Life After Faith: Navigating Religious Trauma as a Queer Person
Starting this podcast, I knew I wanted to create a space where we could talk about the issues that often remain unspoken—those heavy, difficult topics that shape our lives. As a queer person raised in a heteronormative, non-affirming environment, I’ve lived through challenges that left deep marks on my identity. This podcast is about naming those struggles, sharing what has helped me heal, and offering encouragement for others on similar journeys.
In my very first episode, I dive into a topic close to my heart: religious trauma.
What Is Religious Trauma?
The term Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS) was first introduced by psychologist Marlene Winell in 2011. It refers to the psychological harm that can occur when someone leaves, or attempts to leave, a controlling religious environment.
At its core, religious trauma often grows out of two damaging narratives:
- “You are not okay.”
- “You are not safe.”
These beliefs are reinforced through theology. Examples include original sin or fear of hell in evangelical Christianity. Additionally, strict social structures demand conformity. When you start to question or step away, fear, guilt, and anxiety often follow.
Studies show religious trauma can mirror symptoms of complex PTSD, including:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression and hopelessness
- Intrusive memories or nightmares
- Dissociation or emotional numbness
- Suicidal thoughts in severe cases
The Queer Experience and Religious Trauma
For queer individuals, these struggles are even more intense. In many religious traditions, being LGBTQ+ is framed as incompatible with faith. This situation forces people into impossible choices. They must either deny their identity to stay in their community or be true to themselves and risk rejection.
I personally grew up in an evangelical Christian environment where being queer simply wasn’t an option. The result was a deep inner conflict between my faith and my identity. Later, I wrote my master’s thesis on this very issue: conflicting identities among queer people from evangelical backgrounds.
Sadly, this experience isn’t rare. In 67 countries, being queer is still criminalized. In 12 countries, it is punishable by death. This is often justified with religious beliefs. Even in places without such laws, queer people can face rejection, microaggressions, or even disownment from family. This contributes to disproportionately high rates of depression and suicide in the LGBTQ+ community.
Healing After Faith
My own journey out of evangelicalism was anything but easy. For years, I lay awake at night fearing hell, even after I had begun deconstructing my beliefs. My body was stuck in fight-or-flight mode, conditioned to see questioning as dangerous.
What helped me start to heal was finding an affirming therapist and having the support of my brother. That one source of unconditional support was life-changing and it gave me the strength to continue.
Healing religious trauma often requires:
- Therapy with affirming professionals
- Support networks of friends, chosen family, or community groups
- Self-expression, whether through art, writing, or storytelling
- Education, learning about trauma and reclaiming agency over your story
For me, even writing and sharing music has been part of that healing. My song Brokenhearted was written for the queer community as a reminder that we are enough, just as we are.
Why We Need to Keep Talking About This
Religious trauma doesn’t only affect queer people, it impacts anyone raised in environments of fear, shame, or authoritarian control. But queer people are at particular risk because of the added layer of identity-based rejection.
And while research has long explored how religion can help people heal from trauma, there is still relatively little work done on how religion itself can cause trauma. That gap in awareness makes conversations like this podcast, so important.
Religious trauma may not yet be a recognized diagnosis in the DSM-5, but its effects are real, profound, and widespread. Naming it is a step toward healing, solidarity, and ultimately, change.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve experienced religious trauma, know that you are not alone. Healing takes time, but it is possible—and community matters. Whether through therapy, chosen family, or creative expression, there are ways forward.
This podcast is my way of contributing to that conversation. Together, I hope we can create more space for authenticity, healing, and peace.
If this resonates with you, please follow the podcast and connect with me on Instagram at @QUEERLYHAVINGISSUES. And remember: you are enough, exactly as you are.
Queerly Having Issues 
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