Join Kit Morgan, LCSW on the Liberated Porch to learn about how religious trauma impacts the gender and sexuality diverse population. Kit Morgan is a writer, licensed clinical social worker (in New York, Virginia, and Indiana), therapist, and educator specializing in the work with the queer population who had families and faith backgrounds where love was allowed, only as long as you were cisgender heterosexual. You can find Kit's work to dive deeper into these topics on Substack, Instagram, and TikTok @theliberatedporch

Kit Morgan and Liz Rhea, two queer, American religious trauma therapists and content creators from a Southern Baptist background met to chat about how their backgrounds influence their work today. Kit and Liz discuss the educational and occupational barriers to being trained in religious trauma informed therapy and how to overcome the barriers.

• 01:13 - Liz talks about her background in conservative evangelicalism and how it informs her work
• 02:07 - The dichotomy of growing up with religious environments but supportive parents
• 03:10 - Insights into Baptist and Presbyterian church cultures and their historical contexts
• 04:44 - The socialization process and the influence of church involvement on identity
• 05:48 - The impact of college and deconstruction triggered by political and social awareness
• 07:26 - The residue of religious trauma and its persistence in adult life
• 09:33 - The role of community and connection in religious fulfillment and its loss in deconstruction
• 10:15 - How societal conditioning shapes life trajectories, marriage, and personal goals
• 11:29 - The influence of personal loss, including grief over a parent, on religious questioning
• 12:17 - Grief, death, and religious denial: navigating complex emotions and societal responses
• 13:52 - Managing religious trauma’s impact on perceptions of death and loneliness
• 14:47 - Embracing authenticity and showing up fully despite online criticism
• 15:15 - The importance of values alignment and boundary setting for mental health professionals
• 16:39 - Therapist identity, professional conduct, and navigating social and political criticism
• 17:00 - The political nature of social work and therapy, with personal anecdotes from electoral experiences
• 19:30 - The impact of political ideologies and policies on client care and personal safety
• 20:57 - The importance of defining conversion therapy and the risks of ideological harm
• 22:12 - The broad scope of sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts and their clinical implications
• 23:00 - Gender expression as part of authentic self-expression beyond conservative standards
• 24:15 - Expanding the definition of conversion therapy to include various faith-based practices
• 25:57 - Practical advice for emerging therapists: seeking mentorship, reflecting on privilege, and activism
• 28:41 - Closing thoughts on integrating advocacy and personal values into therapeutic practice

• Liz on Instagram
• Liz on TikTok
• Liz Website

Join American, Kit Morgan, and Australian, Sam Sellers in their conversation about what it's like to be queer religious trauma therapists on opposite sides of the world, but sharing close experiences together and how those shared experiences inform their clinical practices and educational work.

• (00:00) - Welcome and episode overview
• (00:24) - Guest introduction: Sam Sellers’ background and work
• (01:12) - Exploring colonization and decolonizing religious trauma therapy
• (02:48) - Religious trauma’s presence across borders and colonized systems
• (03:30) - The urgency of queer-centric religious trauma education
• (04:11) - The first time Sam heard "religious trauma" and her personal journey
• (05:07) - Reconciling faith and internalized homophobia
• (06:19) - How therapy modalities like EMDR are practiced in religious contexts
• (09:32) - The therapeutic risks of religious environments and training settings
• (12:00) - Identity fragmentation in queer trauma survivors
• (13:00) - The dogma of trauma modalities and choosing gentle approaches
• (14:05) - Why many clients avoid talking about trauma and the value of voice
• (15:50) - Person-environment theory and environmental systemic harm
• (16:39) - The link between religious trauma and colonization
• (19:00) - Land acknowledgment and indigenous reclamation efforts
• (22:03) - Addressing patriarchy, white supremacy, and systemic harm
• (23:37) - Opposing the use of violence in spiritual doctrines
• (24:36) - Authenticity in therapy: modeling humanity over perfection
• (28:30) - Recognizing and avoiding misdiagnosis in religious trauma survivors
• (31:10) - The importance of authentic therapeutic alliance and power balance
• (34:36) - The dangers of over-intellectualizing religious trauma
• (35:20) - The value of humility: therapists admitting when they are wrong
• (36:35) - Showing up authentically and normalizing vulnerability
• (37:43) - Guidance for new therapists entering the religious trauma space
• (39:35) - Recommended trainings and resources, including ongoing education
• (41:15) - Final thoughts on integrating anti-colonial perspectives in therapy

