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Bia Labate
Executive Director, Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines - Public Education and Cultural Specialist, MAPS - Adjunct Faculty, CIIS - PhD in Social Anthropology
Professional Background
Dr. Beatriz Caiuby Labate, affectionately known as Bia Labate, is an esteemed queer Brazilian anthropologist whose contributions to the field of anthropology are both profound and impactful. After emigrating to the United States in 2017, Bia has continued to elevate discussions surrounding plant medicines, drug policy, and shamanic practices. As the Executive Director of the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines, Bia plays a pivotal role in public education about the cultural and therapeutic potentials of psychedelic substances. Her journey in academia has also led her to serve as Adjunct Faculty at the East-West Psychology Program at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), where she shares her immense expertise with students eager to explore the intersection of psychology and spirituality.
Bia's career is further distinguished by her position as a Public Education and Culture Specialist at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). In these roles, she not only educates the public but also helps to shape the discourse surrounding psychedelics, fostering a deeper understanding of their implications in society.
Education and Achievements
Bia Labate holds extensive academic qualifications, having earned her Ph.D. in Social Anthropology from the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil. The pursuit of knowledge in this vibrant institution also saw her complete her Master's and Bachelor's degrees, reinforcing her extensive background in social sciences and anthropology. Her educational foundation laid the groundwork for a robust career focused on the vital study of psychoactive substances and their roles within indigenous rituals and contemporary society.
As a true pioneer in her field, Dr. Labate has been instrumental in co-founding the Interdisciplinary Group for Psychoactive Studies (NEIP) in Brazil, an organization dedicated to the study and research of psychoactive plants and drugs. Under her editorial guidance, NEIP has not only produced an array of impactful research but has also served as a vital source of information and support for scholars and enthusiasts alike.
Moreover, she has made substantial contributions to academic literature, authoring, co-authoring, and co-editing a remarkable twenty-one books, alongside two special-edition journals and numerous peer-reviewed articles. Her work is an invaluable asset to anyone researching plant medicines and drug policy, showcasing her dedication to disseminating knowledge in these areas.
Notable Contributions
Bia Labate is not just an educator and researcher, but also an influential voice in the public conversation surrounding drug policy, shamanism, and the therapeutic use of psychedelics. Through her writing and speaking engagements, she continues to advocate for the responsible and respectful use of plant medicines in various cultural and therapeutic contexts.
Her work with the Chacruna Institute has been particularly noteworthy. The organization is renowned for its role in fostering public understanding about psychedelic plant medicines. Bia's leadership has been vital in ensuring that Chacruna remains at the forefront of this emerging field, providing resources, education, and community for individuals interested in learning about and engaging with psychedelic experiences.
Bia's influence extends beyond the U.S. as she maintains strong connections with academic colleagues and organizations in Brazil. Her editorial role with Chacruna Lationamérica further amplifies her commitment to promoting informed discussions about drug policy and culture in Latin America, where these topics are particularly resonant.
Her scholarly engagement has drawn attention from a diverse array of media outlets, where she has been invited to share her insights on the anthropology of psychedelics, cultural rituals, and societal implications of drug policies. Bia Labate's efforts in academia and public education have positioned her as a leading figure in the exploration of plant medicines, with her work inspiring countless individuals to delve deeper into the nuances of human consciousness, spirituality, and healing.
Achievements
Dr. Beatriz Caiuby Labate is a celebrated anthropologist who has achieved a remarkable stature within the field of social anthropology. Some of her notable achievements include:
- Executive Director of the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines, promoting public education on the subject of psychedelic use and culture.
- Co-founder of the Interdisciplinary Group for Psychoactive Studies (NEIP) in Brazil, fostering research and public discourse on psychoactive substances.
- Authorship of twenty-one significant books as well as numerous peer-reviewed articles that explore the intersections of culture, spirituality, and substance use.
- Contributions to public education and culture as a specialist at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psyche
Highlights
It was incredibly challenging to be on stage in Horizons Media, Inc. this year, with the news of our friend Ken Jordan, who was supposed to be there, suddenly ill. Ken was a dear pioneer and leader in the psychedelic community. In 2007 he co-founded Evolver, a consciousness network, and the company's botanical dispensary, The Alchemist's Kitchen, and next the online journal Reality Sandwich -- a first of it's kind, precursor to what many of us do today. Later on, he co-created Lucid News, Inc. This is an amazing journalism site and resource that continues to be underfunded as so many other important initiatives in our space, and Ken continued to struggle to keep it afloat, with his enormous heart and dedication. We also shared common interest in ayahuasca and we had the privilege to be in ceremony together. Ken got COVID on Wednesday and passed on Sunday, leaving a 13 year old son behind. Solidarity to his family and fellow co-founders Ann Harrison Faye Sakellaridis Mareesa Stertz. 😿 💖 💙 ❤️
Chacruna Institute and Eden Foudation Scholarship Collaboration
We are proud to announce that The Eden Foundation is in dialogue with the Chacruna Institute around their Psychedelics as Medicine Conference which will happen in January 12-13, 2023, in Iceland. Dr. Bia Labate, Dr. Clancy Cavnar, Dr. Glauber Loures de Assis and Justin Natoli, JD, LMFT will be presenting, and Horacio Guevara, Alejandra Barajas and Lorien Chavez will attend. The Chacruna Institute was given a free table to promote our Indigenous reciprocity initiative, psychedelic justice and the protection of sacred plants and cultural traditions, which we are very grateful for.
Inspired by our dialogue, The Eden Foundation created a scholarship program for the Chacruna Institute's community! Researchers, students, grassroots non-profit organizations, psychedelic societies, BIPOC and LGBTQ+, folks from the Global South, and other marginalized communities are welcomed to apply. Aligned with the Chacruna Institute’s mission to bring provide education, raise awareness about psychedelics and sacred plants and make academic knowledge more accessible, they encourage everyone to apply and commit to do their absolute best to get as many diverse voices as possible a seat at the table.
Note:
- Scholarships are available for all, not just the Chacruna community.
- This collaboration does not mean that Chacruna is responsible for the selection of the grants, neither has a say over the content or decisions of the organizers about their conference.
To apply: https://lnkd.in/gpx-c4aV
Check the conference site: https://lnkd.in/geE4C2Qx
