Understanding Religious Trauma

Understanding Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS)

Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS) is a concept that is gaining traction among mental health professionals, despite not yet being recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) used in the United States. RTS describes the profound psychological effects on individuals who have been part of, or have dissociated from, authoritarian, dogmatic, and controlling religious groups. According to a segment by WBUR, Boston’s National Public Radio station, approximately one in three Americans report experiencing some form of trauma related to religion, with the impact being notably pronounced in the queer community.

Coined in 2011 by psychologist Marlene Winell, the term RTS categorizes symptoms akin to those seen in Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). These include cognitive impairments such as confusion and identity crises, emotional disturbances like anxiety and depression, and social challenges such as isolation and difficulties integrating into non-religious communities. Additionally, RTS encompasses functional disruptions like sleep disorders and substance abuse issues. The origins of these symptoms are twofold: the oppressive indoctrination experienced within these religious environments and the significant trauma associated with exiting such communities. Recognizing RTS as a distinct syndrome helps mitigate the stigma and isolation experienced by its sufferers, providing them with a structured understanding of their experiences and a clear pathway towards recovery.

The Queer Experience of Religious Trauma

For many queer individuals, religious environments are fraught with profound conflict. The doctrines of many major religions, which often categorize queer identities as ‘sinful,’ can inflict deep and lasting psychological harm. This trauma is multifaceted, arising from persistent messages of condemnation, social ostracization by religious communities, and the internalization of negative beliefs, which is often referred to as internalized homophobia. Together, these factors contribute significantly to Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS), resulting in a continuous state of fear, shame, and confusion about one’s self-worth and identity.

Queer individuals may encounter religious trauma through additional channels:

• Non-inclusive Doctrines: Religious teachings often explicitly condemn LGBTQ+ identities, labeling them as immoral or sinful. This explicit condemnation not only fosters an environment of rejection but also legitimizes discrimination and exclusion within religious communities.
• Family and Community Pressure: Many queer individuals face immense pressure to conform to heteronormative and cisnormative values deeply ingrained in their religious communities. This pressure can manifest as direct coercion to change their identities, or subtler expectations to “hide” their true selves to fit in, both of which are profoundly isolating.
• Internal Conflict: The cognitive dissonance created by conflicting religious beliefs and queer identity can lead to significant psychological distress. This struggle often involves the difficulty in reconciling one’s faith with their identity, which can result in guilt, shame, and a diminished sense of self-worth.
• Exclusionary Practices: Many religious institutions enact policies that exclude queer people from participation in rituals, leadership roles, or community activities. This exclusion deprives individuals of spiritual engagement and community support. It can also reinforce feelings of unworthiness and alienation.
• Conversion Therapy and “Cure” Narratives: Some religious groups advocate for conversion therapy or other harmful practices intended to “cure” queer identities. These practices are scientifically debunked and can cause long-lasting psychological damage, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
• Social Stigmatization and Bullying: Within religious communities, queer individuals may be targets of verbal abuse, social shunning, and even physical violence, which are justified by religious beliefs. This bullying contributes to the trauma, heightening the risk of mental health crises.
• Ritualized Shame: Certain religious ceremonies or confessions may be used to shame queer individuals, reinforcing negative self-perceptions and internalized homophobia. These experiences can undermine mental health and exacerbate feelings of isolation and despair.

The Role of Safe Spaces in Managing and Recovering from RTS

Safe spaces can also play a crucial role in both managing and recovering from RTS. These environments provide sanctuaries where queer individuals can express themselves authentically and explore their identities without fear of judgment or harm. Creating and participating in such spaces can be transformative, offering the support and affirmation needed to foster resilience against the ongoing challenges posed by RTS.

