Connecting to the World Outside of Religious Fundamentalism's Isolation with Dr. Sara Glass

What Clinical Therapists Need to Know about Conversion Therapy Survivors with Sam Nieves

This episode dives into the complex world of recovery for survivors of conversion therapy, exploring personal stories, therapist pitfalls, and pathways toward healing through community, self-acceptance, and informed mental health support. Whether you're a survivor, ally, or mental health professional, this conversation offers crucial insights and practical guidance. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest Sam Nieves 00:27 - Exploring why conversion therapy survivors struggle to seek therapy 02:39 - The importance of labeling oneself as a survivor and community validation 03:24 - Internalized transphobia and societal expectations delaying self-acceptance 05:36 - Redefining conversion therapy and expanding its understanding 08:07 - The necessity of self-validity and the danger of internalized shame 09:21 - Addressing patriarchal and cisnormative narratives in survivor stories 10:14 - Coercion related to gender expression and societal expectations for women and men 12:24 - The intersection of sex, sensuality, and gender expression coercion in conversion therapy 14:41 - Debunking the phrase “love is love” and embracing diverse expressions of love 15:54 - Exploring asexuality, aromanticism, and the importance of community acceptance 17:36 - The importance of validating diverse identities beyond societal boxes 20:22 - Access to information and social media’s role in liberation and visibility 21:00 - The impact of labels, identity fluidity, and the risks of conversion practices on identity expression 22:23 - Parental fears, gender exploration, and accepting diverse journeys 23:53 - The importance of allies understanding but avoiding moral absolutism in support 27:56 - The role of curiosity, attunement, and holding space in therapy with survivors 29:42 - The importance of curiosity and humility in therapeutic practice 30:21 - Recognizing symbolic trauma and encouraging healing through emotional expression 31:40 - The therapeutic need to hold space for anger and grief 33:59 - The danger of minimizing or invalidating survivor emotions and boundary setting 36:33 - Religious trauma, death anxiety, and spiritual implications of survival 37:14 - Navigating fears of emotional overwhelm and self-harm in therapy 37:59 - The importance of safe, non-judgmental spaces for confronting difficult emotions 38:24 - The ongoing critique and evolution of therapy for better inclusion of survivors’ needs 39:19 - How survivor stories and resilience can inform healing and advocacy 40:50 - Key findings from research on healing needs: community, validation, facing the past 42:28 - Building sober, affirming community and avoiding dissociation through substance use 45:17 - The journey of self-discovery, reclaiming identity, and embracing authenticity 47:02 - Closing remarks on the power of shared stories and gratitude Resources: https://conversiontherapysurvivors.org/ [https://conversiontherapysurvivors.org/] — Support and advocacy organization https://www.amazon.ca/Shame-Sex-Attraction-Survivors-Stories-Conversion/dp/1805011324 [https://www.amazon.ca/Shame-Sex-Attraction-Survivors-Stories-Conversion/dp/1805011324] — Personal stories of healing https://asexuality.org/ https://asexuality.org/ [https://asexuality.org/] — Education and community for ace identities @cantpraymeaway on Instagram and TikTok  @theliberatedporch on Substack, Instagram, and TikTok

The Ghosts of Christian Nationalism and Jerry Falwell Jr's Closet with Luke Wilson

