R E C O V E R I N G F R O M
Purity Culture
WHAT IS PURITY CULTURE?
A belief system that ties your worth to sexual "purity," often instilling shame around desire, intimacy, and even your own body. It enforces rigid gender roles, promotes fear-based teachings about sex, and can leave you feeling confused, disconnected, or unworthy.
“One of the most effective ways a high control religion can gain control over people is by creating a narrative around the body that promotes shame, sinfulness, and an external locus of control, meaning that a person cannot trust themselves or their body”
-LAURA E. ANDERSON, PHD
If you grew up in Purity Culture,
YOU MIGHT BE STRUGGLING WITH
SHAME & GUILT AROUND SEX
Feeling like sexual thoughts or desires make you "bad" or unworthy, making it hard to enjoy intimacy without fear or guilt.
SUPPRESSING DESIRES
Ignoring or shutting down your own wants—sexual or otherwise—because you were taught they were dangerous or sinful.
CONFUSION ABOUT BOUNDARIES
Struggling to say no, ask for what you need, or feel in control of your own body because consent was never talked about in a healthy way.
ANXIETY, DEPRESSION & SELF-DOUBT
Carrying the weight of purity teachings that told you your worth was tied to your "purity" and left you feeling broken or unworthy.
PERFECTIONISM & FEAR OF FAILURE
Feeling like you have to be “pure” or perfect to be lovable, leading to anxiety, self-criticism, or fear of disappointing others.
STRUGGLES WITH IDENTITY & SELF-WORTH
Feeling lost or disconnected from who you really are because your sense of self was shaped by rigid rules and expectations.
MODESTY TRAUMA & FEAR OF SHAME
Feeling responsible for other people’s thoughts, actions, or even their "salvation" based on what you wear. You may struggle with guilt about your body being “too much” or feeling unsafe in your own skin.
FEAR OF JUDGMENT
Feeling like you’re constantly being watched, evaluated, or shamed for what you wear, how you act, or the choices you make.
IF THIS HITS HOME, JUST KNOW — YOU’RE NOT THE ONLY ONE.
You deserve to feel safe in your body, confident in your choices, and free to live life on your own terms.
Unpack harmful messages and reclaim your worth with my Purity Culture Cards.
“The purity message is not about sex. Rather, it is about us: who we are, who we are expected to be, and who it is said we will become if we fail to meet those expectations.
This is the language of shame.”
- L I N D A K A Y K L E I N