Folx with Faith and similar organizations are dedicated to creating safe spaces that are inclusive and affirming for queer individuals. Their focus areas include:

• Inclusive Practices: These organizations work to implement inclusive policies that affirm and support queer identities within spiritual communities. This involves offering training sessions for religious leaders and congregants on LGBTQ+ issues, ensuring that queer individuals feel welcomed and valued within their spiritual homes.
• Community Engagement: By organizing events and gatherings that promote understanding and acceptance, these organizations build a supportive network that values each member’s spiritual journey. These events may include workshops, affinity groups, discussion groups, and communal worship services designed with the needs of queer congregants in mind. They aim to foster a sense of belonging and community among members, allowing them to share their experiences and support one another in their spiritual and personal growth.
• Advocacy and Awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of safe spaces for queer individuals is another critical focus. Efforts include campaigning for the recognition of queer rites and rituals, participating in interfaith dialogues to promote inclusivity across different belief systems, and engaging with media to spread messages of acceptance and equality. These activities help improve conditions within specific religious settings but also aim to influence broader societal attitudes towards queer spirituality.
• Educational Outreach: Providing education on queer identities and experiences to the wider religious community is essential. This can involve developing curricula that include queer theological perspectives, hosting speakers who can share personal stories and theological insights, and creating resources that help deconstruct harmful myths and misconceptions about queer people.
• Support Systems: Establishing support systems such as counseling services, spiritual guidance, and peer support groups specifically for queer members of the faith community. These resources are crucial for individuals who may be navigating the challenges of reconciling their queer identity with their religious beliefs, or who are experiencing isolation or rejection from their faith communities.

These efforts are vital for providing the necessary conditions under which individuals can explore and reconcile their spiritual beliefs with their queer identities, significantly aiding in the management and recovery process. By fostering environments that are openly inclusive and actively supportive, Folx with Faith and similar organizations can play a crucial role in healing and empowering queer individuals within religious contexts.

Steps to Create Safe Spaces:

• Community Initiatives: Develop and support initiatives that offer resources tailored to the needs of queer individuals, especially those recovering from RTS. This might include support groups, mental health resources, and social gatherings that emphasize safety and inclusiveness.
• Training and Workshops: Conducting educational sessions for community leaders and members to enhance their understanding of queer issues and the complexities of religious trauma. This education should focus on empathy, understanding, and practical measures to support queer community members.
• Partnerships: Collaborating with queer-affirming religious organizations and other faith-based allies can help bridge the gap between spirituality and queer identities, fostering a holistic approach to healing and acceptance.
• Advocacy and Policy Change: Pushing for legislative and societal changes that promote the rights and well-being of queer individuals. Advocacy should focus on ensuring that all religious and communal spaces adopt inclusive practices that truly welcome and support everyone.

Mindful Communication:

• Sensitivity in Interactions: Being mindful when engaging with queer individuals involves recognizing that not everyone has experienced religious trauma. Safe spaces are about respecting each person’s unique background and experiences without making assumptions about their past.
• Avoiding Retraumatization: Care should be taken not to inadvertently retraumatize individuals by avoiding triggering language or making assumptions about their religious experiences or identity journeys.

Reaffirming Our Spiritual Journeys

 “It is a lie – any talk of God that does not comfort you.” This profound statement reminds us of the importance of constructing a spiritual narrative that heals and supports us. For queer individuals, navigating the complexities of Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS) is about reclaiming and reaffirming a spiritual identity that has been suppressed or distorted by religion.

As we unravel the layers of religious, social, and personal narratives that have for too long dictated our worth and shaped our identities, we find the strength to rewrite our stories. We can draw inspiration from each step taken towards healing, recognizing that each act of understanding and inclusion reinforces our collective resilience. In affirming spaces, we can explore and express our truest selves without fear. Here, we are reminded that our identities are valid, our feelings are acknowledged, and our spiritual paths are as diverse as we are—each journey uniquely sacred. Expressions of divine love.

Together, we can build a world where conversations about faith and spirituality are sources of comfort and empowerment. Let this be our aspiration: that our spiritual communities reflect the kind of divine love that embraces all identities and experiences—a sanctuary for everyone to find peace and purpose.