Religious Trauma Is Real: Here's How LGBTQ People Heal
More Human More Kind: Guidance for Parents & Allies of LGBTQ Teens · Heather Hester | Advocate for Parents of LGBTQ Teens
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Show Notes
Have you ever questioned your faith or your worth because of what you were taught about being LGBTQ+?
In this transformative episode, Heather Hester is joined by therapist and theologian Ann Russo to unpack the rarely discussed but deeply felt wounds of religious trauma, especially among LGBTQ+ individuals. From purity culture and existential fear to parental shame and spiritual disconnection, they explore how healing can begin without abandoning your faith, identity, or dignity.
- Learn how to recognize the signs of religious trauma and how they may still be showing up in your life
- Understand why you don’t have to choose between faith and identity and how to redefine both on your terms
- Discover real strategies for healing from shame, control, and spiritual disconnection, no matter your background
Press play to begin healing the painful intersections of religion, identity, and belonging — and learn how to reclaim your wholeness with love, curiosity, and hope.
Connect with Ann:
Ann Russo, LCSW, MA (Theology), is a licensed clinical social worker, sex-positive therapist, and the founder of AMR Therapy & Support Services. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in healing religious trauma, supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, and providing affirming care for those in non-traditional relationships. Ann offers training, consulting, and therapy services that center on inclusivity, trauma-informed practices, and spiritual healing. She is also the creator of the Empowering Pathways Continuing Education Program, designed to equip mental health professionals with tools to support marginalized communities.
In addition to her clinical work, Ann is a published author and speaker, contributing to podcasts and media events that explore themes of sexuality, identity, and healing. Her work is rooted in a commitment to social justice and the transformation of mental health and wellness spaces.
Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!
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At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and grow their capacity for courageous, compassionate connection.
For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action.
Whether you’re listening in, working with me directly, or quietly taking it all in, I see you. And I’m so glad you’re part of this journey.
More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast in a heartfelt and empowering space where a mom and advocate offers practical guidance and education to parents and allies, fostering empathy, kindness, love, and strong boundaries while supporting LGBTQ teens and the diverse LGBTQ community—including gay, lesiban, bisexual, trans, transgender, and queer individuals—through conversations about mental health, grief, gender identity, sexual orientation, human rights, social justice, parenting, parent support, and meaningful LGBTQ allyship and allyship in action.
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