Unseen Women in Psychedelic History

Historical accounts of psychedelic research often overlook the significant contributions of women, whose roles range from pioneering exploration to therapeutic impact. This study reveals underreported stories of women like Mabel Luhan, Valentina Wasson, Mary Barnard, Gertrude Paltin, and Kay Parley, who played pivotal roles in psychedelic investigation but remain marginalized or unknown. While figures such as Wasson are subsumed under more prominent counterparts (e.g., her husband), others like Luhan have been recognized for their contributions without full acknowledgment of their broader influence, particularly in the politics of peyote at Taos Pueblo. The study highlights gaps in documentation and celebratory recognition, emphasizing how women's work in psychedelic exploration—whether for spiritual development or therapeutic purposes—has been systematically overlooked.

Mangini, M. (2021). Unseen Women in Psychedelic History. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 64(4), 635–652. https://doi.org/10.1177/00221678211029186