Ep 28. Gender Identity, Religious Trauma, and the Why behind OSTC Swapcast with Mental Illness Happy Hour
This week’s episode is a swapcast with the Mental Illness Happy Hour. Host Paul Gilmartin (he/him) interviews Open Space Therapy Collective founder Renae Johnson (they/them) about their personal story and how it led them to founding OSTC as a hub for queer and trans mental health care.
In this episode Paul & Renae talk about:
How religious trauma numbs us from ourselves
How feeling like “not fitting anywhere” was the clue to help unlock the exploration into gender fluidity
The never ending process of self-discovery
Finding love in chosen family
Importance of LGBTQ+ community building
Join us as we dive into how Renae’s journey of intergenerational trauma and queer self-discovery led to finding chosen family, an authentic sense of self, and the desire to build a welcoming landing spot for the greater queer and trans community.
Recovering from religious trauma is a deeply personal and intricate journey that many individuals undergo when healing from the adverse effects of religious teachings, practices, or experiences that have negatively impacted their mental and emotional well-being. Whether stemming from rigid belief systems, indoctrination, spiritual abuse, or exclusionary practices, religious trauma can manifest in various ways, leading to feelings of guilt, fear, shame, anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress. Navigating this path toward healing requires patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to reevaluate beliefs and boundaries.
Recognizing the impact of religious trauma is the initial step toward recovery.
Individuals may have experienced trauma from being coerced into strict religious doctrines, facing judgment for personal beliefs or identity, or enduring emotional manipulation and control within religious communities. Acknowledging the adverse effects of these experiences, such as anxiety around religious practices, fear of divine punishment, or feelings of unworthiness, is crucial in beginning the healing process.
As an LGBTQ individual navigating the aftermath of religious trauma, the intersectionality of these experiences can significantly impact mental health and emotional well-being. Religious teachings often permeate with messages that stigmatize or condemn LGBTQ identities, leading to profound internalized shame, guilt, and fear. Recovering from religious trauma involves not only healing from the emotional scars left by exclusionary beliefs but also reclaiming one's sense of worthiness and self-acceptance. Finding a supportive LGBTQ community, affirming spaces, or connecting with others who share similar journeys becomes pivotal in fostering a sense of belonging and validation while navigating the complexities of healing from religious trauma within the LGBTQ spectrum. This journey of healing involves embracing authenticity, redefining spirituality on one's terms, and rediscovering a sense of wholeness and self-empowerment despite the lingering effects of past religious teachings.
Creating a supportive environment is vital for those recovering from religious trauma.
Seeking validation and understanding from friends, family, or support groups who respect one's journey can provide a sense of belonging and validation. Connecting with individuals who have gone through similar experiences fosters a sense of community and validation, helping in breaking the isolation often felt during the healing process.
Engaging in therapy or counseling with a mental health professional experienced in religious trauma can be immensely beneficial. Therapists provide a safe and non-judgmental space to explore the impact of religious trauma, process emotional wounds, and develop coping strategies to manage distress. Therapy aids in reframing beliefs, addressing triggers, and healing from the psychological effects of religious trauma.
Reevaluating beliefs and boundaries is an essential aspect of recovering from religious trauma.
It involves critically examining former religious teachings or beliefs and discerning which aspects are beneficial or harmful to one's well-being. Setting healthy boundaries, whether with religious institutions, family members, or within oneself, is crucial in creating a sense of safety and autonomy.
Practicing self-compassion becomes a cornerstone in the healing journey. Recognizing that the trauma experienced was not one's fault and extending kindness to oneself during the recovery process is pivotal. Embracing self-care practices, such as mindfulness, meditation, or activities that bring joy and peace, supports emotional healing and self-acceptance.
Exploring spirituality on one's terms can aid in healing from religious trauma.
It involves reconnecting with one's spirituality in a way that feels authentic and empowering. This exploration might involve embracing different spiritual practices, connecting with nature, or finding meaning and purpose outside of organized religion.
Learning to live authentically and embrace individuality is a significant step toward recovery.
Embracing personal beliefs, values, and identities free from the constraints of past religious teachings fosters a sense of empowerment and self-acceptance. Accepting and celebrating one's true self is liberating and essential in the journey toward healing.
Additionally, acknowledging and processing grief or loss stemming from leaving a religious community or belief system is crucial. The grieving process allows space for mourning the loss of community, support, or previously held beliefs while paving the way for new beginnings and personal growth.
In conclusion, recovering from religious trauma is a complex but transformative journey that involves acknowledging the impact of past experiences, seeking support, reevaluating beliefs and boundaries, practicing self-compassion, exploring spirituality, embracing authenticity, and allowing space for grief and healing. It's a deeply personal process that requires patience, self-discovery, and a commitment to nurturing mental and emotional well-being. By honoring one's journey and embracing personal growth, individuals can find a path toward healing and reclaiming their autonomy and inner peace beyond religious trauma.
Mental Illness Happy Hour & Paul Gilmartin Bio:
Comedian Paul Gilmartin hosts a weekly, hour-long audio podcast consisting of interviews with artists, friends and the occasional doctor. The show is geared towards anyone interested in or affected by depression, addiction and other mental challenges which are so prevalent in the creative arts.
Paul’s hope is that the show and this website will give people a place to connect, smile and feel the return of hope. The biggest myth about mental illness is that you are alone and there is no help.
From 1995 to 2011 Paul Gilmartin co-hosted TBS’ Dinner and a Movie. As a standup he has appeared 0n Comedy Central Presents: Paul Gilmartin and numerous other shows that everyone has since forgotten. He is a frequent guest on the Jimmy Dore Show performing political satire as right-wing Congressman Richard Martin.
Paul was thrilled to be diagnosed with clinical depression in 1999 because it meant he wasn’t just an asshole. By 2003, he realized he was still an asshole and an alcoholic. Since 2003 he has been sober, mostly happy and a tiny bit less of an asshole.
To find more from Paul & MIHH visit:
https://www.instagram.com/mentalpod/
To find more from us visit:
https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com/meet-debbie
https://www.instagram.com/openspacetherapycollective/
https://www.tiktok.com/@openspacetherapy
https://www.tiktok.com/@mytherapistisout
https://www.instagram.com/mytherapistisout
Content warning: religious and intergenerational trauma, sexual abuse