What Happens When You’re GAY in an Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Community?

What happens when you grow up believing there is only one path to God… and then realize that path requires you to deny who you are?In this powerful episode of You Can Be Both, Lauren sits down with Dr. Sara Glass, a psychotherapist, author, and lesbian who was raised in an ultra-Orthodox Hasidic Jewish community in Brooklyn.Sara shares what it was like growing up in a deeply religious community where girls were prepared for marriage from a young age, sexuality was heavily controlled, and questioning the rules could mean losing your family and community. She opens up about being married at 19, believing she was supposed to overcome her attraction to women, and eventually realizing that she was gay.Sara also answers one of Lauren’s biggest questions: Is Orthodox Judaism a cult?Her answer is nuanced and deeply personal. Sara explains why she believes the particular sect she was raised in met the criteria of a cult, while also emphasizing that Orthodox Jewish communities and families are not all the same.The conversation also explores religious trauma, LGBTQ identity, coming out, family rejection, deconstruction, purity culture, sexuality and religion, and whether it is possible to be both LGBTQ and Jewish.And perhaps most importantly, Sara talks about the places where LGBTQ Jews CAN find community, support, and a way to hold onto their faith without abandoning themselves.If you've ever been told you have to choose between your identity and your relationship with God, this conversation is for you.ABOUT DR. SARA GLASSDr. Sara Glass is a psychotherapist in New York City, author of Kissing Girls on Shabbat, and a clinical expert who works with people navigating trauma, relationships, sexuality, and religious deconstruction. She also works with people leaving ultra-Orthodox communities.Sara's story offers a powerful look at what happens when religious belief, sexuality, family, and identity collide.ABOUT YOU CAN BE BOTHYou Can Be Both is a podcast for LGBTQ people of faith who have been told they have to choose between being queer and believing in God.Lauren Lanzaretta created this space to remind LGBTQ people that your sexuality does not have to mean losing your faith, your spirituality, or your relationship with God.🎵 LISTEN TO LAUREN'S MUSICLauren is a singer-songwriter who creates music specifically for LGBTQ people of faith. Find her music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and wherever you listen to music.🌈 JOIN THE YOU CAN BE BOTH COMMUNITYConnect with other LGBTQ people of faith, join community conversations, attend Wellness Wednesdays, participate in book club, hear from guest speakers, and build real friendships with people who understand what you've been through.youcanbeboth.com/community✨ LEARN MORE ABOUT LAUREN + YOU CAN BE BOTHyoucanbeboth.comIf this episode connected with you, subscribe to You Can Be Both, leave a comment, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear that they don't have to choose between who they are and what they believe.#LGBTQ #ReligiousTrauma #OrthodoxJudaism #LGBTQFaith #JewishLGBTQ #GayChristian #Deconstruction #ReligiousDeconstruction #LGBTQPodcast