Purity Culture Dropout™ Divorce Support Groups

For people who are divorced / separated /divorcing / separating or feel they might be headed that way after purity culture.. 

What do you do when purity culture promised you that following its rules would guarantee a happily- ever-after with your one true love, but it didn’t quite work out that way? 

It’s no secret or surprise that when people deconstruct their faith after high control religion (including purity culture), they experience seismic changes in their lives. Sometimes, especially when people marry young, the evolution of their faith, sense of self, and sexuality becomes incompatible with their spouse’s. 

The ways that a deeply religious upbringing can affect the experience of divorce (especially with regard to expectations around gender and sexuality) is very specific and can be an isolating experience.

Lately, I've observed so many people booking sessions with me to talk about relationships, dating, and sexuality after divorce. I know from creating the PCD™ Queer Support Groups that one of the most powerful ways to learn and grow is in a supportive community with others who understand your unique experience and have a lot of the same questions and concerns.

You aren’t just divorced or divorcing…you’re divorced or divorcing after purity culture, which brings up all kinds of things that other divorced people may not necessarily relate to. 

Some of those things include:

  • Anger at how following all the purity culture rules didn’t result in happily ever after

  • Shame for not “making it work”

  • Regrets when it comes to sexuality and relationships

  • Grief about lost youth/ not having a typical experience of dating

  • Struggling with the weight of others’ opinions on your marriage / divorce

  • Losing faith community

  • Loss of identity as a wife or husband

  • Judgment from faith community and family about your divorce

  • Questions and worry about navigating sex and dating now

  • People in your business / sex life now

  • Anxiety about dating / sex when you have little experience

  • Feelings of exhilaration (and also terror) about living life without the weight of traditional expectations you once adhered to

  • Having healthy romantic/ sexual relationships

“Erica’s Queer PCD support groups were exactly what I needed. Not only did she foster a gracious and welcoming community (within approximately 0.08 seconds), but she is a skilled facilitator who thoughtfully chooses topics for discussion. I didn’t fear sharing my actual thoughts, feelings, or experiences because the group was made to be trustworthy through her careful planning. We covered a variety of themes over the course of this group, each as pertinent and timely as the previous. Overall: 10/10.

—L

In these support groups we’ll navigate identity, sexuality, dating, gender expectations, shame, pleasure, community, and so much more- all specially tailored to address the niche experience of people who are divorced after purity culture. 

This group is open to anyone regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Queer folks (especially those newly discovering their queerness) are very welcome! You decide how to interpret “divorce”- whether you’re just beginning to separate or have been divorced for years, you’re welcome in this group.