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

This episode explores the nuanced experiences of leaving high-control religious environments, healing from religious trauma, and reclaiming personal identity and faith. Hosted by Kit Morgan, a queer and trans religious trauma educator and therapist, the discussion features Dr. Sarah Glass, author of Kissing Girls on Shabbat, sharing insights on faith deconstruction, cultural trauma, and fostering connection beyond religious confines found in Orthodox Judaism and Christian Fundamentalism.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to religious trauma and its effects on gender and sexuality01:19 - Dr. Sarah Glass’ background and work with Jewish queer youth02:50 - Commonalities in trauma across high-control religious groups04:09 - Experiences leaving Orthodox Judaism05:03 - Breaking silence about sanctified oppression06:26 - The role of information control and storytelling in religious systems07:41 - Cultural shifts: from religious insularity to pop culture exploration09:06 - Overcoming shame around unfamiliarity with cultural and social activities10:09 - The relationship to rest in high control religious groups11:56 - Recognizing the residual effects of religious trauma in daily fatigue13:05 - The extremity of authoritarian religious upbringings and their societal influence15:37 - The evolving definition of cults and high-control groups16:44 - Recognizing how mainstream these religious systems have become18:12 - The influence of religious leaders and community structures19:22 - The importance of trauma-informed care and avoiding cultural biases21:21 - Expanding the language around religious trauma and cults in therapy22:48 - Addressing violence and safety within religious and cultural communities24:33 - Supporting clients in dreaming beyond religious limitations26:18 - Providing education on reproductive health and medical choices29:19 - Navigating social media boundaries and online harassment33:23 - Encounters with public perceptions and antisemitism in everyday life36:56 - Self-awareness around societal stereotypes and anti-Semitic tropes40:01 - Lifelong healing, patience, and self-compassion in recovery42:43 - Final thoughts on healing at your own pace and embracing community supportResources:Kissing Girls on ShabbatDr. Sarah Glass on InstagramEx-Mormon Stories by Martha Beck