Brandy, I am shook by this. As another gay man that struggled with suicide due to Jehovah's Witnesses, I was outraged by Lett's talk last year. I had no idea about this background, and now I'm even angrier. My sincerest condolences to you. Thank you for being a champion for your brother, and for all us other gays out here.
I absolutely agree with you. He should have excused himself from even giving that talk. Instead, he couldn't wait to condemn his own nephew. There obviously was no love in him for his nephew. Even God feels sorrow for sinners who go the wrong way. We don't even know whether God would condemn such person's. I don't think so. If we were to find out differently when God's will takes place on earth, then God would show love and help that one to grow spiritually. No different than God will help those that lie or cheat or steal habitually. I say again. Let's just love one another and let God do the judging.
Brandy so sorry to hear of brothers death and your terrible loss. My wife and I have been inactive since Oct 2019. We are now completely out mentally. Our middle child is gay. He had dissociated several years ago, while we were still in. He had called us, we took his call despite the dramas and counsel from the organization about pretending they don't exist. He was preparing to commit suicide. We were able to intervene and help him. We as well as our 3 children are no longer in the organization. My best wishes to your efforts and if our family can assist let us know
I’m glad you answered his call and saved him from taking his life. Watchtower doesn’t understand the scriptures about treating someone who’s left the religion and has misapplied them. So sad.
Congrats, Mark. Now that you guys are out, you can have actually a happy and loving familiar relationship. I think the love was already there, of course, but that cult gets in the way
I lost my daughter to suicide when she was 19. She was not gay but had decided she did not want to be a witness anymore and was terrified of what would happen , knowing she would be shunned by friends and family. You are so brave to make this video and I know it will help. ❤️
Saddened to read of the loss of your daughter and the reasons that led her to take her own life.. This could easily have been the case with my own daughter, but somehow she has survived...The years that have passed though have been difficult as her dark thoughts are always with her... And as her parent, one has to learn to live with this in mind... It must be very difficult for you... I have lost very close friends to suicide, some were even closer to me than my own siblings, and despite the passing of, in my case decades, their loss is with me every single day.. I can only imagine how difficult it must be when one looses one's own child...
Hi 👋🏽 I’m so sorry for your loss😢😢 Suicide is no joke 🤧😥 I have a uncle who’s a Jehovah witness & I pray 🙏🏽 that one day JW’s will see the real truth. If JWs called it “the truth”, then why are they afraid or not to look up any outside information like google?! Charles taze Russell is to be blamed for all of this! Charles took a Holy Bible & twist the scriptures.😢😥☹️
I am so sorry for the loss of your bother. We all have faced so much pain suffering and loss because of the JW religion. I was a 5th gen JW my father served at bethel with Nathan knorr. My sister was in Brooklyn and Wallkill for 20 years until her husband transitioned into a woman. They were both kicked out. And now they are separated. My sister in law has attempted Suicide many times. She is an awesome person and I am so happy that I can except her a person since I am no longer an elder and a Jw.
“You might be surprised how many Jehovah’s Witnesses are homosexual.” I related having made that frank remark in a #5 talk which I delivered on the Theocratic Ministry School. The fall-out resulting from that talk led to my officially disassociating from Jehovah’s Witnesses which, in turn, cost me my marriage of more than 40 years. I have no regrets for speaking truth, as I am not responsible for how others respond when hearing truth spoken. I commend you, Brandy Schmiedel, for your courage in speaking your truth. My wish for you is that you will find many more genuine friends who practice unconditional love than you ever found among your JW associates.
I too am a gay ex JW born in 1990, my name is Steve from the UK. I’m so sorry for what you have been through! Thanks so much for telling this story- this community is here for you!
Brandy my love to you , I totally understand. My witness son was gay , fortunately I chose not to shun , ...I then stood up for victims of paedophilia, then my daughter shunned me . Unfortunately my lovely there are no winners in this religion . ..my love to you sweet 😘😘😘😘
This was my cousin and if you knew Steven, you'd never know he was going through all that . He was always laughing . He was a very caring young man that I wish we still had . You're forever in my heart 🖤 love you guys .
Stephen Lett’s comments about praying the gay away at the annual meeting was the last talk I ever listened to. I walked out of the Kingdom Hall that day and never went back. As a proud gay man I applaud your bravery. I think your brother would be proud.
Stephen Lett should nevermind praying the gay away let alone praying away the paedophilia a lot of their leaders engage in, also how about praying away all other forms of 'sin' and imperfection for example: sickness is sin, gossip, slander unjust treatment, scorning others, lying tongues, running toward badness, not doing what is right, failing to provide for the poor and unfortunate, being greedy let's pray away materialism and a self righteous spirit. If you could pray away 'sin' the Christ was not needed in the first place. I met Daniel Sydlick BTW, that guy is definitely gay imo, I felt his eyes undressing my 19 yrs old teenage body as I shook hands with him and there was a lusty licking of his lips, apparently his strikingly good looking and busty wife was known to be sexually unfulfilled by him also, I have heard but that would be gossip whether factual or not.
