Caitlin’s longtime bestie Kate, a public health PhD student with a focus on gender norms and gender-based violence, shares how her own story led her into this unique field of study.
While her strict Catholic upbringing set the stage, Kate’s religious beliefs about sex were challenged in college, leading her to question societal norms and reevaluate her own perspectives.
After a season of intense exploration, Kate found herself in a coercive, toxic marriage where she lacked bodily autonomy. Now, seven years after her divorce, she’s still working through what it means to advocate for herself in her current relationship.
Additionally, Kate delves into the harmful effects of gender norms on both women and men, and the need to address emotional repression so we can strive for healthier relationships and communities.
Connect with Kate on Instagram at @krog262 or via email at krogers3@buffalo.edu
Content warning: this episode includes sexual content and explicit language, and discusses rape, assault, and sexual coercion.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual assault or domestic violence, reach out to the national hotlines below:
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