Episode Summary
Kit provides a clear explanation of cognitive dissonance, breaking down its effects on individuals, particularly within the Queer community. We explore how heteronormative conditioning and binary thinking in high-control religions contribute to this dissonance, often leading to a loss of self and negative physical health impacts.
The discussion extends to the enmeshment of religion and politics in the US and its harmful effects on Queer individuals, highlighting subtle and overt ways faith communities can cause harm, and pointing out that churches often operate as businesses first. Kit shares insights on shifts within religious spaces, questioning the inclusivity of spaces using non-inclusive texts, and emphasising that cognitive dissonance is not limited to religious environments but can occur anywhere fundamentalism exists. We explore how factors like substance use can intensify cognitive dissonance and discuss Kit’s therapeutic approaches to addressing it.
The conversation touches on how cognitive dissonance affects different ages and demographics and outlines what we believe to be the essential elements of an inclusive and safe faith community. Finally, Kit offers words of encouragement to Queer individuals working to heal and unravel their experiences of dissonance.
My Thoughts
Kit is an absolute wealth of information; and they are so articulate. With understanding from a personal and professional perspective, you will learn so much from them. Also, they are just bloody lovely and warm – they are someone you just want sit down with a cuppa and have a chat with.
More About Kit
Kit Morgan (they/them), the author of The Liberated Porch on Substack, writes from their professional experience as a licensed social worker and therapist and personal experience as a trans and queer ex-fundamentalist. Kit seeks to empower folx through their writing so that people can learn how to identify and navigate direct and indirect queer trauma and religious trauma.
Connect With Us
- The Liberated Porch on Substack – https://theliberatedporch.substack.com/
- To connect with Kit over on Instagram – @theliberatedporch
- To connect with Sam on Instagram – @anchoredcounsellingservices
- Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.