Join us on The Liberated Porch as Kit Morgan, a trans and queer therapist and educator hosts Dr. Lucas Wilson, an academic and survivor of conversion therapy to discuss the complex intersections of White Christian Nationalism, the Holocaust, and conversion therapy. This episode dives into personal stories of evangelical experiences and influences, historical contexts of White Christian Nationalism from the mid-twentieth century being reflected in society today, and the complex trauma of eugenics. In this episode: * The trauma and repercussions of attending evangelical institutions like Liberty University * The racist and sexist roots of religious and educational systems * How Holocaust history and survivor literature inform current queer trauma work * The evolution of conversion therapy and its ties to the HIV/AIDS crisis * Intergenerational trauma transmission—epigenetic, social, and structural * The importance of centering marginalized voices, especially trans and gender diverse communities * Practical advice for responding empathetically to survivors' stories and histories Timestamps: * (00:00) Introduction: Religion, spirituality, and oppression of queer communities * (02:01) Personal histories at Liberty University and its complex legacy * (05:04) The scandal and political shifts involving Jerry Falwell Jr. * (09:19) Motivations for attending conservative religious colleges * (14:02) The influence of religious education on perceptions of race and history * (18:32) Dr. Wilson’s work on Holocaust survivor literature and its relationship to trauma * (26:16) Transition from Holocaust research to examining white Christian nationalism and LGBTQ+ issues * (28:53) The concept of epigenetics and intergenerational trauma transmission * (31:07) Personal experiences with HIV/AIDS fears and societal stigma * (37:02) The origins and rise of conversion therapy linked to the HIV/AIDS crisis * (44:09) Focus shift toward gender minorities and ongoing erasure * (47:42) Amplifying marginalized voices and survivor stories * (51:12) How to respond with empathy to survivor narratives * (53:39) Closing thoughts on listening and questions as tools for healing Resources & Links: * Shame Sex Attraction - Survivor Stories of Conversion Therapy [https://www.amazon.ca/Shame-Sex-Attraction-Survivors-Stories-Conversion/dp/1805011324] * At Home with the Holocaust: Postmemory, Domestic Space, and Second-Generation Holocaust Narratives [https://www.amazon.ca/Home-Holocaust-Postmemory-Second-Generation-Narratives-ebook/dp/B0DC71P6P2/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=nkyT9&content-id=amzn1.sym.65a98c8b-1fea-4a67-8431-58d4a7a2ac27&pf_rd_p=65a98c8b-1fea-4a67-8431-58d4a7a2ac27&pf_rd_r=134-0089094-4107270&pd_rd_wg=86PHq&pd_rd_r=2f510504-d335-44c5-b7aa-4d59c633f802] * Elie Wiesel’s Night [https://www.amazon.com/Night-Elie-Wiesel/dp/0374500010] * Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity [https://eliewiesel.org/] Connect with Dr. Lucas Wilson: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-wilson-2a0753b1/]

Why I Created The Liberated Porch

What if liberation from religious trauma is less about leaving faith behind — and more about reclaiming your true self? On this episode of The Liberated Porch, Kit Morgan, a trans and queer, licensed clinical social worker (in New York, Virginia, and Indiana), therapist, and educator has walked a path through the hell of Christian fundamentalism and into religious trauma recovery. Kit reveals how embracing your gender and sexuality authenticity can be an act of profound liberation — even in the face of oppressive doctrines. Growing up amidst the echoes of Baptist prayers, purity culture, and conversion therapy, Kit recounts their journey from a childhood filled with church sermons, strict school rules, and deep internal conflict, to a radical act of self-acceptance in the remote woods of the Adirondacks. They share how the mountains became a sanctuary for letting go of others’ expectations — and how that process of shedding religious shame opened the door to genuine freedom. This episode isn’t about telling you what to believe — it’s about giving you permission to define your own path to liberation from religious trauma, whether that means holding onto faith, redefining what spirituality means to you, or stepping away entirely. If you're wrestling with religious trauma, gender identity, or sexuality, this conversation offers hope, validation, and a bold reminder: your authentic self deserves space to breathe for anyone questioning the impact of faith on their gender and sexuality, or for allies seeking to understand religious trauma’s layered effects. Discover how healing isn’t a one-size-fits-all process — it’s a personal revolution. Tune in and find your porch of liberation. You may learn more about Kit's work by following them on Substack, Instagram, and TikTok @theliberatedporch

Invisibly Trans: Becoming a Fly on the Patriarchy's Wall

Kit Morgan, LCSW, trans and queer licensed clinical social worker (in New York, Virginia, and Indiana), writer, educator, and therapist for the queer population who had families and faith backgrounds where love was allowed, only as long as you were cisgender heterosexual- delves into the significance of Trans Day of Visibility and the euphoria and challenges associated with visibility. It explores the impact of conversion therapy, the influence of gender structures, purity culture, and religious teachings on gender. Additionally, Kit Morgan addresses the role of gender in therapy spaces, the anti-feminist separation of genders, the connection between purity culture and misogyny, and the impact of trans visibility on the patriarchy. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the gratitude for being a trans individual. Takeaways * Trans Day of Visibility (and Invisibility) * Conversion Therapy for Gender Identity and Expression Chapters * 00:00 Trans Day of Visibility * 06:21 Influence of Gender Structures * 12:03 Gender Roles and Cognitive Restructuring * 21:25 Gender in Therapy Spaces * 30:06 Purity Culture and Misogyny * 37:44 Conversion Therapy and Internal Transition To learn more about Kit Morgan, LCSW's work, please follow them on Substack, Instagram, and TikTok @theliberatedporch

Trailer

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