuine healing and a more responsible future for psychedelic practices. The initial reaction to this call was, in some instances, one of resistance. When Lily Kay Ross, armed with a Ph.D., first attempted to address the issue of sexual assault and other forms of misconduct within the psychedelic sphere, she faced discouragement from her peers. This reluctance highlighted a culture of silence, a hesitancy to confront the uncomfortable truths that threatened the carefully constructed image of a transformative and benevolent movement.
Eventually, driven by an unwavering commitment to truth and justice, Ross connected with others who had similar stories. These individuals, often overlooked or dismissed, had experienced or witnessed harm within the psychedelic community. Their testimonies became the bedrock of a groundbreaking investigative work, the podcast "Power Trip." This series, produced by New York Magazine, delves into the shadows of the psychedelic revolution, exposing the abuses of power, the charlatans, and the manipulation that has, in some cases, gone unchecked.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Lily Kay Ross, Ph.D. |
| Profession | Journalist, Harm Reduction Advocate, Independent Scholar, Writer, Speaker, Consultant |
| Research Focus | Feminism and Ethics in Psychedelic Spaces, Critical Psychedelic Studies, Sexual Misconduct, Abuses of Power, Sexual Violence in Drug Culture, Marginalized Religious Groups |
| Current Affiliation | Feminism and Ethics Research Fellow at Psymposia |
| Notable Work | Creator and Producer of New York Magazine's "Cover Story: Power Trip" podcast series. |
| Education | Ph.D. (Doctorate) |
| Contact | Lilykayross (at) gmail (dot) com |
| Social Media | Find on Muck Rack, Medium and other social media platforms. |
| Website (Reference) | Psymposia |
The work of Lily Kay Ross extends far beyond her role as a journalist and podcaster. Since 2009, she has been a dedicated advocate for a feminist approach to theorizing ethics within psychedelic spaces, scrutinizing issues like sexual misconduct, the misuse of power, and the influence of traditional gender roles. She is a critical voice in the evolution of psychedelic studies, bringing attention to issues that were often suppressed or ignored. This includes advocating for harm reduction strategies to minimize potential risks within these practices.
In 2018, Ross observed the active silencing and shaming of individuals who dared to speak out against the abuses of power in the psychedelic field. When Ross herself courageously shared her personal experience of abuse, the response was, unfortunately, far from supportive. She faced victim-blaming and accusations of self-centeredness, highlighting the systemic issues that allowed for such conduct to continue unchecked. This unfortunate reality underscored the importance of her work and the urgent need for a more open, honest, and ethical approach to psychedelics.
The launch of "Power Trip," hosted by Ross, marked a crucial turning point. The podcast, which began as an investigative series by New York Magazine, embarked on a deep exploration of the often-hidden realities of psychedelic therapy. The team worked tirelessly to unearth the truths of the movement, tracking down individuals who had been hurt, protecting legal and medical documents, and obtaining clinical trial footage that wasnt intended for public viewing. The podcast provided an intimate look at the darker aspects of the psychedelic revolution, exploring the interplay of mind, body, and soul within this potentially transformative yet often complex context.
Candice, in an interview, was honored to welcome "Power Trip" producers Lily Kay Ross and David Nickles to discuss their investigative series and the backlash they experienced while researching and reporting on abuse within psychedelic communities. Lily and Dave delved into the behind-the-scenes events that led to the launch of the podcast, providing listeners with insight into the extensive work that goes into creating a piece of investigative journalism of this caliber. They described the challenges they faced, the sensitive nature of their subject matter, and their commitment to presenting a fair and accurate picture.
Rosss dedication to challenging the status quo, in combination with her role as a journalist, harm reduction advocate, and scholar of critical psychedelic studies, continues to be pivotal. Her work serves as a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability. Her email address is provided, a testament to her openness to direct communication. The articles by Lily Kay Ross on Muck Rack highlight the breadth of her investigations and the range of subjects she has covered. She is also a writer, speaker, and consultant, and her interests encompass marginalized religious groups and sexual violence within drug culture.
In her own words, the story centers on her, but it's a narrative that resonates with many. It highlights the importance of confronting uncomfortable realities to help forge a more equitable and ethical future for psychedelic practices. It is a call for the community to face its shadows, learn from the experiences of victims, and build a safer and more responsible environment for all.
