Purity culture has left deep scars—especially for people of the global majority, women, queer folks, and those navigating the intersections of religion, culture, and colonialism. In this episode of Emboldened with Jessica, we explore the harms of purity culture, from shame and silencing of desire to the loss of body autonomy.

Jessica breaks down how purity culture isn’t just a 1990s evangelical trend—it has roots in colonial control, patriarchy, and the policing of marginalized bodies. You’ll hear trauma-informed insights, somatic healing practices, and compassionate tools to help you release shame, reconnect with desire, and reclaim your pleasure.

✨ If you’ve struggled with shame around your body, desire, or relationships, or you’re supporting someone who has, this episode offers resources, reflection prompts, and hope for a more embodied, liberated life.

✨ Topics we cover:

• What purity culture is and how it extends beyond white evangelicalism

• How it uniquely impacts BIPOC, Asian, and Latine communities through colonialism

• The hidden harms: shame, sexual disconnection, and silencing of desire

• Somatic + body-based practices for healing

• How caregivers can teach consent to protect kids from purity culture’s harm

• Steps toward reclaiming pleasure, autonomy, and embodied freedom

Chapters:
00:00 – What is Purity Culture?
07:45 – The Colonial Roots of Purity Culture
14:30 – Shame, Desire, and the Body
21:55 – Healing Through Somatic Practices
33:10 – Caregivers & Teaching Consent
42:20 – Reclaiming Pleasure and Living Liberated

Jessica’s Cozy Book Nook: - Bookshop

1. Recovering from Purity Culture: Dismantle the Myths, Reject Shame-Based Sexuality, and Move Forward in Your Faith by Camden Morgante - Bookshop

2. The Vagina Bible- by Jen Gunter - Bookshop

3. Becoming Cliterate by Laurie Mintz - Bookshop

4. Sex Talks: The Five Conversations that will transform your love life by Vanessa Marin - Bookshop

5. Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski - Bookshop

6. Come Together by Emily Nagoski - Bookshop

📢 Call to Action:

📲 Follow @EmboldenedWithJessica on IG, TikTok & YouTube
💗 Want to support the show? Leave a review or drop a tip here: Emboldened Tip Jar