In this episode, Tom Bruett (he/him) interviews Kit Morgan (he/they), a queer and trans religious trauma-informed educator, licensed clinical social worker, and therapist. Together, they explore how religious trauma continues to shape queer and trans lives long after leaving faith communities. From purity culture and internalized shame to the ways stigma around mental health keeps people stuck, Kit unpacks how belief systems can quietly influence identity, relationships, and self-worth in ways many people don’t even realize.

They dive into the difference between conflict and abuse in religious families, how “Midwest nice” can mask deeper harm, and why so many people struggle to name their experiences as trauma. The conversation also examines how these early messages show up in dating, attraction, and desire, along with what therapists and allies often get wrong when supporting queer and trans clients. If you’ve ever felt like you left religion but it didn’t fully leave you, this episode offers language, insight, and a path toward understanding what’s still lingering beneath the surface.

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About Kit:

Kit Morgan is a queer and trans religious trauma informed educator, licensed clinical social worker, and therapist, working with clients in New York, Virginia, and Indiana. Kit’s work began with advocacy and research for people at high risk of incarceration. From Kit’s background of growing up in the Independent Fundamentalist Baptist and Southern Baptist denominations during his girlhood years, Kit noticed how institutionalization, including the institution of religion, impacts the way people relate to their gender and sexuality. This inspired Kit to study Christian Counseling, the science of psychology, and social work in their time at university. Kit focuses their work on liberation from shame induced by institutionalization impacting people’s relationship to their queerness.

Connect with Kit:

Website: www.theliberatedporch.com

TikTok: @theliberatedporch

Instagram: @theliberatedporch

Connect with Tom:

website: www.queerrelationshipinstitute.com

Instagram: @queerrelationshipinstitute

Get his book: https://a.co/d/0gtUEAC5

In this conversation, Tom Bruett interviews David F Khalili (he/him), a queer licensed marriage and family therapist and board certified sexologist based in San Francisco and founder of Rouse Relational Wellness. They discuss David's mission of "Shame Less, Love More," his journey into sex therapy, and the unique challenges faced by queer Middle Eastern men navigating identity, family, and belonging. David shares his perspective on bi erasure, the cost of masculinity for men across the gender and sexuality spectrum, and why helping clients simply feel comfortable talking about sex is often the most powerful first step. They also explore therapist burnout, the importance of community for isolated private practice clinicians, and David's growing Rouse Academy training program for therapists.

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About David:
David F Khalili is a queer licensed marriage and family therapist, board-certified sexologist, and founder of Rouse Relational Wellness, a boutique couples and sex therapy center in San Francisco focused on helping queer, kinky, and poly folks have their best relationships. Offering trainings and gatherings at Rouse Academy, David brings together couples and sex therapists seeking community and continuing education. He also authored the recently published Mental Health Workbook for Men to enhance their relationships with others.

Connect with David:
Professional Websites: rousetherapy.com, davidfkhalili.com
Training for Therapists: rouseacademy.com
Instagram: @rousetherapy
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rousetherapy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rousetherapy

Connect with Tom:
website: www.queerrelationshipinstitute.com
Instagram: @queerrelationshipinstitute
Get his book: https://a.co/d/0gtUEAC5

In this conversation, Tom Bruett interviews Mickie Kennedy(he/him), a gay poet whose work reflects on his experiences living through the AIDS crisis and the complexities of intimacy and relationships. They discuss the emotional journey of writing poetry, the impact of societal issues on personal creativity, and the importance of documenting the history of the LGBTQ+ community. Kennedy shares insights on vulnerability, authenticity, and the healing power of art, while also addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the community today.

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About Mickie:
Mickie Kennedy is a gay writer who resides in Baltimore County, Maryland. His work has appeared in Prairie Schooner, POETRY, The Threepenny Review, The Southern Review, The Sun and elsewhere. His first full-length book of poetry, Worth Burning, was published by Black Lawrence Press in February 2026. Follow him on social media @MickiePoet or his website mickiekennedy.com.

Connect with Mickie:
Website: https://www.mickiekennedy.com
Instagram: @mickiepoet
New Book: https://www.mickiekennedy.com/worth-burning

Connect with Tom:
website: www.queerrelationshipinstitute.com
Instagram: @queerrelationshipinstitute
Get his book: https://a.co/d/0gtUEAC5