Uploaded August 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The Benefits (and Pitfalls) of Telling Your Story - For Anonymous Activists, Memoirists, Whistleblowers and Everyone Who Has a "Culty" Story to Tell - Gerette Buglion, Cathrine Moestue, Sarah Edmondson, Lisa Rich, Shelly Snow Pordea, Lisa Kohn, Esther Friedman
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Disclaimer: This session was delivered for the 2023 ICSA Conference. The speaker of this session does not speak on behalf of ICSA as an organization.
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Abstract: This panel discussion features #igotout collaborators and activists who will provide guidance on the process, importance, potential challenges, and dangers of sharing one's story of cultic abuse. The mission of #igotout is to inspire survivors of high-demand environments, including those who have experienced cultic, religious, or spiritual abuse, to share their stories when it is safe to do so. The panel represents a diverse range of experiences, offering a comprehensive understanding of the risks and benefits of storytelling while providing practical advice on when and how to engage in this process.
The hashtag, igotout.org website, and associated social media platforms create an inclusive online space for healing, mutual learning, prevention of further harm, and public education regarding the detrimental effects of coercive control and undue influence. As collaborators of #igotout, the panelists believe that safely sharing our stories can alleviate the burdens of shame, stigma, and isolation, as well as challenge misconceptions surrounding cultic involvement.
Throughout the panel, diverse perspectives and guidance will be offered for individuals considering writing a memoir, sharing a public performance, or creating an #igotout statement based on their experiences. Each panelist will have 3-5 minutes to present their personal advice, which may range from whistle-blowing to maintaining anonymity or even waiting several decades before sharing one's story. Following the presentations, there will be an open Q&A session. All individuals are welcome to participate.The hashtag, the igotout.org website, and associated social media platforms are intended to provide an inclusive online space in which to heal, learn from each other, prevent further harm, and educate the public about the harmful effects of coercive control and undue influence. As #igotout collaborators, the panelists believe the simple yet profound act of safely sharing our stories can help lessen the burden of shame, stigma, and isolation while also correcting widespread misconceptions about cultic involvement.
The panel will offer diverse perspectives and guidance for anyone who is contemplating writing a memoir, sharing a public performance or writing an #igotout statement about their experiences. Each panelist will present for 3-5 minutes, offering their personal advise - ranging from whistle blowing, to being anonymous, to waiting 30 years to tell one's story. And then we will be open for Q and A. All are welcome.
The Benefits (and Pitfalls) of Telling Your Story - For Anonymous Activists, Memoirists, Whistleblowers and Everyone Who Has a "Culty" Story to Tell - Gerette Buglion, Cathrine Moestue, Sarah Edmondson, Lisa Rich, Shelly Snow Pordea, Lisa Kohn, Esther Friedman
-
Disclaimer: This session was delivered for the 2023 ICSA Conference. The speaker of this session does not speak on behalf of ICSA as an organization.
-
Abstract: This panel discussion features #igotout collaborators and activists who will provide guidance on the process, importance, potential challenges, and dangers of sharing one's story of cultic abuse. The mission of #igotout is to inspire survivors of high-demand environments, including those who have experienced cultic, religious, or spiritual abuse, to share their stories when it is safe to do so. The panel represents a diverse range of experiences, offering a comprehensive understanding of the risks and benefits of storytelling while providing practical advice on when and how to engage in this process.
The hashtag, igotout.org website, and associated social media platforms create an inclusive online space for healing, mutual learning, prevention of further harm, and public education regarding the detrimental effects of coercive control and undue influence. As collaborators of #igotout, the panelists believe that safely sharing our stories can alleviate the burdens of shame, stigma, and isolation, as well as challenge misconceptions surrounding cultic involvement.
Throughout the panel, diverse perspectives and guidance will be offered for individuals considering writing a memoir, sharing a public performance, or creating an #igotout statement based on their experiences. Each panelist will have 3-5 minutes to present their personal advice, which may range from whistle-blowing to maintaining anonymity or even waiting several decades before sharing one's story. Following the presentations, there will be an open Q&A session. All individuals are welcome to participate.The hashtag, the igotout.org website, and associated social media platforms are intended to provide an inclusive online space in which to heal, learn from each other, prevent further harm, and educate the public about the harmful effects of coercive control and undue influence. As #igotout collaborators, the panelists believe the simple yet profound act of safely sharing our stories can help lessen the burden of shame, stigma, and isolation while also correcting widespread misconceptions about cultic involvement.
The panel will offer diverse perspectives and guidance for anyone who is contemplating writing a memoir, sharing a public performance or writing an #igotout statement about their experiences. Each panelist will present for 3-5 minutes, offering their personal advise - ranging from whistle blowing, to being anonymous, to waiting 30 years to tell one's story. And then we will be open for Q and A. All are welcome.
