RfR Stories Australia | Ep.7: Ex-Jehovah Witness Mark Cilia скачать в хорошем качестве

RfR Stories Australia | Ep.7: Ex-Jehovah Witness Mark Cilia

Mark’s Story – Surviving Religious Trauma and Reclaiming Identity, Dignity, and Self-Worth In this powerful episode of RFR Stories Australia, Mark Cilia—a gay ex-Jehovah’s Witness from Brisbane—shares his raw and unfiltered journey of escaping religious trauma and rebuilding his life. Raised under the authoritarian rule of an abusive father who also served as an elder in the congregation, Mark’s childhood was shaped by fear, strict control, and spiritual manipulation. Realising he was gay only intensified his internal conflict as he struggled to reconcile his identity with a religion that told him he was unacceptable. From forced baptism, elder surveillance, and invasive questioning, to homelessness and exploitation after being disfellowshipped, Mark’s story is heartbreaking—but ultimately hopeful. Through therapy and the support of a compassionate social worker—the first person to tell him “it’s okay to be gay”—Mark began the path to healing. He went on to build a successful career in national security, reclaiming his self-worth and autonomy along the way. 🎧 This episode explores: • Jehovah’s Witness doctrine and authoritarian family dynamics • Religious abuse, shunning, and disfellowshipping • LGBTQ identity in high-control religious environments • Survival after homelessness and exploitation • The power of resilience, recovery, and self-trust 📌 Quote: "Love from the heart, not from the scriptures." – Mark 💬 If you or someone you know is struggling after leaving religion, visit: https://recoveringfromreligion.org 🎙️ Produced by RFR Australia 🎤 Hosted by Shawn and Jonathan 🎬 Edited by Johanna Browne #ExJW #ReligiousTrauma #RfRStories