Kit returns after a long break to share what has changed, from a new cat co-host named Bob Dylan to starting a doctorate in clinical sexology and receiving permanent residence in Canada. This episode is both personal and political, tracing the journey from religious trauma and purity culture to immigration and gender transition. Kit speaks candidly about why studying sexology matters, especially for understanding the impacts of religion on sex, gender, trans pleasure, and intimacy. The episode also explores the cultural and religious contrasts between the United States and Canada, including the realities of racism, church influence, and what it means to build a life in a new country. Key topicsKit introduces Bob Dylan, an orange cat who has become a purring cohost and a surprisingly decisive force in daily life.The long gap since the last episode is explained by major life changes, including starting a doctorate of clinical sexology and getting Canadian permanent residence.Kit shares why sexology matters personally and professionally, especially for studying the effects of religion and spirituality on sex and gender.Kit reflects on how little formal education exists around trans sexuality, trans intimacy, and embodied pleasure.Kit connects purity culture, forced abstinence, and trans pleasure as deeply intertwined subjects that deserve more honest education and care.The episode revisits a painful moment years ago when Kit told their parents about pursuing sexology and was met with stunned silence.Kit walks through their immigration process of Canada’s Federal Skilled Workers program.Kit describes the emotional weight of selling possessions, rehoming a dog, and realizing that leaving the United States might be final.Kit shares the experience of spending a winter in Ottawa without a car, dealing with unreliable buses, frozen beard icicles, and a slower pace of life.The episode closes with reflections on Canadian and U.S. culture, especially around change, religion, atheism, public life, and the ongoing impact of colonialism and racism. Timestamps00:00 — Meet Bob Dylan, the orange cat cohost 03:25 — Why Kit has been away from podcasting 03:57 — Starting a doctorate in clinical sexology 06:31 — Why trans sex lives need more serious education 10:23 — Purity culture, trans pleasure, and reclaiming embodied intimacy 11:20 — Telling Kit’s parents about the doctorate 16:04 — Why immigration was always part of the plan 22:29 — Applying through Canada’s federal skilled worker pathway 23:44 — Workplace letters, detransition pressure, and the language test 25:18 — The Department of Homeland Security experience 27:15 — Choosing to take a chance on Canada 28:30 — Rehoming a dog before the move 29:55 — Crossing the border and waiting for the verdict 31:48 — Declaring worldly possessions and receiving approval 34:03 — Grief, snow, and life without transportation 37:09 — Immigrants, religious violence, and a slower pace of life 38:36 — Rest, work-life balance, and healing messages from Canadians 41:42 — Reflecting on imperfection 43:40 — How the U.S. and Canada differ in how they approach change 46:01 — Being an American religious trauma educator in Canada 48:09 — Church power, colonial erasure, and residential schools 49:55 — Racism, fascist fight clubs, and church burnings 55:43 — The lesson to listen before doing community work 57:16 — Autumn Equinox, shedding, and what comes next Learn more about Kit Morgan, LCSW's work @theliberatedporch on Instagram and TikTok or their website