Religious Trauma Collective

Anchored Counselling Services

Beyond the Surface Podcast

Sam on Instagram

• 00:00 - Introduction to religious trauma and its effects on gender and sexuality
• 01:19 - Dr. Sarah Glass’ background and work with Jewish queer youth
• 02:50 - Commonalities in trauma across high-control religious groups
• 04:09 - Experiences leaving Orthodox Judaism
• 05:03 - Breaking silence about sanctified oppression
• 06:26 - The role of information control and storytelling in religious systems
• 07:41 - Cultural shifts: from religious insularity to pop culture exploration
• 09:06 - Overcoming shame around unfamiliarity with cultural and social activities
• 10:09 - The relationship to rest in high control religious groups
• 11:56 - Recognizing the residual effects of religious trauma in daily fatigue
• 13:05 - The extremity of authoritarian religious upbringings and their societal influence
• 15:37 - The evolving definition of cults and high-control groups
• 16:44 - Recognizing how mainstream these religious systems have become
• 18:12 - The influence of religious leaders and community structures
• 19:22 - The importance of trauma-informed care and avoiding cultural biases
• 21:21 - Expanding the language around religious trauma and cults in therapy
• 22:48 - Addressing violence and safety within religious and cultural communities
• 24:33 - Supporting clients in dreaming beyond religious limitations
• 26:18 - Providing education on reproductive health and medical choices
• 29:19 - Navigating social media boundaries and online harassment
• 33:23 - Encounters with public perceptions and antisemitism in everyday life
• 36:56 - Self-awareness around societal stereotypes and anti-Semitic tropes
• 40:01 - Lifelong healing, patience, and self-compassion in recovery
• 42:43 - Final thoughts on healing at your own pace and embracing community support

Resources:

• Kissing Girls on Shabbat
• Dr. Sarah Glass on Instagram
• Ex-Mormon Stories by Martha Beck

In this episode, Kit Morgan sits down with Juliet Gustafson, a queer social worker, licensed therapist, and OCD expert, to explore the nuanced intersections of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), religious trauma, and queer identity. They delve into how OCD manifests, common misconceptions, and effective treatment strategies, especially when combined with religious trauma and moral scrupulosity.

Key topics:

• Clear definitions and misconceptions of OCD, including its core components of obsessions and compulsions
• The relationship between OCD and religious trauma, including moral scrupulosity
• How OCD can be mistaken for generalized anxiety disorder and the importance of proper diagnosis
• Treatment approaches like exposure and response prevention (ERP) and the importance of tolerating uncertainty
• The impact of religious and cultural messaging on OCD symptoms, especially around morality and certainty
• Navigating OCD-related obsessive thoughts about sexuality, gender identity, and death
• Practical exposure techniques for addressing fears about death, sexuality, and bodily fluids
• The significance of aftercare, validation, and the role of community in recovery

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the episode and Juliet Gustafson’s background
01:52 - Defining OCD: obsessions, compulsions, and common misconceptions
03:44 - The serious nature of OCD and how it's misunderstood even in mental health spaces
05:17 - The overlap of OCD with generalized anxiety disorder and diagnostic challenges
07:23 - The ineffectiveness of traditional talk therapy for OCD symptoms
08:49 - Personal stories that deepened Juliet’s understanding of OCD and religious trauma
10:18 - Crossovers between OCD and religious trauma, including moral scrupulosity
11:19 - How trauma and OCD intersect, especially around identity and trust
12:39 - The genetic and environmental factors contributing to OCD
13:41 - Religious influences on OCD symptoms, especially around morality and certainty
15:11 - Addressing moral scrupulosity and the costs of perfectionism
16:17 - Navigating high standards and the impact on daily life and relationships
17:08 - The importance of acceptance and gray areas in OCD treatment
18:06 - Validation versus empathy in therapeutic

You can find Juliet's work on Instagram @ocd_therapist_juliet, the Intrusive Plots Podcast, or julietgustafson.com

Podcast Episode Summary

Introduction

Speakers:

• Kit Morgan: Trans and queer licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and educator specializing in religious trauma work with the queer population.
• Tom Bruett: Licensed marriage and family therapist, certified sex therapist, and founder of the Queer Relationship Institute. You can find his work @queerrelationshipinstitute on Instagram or Youtube, The Gay Relationship Podcast, or queerelationshipinstitute.com

Episode Theme:

• Exploring the intersection of religion, spirituality, and sexuality, focusing on how these elements can oppress individuals based on gender and sexuality.

Timestamps and Subtopics:

0:00 - Introduction to the Episode

• Overview of the podcast's focus on the impact of religion and spirituality on gender and sexuality.

