The Speak Agency

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Behind the project.

I first started this project as a concerned human with a mission to significantly decrease the su***de rate in youth/teens who were questioning or identify as LGBTQIA. As I began to dig deeper I realized that there was a huge correlation between su***de and what is referred to as religious abuse or more specifically spiritual abuse. Many of you may not be aware of this but it's a very serious problem that continues to seemingly get dismissed easily. What is Spiritual abuse? If it’s discussed at all, spiritual abuse(religious abuse) is abuse administered under the guise of religion, including harassment, humiliation, and isolation which may result in psychological trauma. Religious/spiritual abuse may also include misuse of religion for selfish, secular, or ideological ends such as the abuse of a clerical/faith leader position. Often by shaming or controlling members using the power of their position. However, Spiritual abuse is not limited to a certain religion or denomination. Any person, of any belief system, is capable of perpetrating spiritual abuse, just as anyone can be the victim of it. Spiritual abuse is no less harmful or difficult to endure than any other kind of abuse, as a person’s spiritual life is deeply personal. However, it can be very difficult to identify, as many victims may not recognize they are being abused. In addition, the abuser may claim that any challenge to the abuse is an assault on their own religious freedom. Regardless of religious or spiritual beliefs, abuse of any kind is never acceptable or justified.

So how does that relate to su***de in youth and young adults who are questioning or identify as LGBTQIA? Well, I know first hand the effects of dealing with your sexual identity while struggling to uphold your religious/spiritual-moral at the same time. As I grew up in a very strict religious environment with constant spiritual abuse. On one hand, you want to embrace who you are but you are compounded with the fact that it could directly contradict your religious beliefs. On top of that add spiritual(religious) abuse into the mix and you have a cocktail for disaster. Makes one feel conflicted, wrong, hopeless, unwanted, isolated, and just depressed. Or worst of all be excommunicated and shunned from their society, family, or religious practice. Many people are just mere victims and don't know how to deal with such complex emotions at such a young age or at all. So that can lead to suicidal thoughts and destructive behavior. Hence why this has become such a personal and important project for me. I vow to always support, protect, and empower all kinds in the equal pursuit of happiness. I want to help free people from this mental abuse and save lives in the process. I want to be a voice and speak up for those many like me who were afraid to talk or even know they were a victim. I will take a stand against abuse and offers coaching and preventative measures to combat su***de rates including youth and adults questioning or who identify as LGBTQIA. It’s a tall order but it’s just the right thing to do.