Guest: LILIA TARAWA
The Politics of Purity: Sex and Power in Closed Communities

Lilia Tarawa was born and raised in the isolated Christian fundamentalist cult of Gloriavale in New Zealand, a place where every aspect of life, from clothing to relationships to sexuality, was tightly controlled.

In her powerful TEDx Talk: I grew up in a cult. It was heaven – and hell, and in her book Daughter of Gloriavale, she shares what it took to break free. Upon leaving, Lilia began the complex and painful work of untangling belief from autonomy, obedience from consent, and purity from power.

In this conversation, we’re diving into control, conditioning, sexuality, gender roles, and what it really takes to reclaim your body and your voice after growing up in a high-control religious system.

FIND LILIA TARAWA
• Book: Daughter of Gloriavale
• Socials: @liliatarawa IG, TikTok
• YouTube channel  @LiliaTarawa  
• Tedx Talk "Freedom Seeker"

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