Recovering from Religion

06/23/2026

Many of us may have grown up hearing things about LGBTQ+ people that were incomplete, inaccurate, or based on misunderstandings. Others may simply not have had much opportunity to get to know people from the LGBTQ+ community or learn about their experiences. This post aims to provide some basic information, answer common questions, and encourage understanding. And if you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, we hope it helps you feel seen, valued, and appreciated. 💚🏳️‍🌈

At its core, LGBTQ+ is an umbrella term that includes people whose sexual orientation, gender identity, or both differ from what is considered the majority experience.

The letters most commonly stand for:
Le***an
Gay
Bisexual
Transgender
Q***r or Questioning
The "+" represents the many other identities and experiences that are not covered by those letters alone. One point that often causes confusion is that sexual orientation and gender identity are not the same thing. We will cover these in another post later this week!

For now here are some resources:
Video: The Basics of LGBTQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYTij4ai0kY

LGBTQ+ Glossary
https://pflag.org/glossary/

06/22/2026

This Pride Month, we're honoring the voices of LGBTQ+ people navigating religious trauma — and the unique pain that comes with it.

One chatter to our RfR Helpline shared something that stopped us in our tracks:

"When non q***r people leave religion, the door is usually open for them to come back if they ever decide they want to. But for me, it feels like the door is slamming behind me."

Leaving religion is hard for anyone. But for q***r people, it often means losing a community, a family, and an identity — all at once, and often without any welcome back.

You are not alone. Our helpline is here for you, no matter where you are in your journey.

Our peer support helpline is free, confidential, and LGBTQ+ affirming.
Find us at https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/

***rReligiousTrama ***r ***rness

06/21/2026

🌿 Recovering from Religion Support Groups are here for you this June 23–25. Whether you’re looking for a virtual space or an in-person gathering, we have options that may fit your needs and schedule.

If you’ve attended one of our support groups, we’d love to hear about your experience in the comments. Your story may help someone else feel encouraged to take that first step.

Find the support group that works best for you here: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/sg-calendar

06/21/2026

This week on RfRx, join us for a conversation with Tim Mills, the creator and host of the YouTube channel Harmonic Atheist.

Tim uses interviews, monologues, and poetry to help people escape mythology-based worldviews and reclaim their lives. As a father of four young children, Tim speaks with deep urgency about protecting young minds from indoctrination and creating spaces of emotional safety, curiosity, and love.

We will have a conversation about deconversion, religious trauma, identity, grief, courage, and the journey out religion into a life rooted in honesty, freedom, and healing.

Join us either in Zoom (where you can ask questions), or watch the show live on YouTube. And remember to stay for the Zoom hangout after the show.

RfRx link:
https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/rfrx

YouTube link:
https://www.youtube.com//streams

Apply to volunteer with Recovering from Religion:
https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

06/21/2026

When the faith you were raised with starts to feel empty, confusing, or even harmful, that realization can be incredibly hard to carry.

“This God that I was brought up to worship or the God that I've been worshipping seems to be of no good use.”

If this resonates with you, you are not alone. Visit https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ to chat or call with one of our trained helpline agents.

06/21/2026

06/20/2026

June is Pride Month, and supporting the LGBTQA+ community matters every day. Our LGBTQA+ Support Group meets Sunday, June 21 at 3 PM EDT, offering a welcoming space for connection, care, and support.

Learn more and sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/y6h483cf

06/19/2026

On Juneteenth, we honor Black freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice. We also recognize the complex role religion has played in both sustaining hope and causing harm in Black communities.

At Recovering from Religion, we stand in solidarity with Black individuals navigating faith, doubt, and healing. Your stories matter. Your autonomy matters. Your freedom—intellectual, emotional, and personal—matters.

We are here to support you, without judgment.

Find support: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ -welcome

06/19/2026

Do you know someone with a chronic illness or disability who could use a supportive, understanding space? Please share this with anyone who might benefit from attending our support group on Saturday, June 20 at 5 PM EDT.

Learn more and sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/2jjhwpax

06/18/2026

Young people deserve support, connection, and a space to be heard. Our Youth Support Group meets Friday, June 19 at 5 PM EDT, and we invite any young people who need support to join us.

Learn more and sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/4py8z9sf