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 UniversityThe racist and sexist roots of religious and educational systemsHow Holocaust history and survivor literature inform current queer trauma workThe evolution of conversion therapy and its ties to the HIV/AIDS crisisIntergenerational trauma transmission—epigenetic, social, and structuralThe importance of centering marginalized voices, especially trans and gender diverse communitiesPractical advice for responding empathetically to survivors' stories and historiesTimestamps:(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 healingResources & Links:Shame Sex Attraction - Survivor Stories of Conversion TherapyAt Home with the Holocaust: Postmemory, Domestic Space, and Second-Generation Holocaust NarrativesElie Wiesel’s NightElie Wiesel Foundation for HumanityConnect with Dr. Lucas Wilson:LinkedIn