0:25 - Guest Introduction

• Introduction of Tom Bruett and his work with the queer community.

1:56 - Main Discussion: Sexuality and Trauma

• 2:18 - Gay Cisgender Men's Sexuality: Exploration of sexuality among gay cisgender men.
• 2:31 - Therapy for Non-Heterosexual Men: Challenges faced by non-heterosexual men in therapy.
• 3:33 - Microaggressions in Therapy: Common issues and microaggressions experienced by non-heterosexual men.

6:00 - Understanding Sexuality Spectrum

• Discussion on demisexuality, fray sexuality, and misconceptions about sex addiction.

9:39 - Principles of Sexual Health

• Explanation of the six principles of sexual health and their importance in therapy.

14:01 - Patriarchal Narratives and Therapy

• Impact of patriarchal narratives on non-heterosexual men and the role of therapy in addressing these issues.

27:04 - DL Behavior and Religious Trauma

• Exploration of DL behavior, its complexities, and its relation to religious trauma.

34:02 - Trauma and Sexuality

• How trauma influences sexual behavior and identity, and understanding trauma arousal responses.

39:38 - Addressing Sexuality in Therapy

• Guidance for clients on discussing sexuality with therapists and the importance of this dialogue.

41:57 - Conclusion

• Closing remarks and appreciation for the conversation.

In this episode, queer religious trauma therapists, Kit and Christine Parker, delve into their personal journeys with musical training, religious upbringing, and recognizing their authentic identities. They discuss how religious and cultural norms influence perceptions of gender, sexuality, and self-expression, especially within Christian and evangelical contexts. Their heartfelt dialogue offers insights into healing, self-trust, and embracing one’s true self in the face of societal pressures.

Main Topics:

• The influence of classical music training and the Suzuki Method on discipline and perfectionism
• Contrasts between biblical womanhood and embodied womanhood within patriarchal structures
• How purity culture shapes perceptions of sexuality and gender, particularly for queer women
• The mental and emotional toll of religious trauma and the importance of slow, marathon-like healing
• Practical ways for LGBTQ+ individuals to find affirming therapeutic support
• The process of discovering and accepting one’s sexuality later in life

Timestamps:

00:00 - Personal stories of musical beginnings and family influences

02:44 - Childhood experiences with classical music and discipline

05:49 - Religious upbringing and its impact on views of womanhood

11:10 - Differentiating biblical womanhood from embodied womanhood

15:16 - Navigating emotional closeness and purity culture among women

20:22 - Sexual education in religious contexts versus scientific understanding

27:31 - Recognizing attraction and coming out stories later in life

33:37 - The myth of instant trauma recovery and compassionate healing journey

39:00 - The power of slow, mindful trauma recovery and therapy insights

43:40 - How religious training influences behavior versus identity in women

47:28 - Questions to ask therapists to ensure LGBTQ+ affirming care

51:14 - Closing thoughts and gratitude for authentic conversations

Host Introduction:

• 0:00 - Kit Morgan welcomes listeners to the Liberated Porch podcast, introducing themselves as a trans and queer licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and educator. Kit specializes in working with the queer population from families and faith backgrounds where love was conditional.

Guest Introduction:

• 0:26 - Kit introduces Heather McG, discussing her work on unlearning Christian fundamentalism about parenthood and breaking generational religious trauma through affirming parenting. Heather is recognized as a strong ally for the queer community, advocating from a place of passion for human rights.

Guest Background:

• 1:49 - Heather is described as a highly accomplished writer, producer, and storyteller, with accolades including Emmy and Cannes Lion Awards. Raised in a quiverful family in rural Texas, Heather is working on a memoir about her experiences in fundamentalist Christianity.

Main Discussion:

• 2:18 - The conversation begins with Heather sharing her excitement to be on the podcast.
• 3:19 - Heather and Kit discuss the cultural and religious environment of the Bible Belt, including the impact of non-affirming religious teachings.
• 4:21 - Heather shares her upbringing in a fundamentalist Christian church and the quiverful movement, highlighting the challenges and beliefs associated with it.
• 6:40 - The discussion touches on the lack of support for families within these religious systems and the misconceptions about birth control and abortion.
• 9:38 - Heather talks about the appropriation of Judaic practices within fundamentalist Christianity and her family's unique experiences.
• 11:12 - The conversation explores the dynamics of large families and the challenges of parenting within such environments.
• 14:21 - Heather reflects on the impact of religious teachings on identity and the journey of self-discovery outside of those frameworks.
• 18:28 - Kit and Heather discuss the complexities of unlearning maladaptive parenting skills and the importance of emotional support.
• 21:28 - Heather shares her healing journey post-divorce and the importance of shedding shame from fundamentalist teachings.
• 25:52 - The conversation emphasizes the significance of emotional presence and self-exploration in parenting.
• 29:18 - Kit and Heather discuss the importance of re-education and community in healing from religious trauma.
• 34:11 - Heather offers advice to religious trauma survivors on building confidence and breaking generational cycles.

