Religious Trauma and Disability: Remmy on Tourette’s, Misdiagnosis, and “Pray It Away” Culture

Remmy (he/him) joins Proudly on Record to share a powerful story of leaving Evangelical/Southern Baptist Christianity, coming out as trans, and finding freedom through secular witchcraft and atheism. Remmy explains what it means to be a secular witch working with energy and intention rather than deities while unpacking the fear-based teachings of the church which includes anti-LGBTQ sermons, purity culture gender roles, rapture/Left Behind anxiety, and “Hell House” scare tactics.Remmy also talks candidly about living with Tourette’s syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, the damage caused by being told to “pray it away,” and the reality of medical gaslighting and misdiagnosis in a small-town Bible Belt environment. The conversation centers on chosen family, going no contact for safety when boundaries are ignored, and the healing that comes from finally getting accurate diagnoses, supportive community, and language for your identity. Remmy ends with a message to his younger self: your involuntary movements and words are not your fault and you deserve care, safety, and peace.