Closing Remarks:

• 39:27 - Kit concludes the podcast, expressing gratitude for Heather's insights and experiences shared during the conversation.

Episode Summary: 

0:00 - Introduction

• Host Kit Morgan introduces the podcast which focuses on the intersections of religion, spirituality, and LGBTQ+ issues.

0:26 - Guest Introduction

• Introduction of Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez, a conversion therapy survivor and former architect of evangelical Christianity's digital empire.

0:44 - Conversion Therapy Experience

• Tim shares his personal journey through conversion therapy and its impact on his faith and identity.

1:22 - New Path and Book Discussion

• Discussion on Tim's new book, "Conversion Therapy Dropout," and his journey to finding a community that embraces his true self.

2:08 - Sobriety and Empowerment

• Kit and Tim discuss sobriety as conversion therapy survivors and reclaiming spaces once avoided.

3:04 - Shared Experiences

• Tim talks about the shared experiences among conversion therapy survivors and the importance of storytelling.

5:36 - Sobriety Journey

• Tim shares his journey to sobriety and how it helped him redefine his faith and identity.

14:43 - Celebrate Recovery Discussion

• A conversation about Celebrate Recovery and its covert conversion therapy aspects.

20:41 - Connection and Recovery

• The importance of connection in recovery and how it contrasts with addiction.

26:46 - Community and Recovery Meetings

• Tim reflects on the community found in recovery meetings and the reclamation of church spaces.

35:07 - Book Release and Hopes

• Tim shares his hopes for his book's impact on conversion therapy awareness and church leaders.

36:40 - Closing Remarks

• Kit and Tim conclude the episode with reflections on the power of storytelling and knowledge sharing.

Meet Your Host (Kit Morgan) and Guest (Timothy Schaeder Rodriguez):

Kit Morgan is a trans and queer licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and educator. Specializing in working with the queer population, Kit focuses on individuals from families and faith backgrounds where love was conditional on being cisgender and heterosexual.

Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez is a former architect of evangelical Christianity's digital empire, having worked with influential mega churches like Hillsong, Willow Creek, and Elevation Church. After spending years in conversion therapy, Tim now shares his journey of finding a vibrant faith through liberation-oriented theology. He is the author of "Conversion Therapy Dropout," which explores the hidden harm of non-affirming Christian spaces and religious trauma recovery.

Get the book, Conversion Therapy Dropout here:

https://www.conversiontherapydropoutbook.com/

Join Kit Morgan, a queer and trans licensed therapist, as they explore the often invisible and overlooked experiences of lesbians shaped by purity culture. This episode highlights ten critical reasons why lesbian voices have been marginalized within religious trauma educational contexts, emphasizing the importance of understanding gender and sexuality through a religious trauma-informed lens.

Main topics:

• The impact of purity culture on female submissiveness and passivity
• Queer erasures within biblical stories like Ruth and Naomi
• Emotional intimacy and physical exploration in women’s Bible studies
• The suppression of female sexuality and gender expression
• The dangers of early marriage and issues around marital rape
• The complex realities of lesbian women in abusive marriages with cisgender men and fears around child custody
• The spiritualization of desire and feelings of being ‘different’ after leaving purity culture
• The importance of supporting lesbian resilience and visibility

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to how religion and purity culture oppress queer identities

00:28 - Personal reflection on Lesbian Visibility Day and LGBTQ+ spaces in religious contexts

0:54 - How purity culture instills submissiveness and passivity in women

2:07 - The role of biblical stories and their possible queer interpretations

3:41 - Female companionship in biblical and church settings as potentially lesbian in nature

5:02 - How women are taught to deny their sexuality and desire

6:00 - Gender expression exploration and fears within religious communities

7:14 - Early marriage pressures and misinformation about sex

8:29 - The dangerous normalization of marital rape under religious teachings

10:11 - Fear of losing custody and the impact of religiously connected social services

14:47 - The sacredness of sexuality outside purity culture norms

15:20 - Feelings of being ‘different’ and spiritual bypassing 16:22 - How supporters can better uplift lesbians in their communities