Hello Brandy. I too am a gay ex JW. I'm almost in tears seeing your video. I went through the same thing. Shunned not only for leaving the religion but then completely cut out when they confirmed I was gay. I'm so so sorry for your loss. This organization is blood guilty and has so much hate at their core. You are very brave in sharing your story. My deepest condolences.
@@adrianthomas2196 I'm sorry to contradict you. But I don't think you understand the terrible hold they have on the publishers. Just try commenting something just a little different than the reasoning from the governing body. Grow a beard if your male. Get a non jw friend that is totally acceptable in every way except for being a jw.
1 minute into this video and I am already crying. My heart goes out to you Brandy. I'm an Ex-JW, the lack of humanity by the organization is just crushing.
I am so proud of you for being so brave for posting this! I was once a regular pioneer and ministerial servant, and I was disfellowshipped and reinstated twice for being gay, for nearly two years each time. The psychological effects were catastrophic. I tried my absolute hardest to change, but I felt like Jehovah gave up on me. I came so close to ending my life, even after being reinstated, because the even though I was admitted back into the flock, the ostracism was still palpable. I was an outcaste, and COVID only made that more clear. Leaving behind my entirely family was the hardest thing I have ever done, but I am glad that I chose life, and I have found the love of my life as well.
I am so sorry this happened. The congregation gave up on you it seems, not God. You will find friends who will love you. I once had neighbours, two men, and they turned into the best of friends.
Leaving the org. Is not leaving Jehovah. When you take away that obstacle and only approach God through Jesus as the bible tells us, you will have a better relationship with Jehovah. Many of us have found this to be true. Just reading the bible and seeing God talking through his words is very comforting. You will slowly realize that the organization uses only a set set of scriptures and base everything on those few scriptures. When you start reading on your own you will discover many wonderful things that provide comfort and hope. Yes hope. We all have the right to hope in a better future when God brings his will into force on earth as in heaven. It may not happen in our lifetime, but be assured that it will happen and everyone who puts there hope in that ransom sacrifice will benefit. Beware of people who speak for God. And remember God is our judge, not men. Too big a job for man.
Broken Archetype, that’s the funny thing about JW’s they teach the world is broken, but it is them who is broken, like your family the need to cling to and obey this cult at all cost is an indication of their failures not yours. I’m so happy you found love and acceptance on the outside. Just remember it is your family who are shunning you that are the ones truly broken, not you.
My brother tried to commit suicide right before he came out as gay. He just kept repeating that he was sick in the head. We couldn’t get any elders to come visit him because they were too busy. When he came out as gay it was amazing to see the witch-hunt start and 3 elders easily assembled to disfellowship him. I shunned him for 5 years before I was disfellowshipped also. I love my brother and I’m honored that he asked me to be a groomsman at his wedding this coming October. He never blamed me for shunning him. He knew I was programmed and keeping to the code.
This cruelty must stop. How can anyone believe it's about love?? Wake up, people! Brandy, you've been going through hell but I hope you'll never give up 💚
Thank you so much for sharing Steven’s story, and yours; the world needs your strength, and your voice. There are so many Stevens out there who will benefit from this.
I'm proud of you Brandy. I never got the opportunity to tell you how sorry I was about your brother. You're doing the right thing and are incredibly brave. Your story will help others.
I am so sorry about the loss of your brother. As a queer person who was raised a JW, it makes me so angry what this organization does. Thank you for making this video.
Thank you for posting this. My last suicide attempt was when I was 27. I wasn't disfellowshipped but when I came out, I knew that I had to leave in order to protect myself. I lost every single person in my life. I did survive and I am publishing my book this year for the same reason that you are coming out with your video. Suicide is not the answer and there are people that understand. There are people that care. When I was 10 I was suffocating because I knew I was gay but the indoctrination is so intolerant of anyone that doesn't fit into their cookie cutter. This reaffirms for me why I have worked so hard to get my story published. My parents, who consider me dead, know that it's coming out and are in damage control to make sure that none of the witness family see my book. For the first time in my life they will see complete honesty as I talk about what happened...and why.
Brandy! Your tribute to the beautiful brother you had has me weeping! Steven had so much life left to love and live and this horrible cult made him believe that he was unacceptable. Please know that those of us who walked away have you in our arms, you are NOT alone! Your daughters now have the potential to live in freedom. I have 2 family members who are gay still stuck in that Religion and their lives are miserable. I have other family members who have chosen shunning to be free and truly, it was life saving! Much love to you sister! Hold on tight! 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
I’m a 4th generation born in fully shunned XJW. It’s a long road to freedom but worth every step. All my unconditional love to you ❤️ there is support out there.
Thank God for your bravery Brandy. I'm a father that brought a family of 6 and 3 including an ex wife are shunning me because I couldn't square the wicked 2016 convention with love and the Australian royal commission. I thought I was strong but their actions took me some dark places. 1 john 4 vs 20 is one of the litmus tests for ALL so called Christians. And now after 33 year's of a religion that wanted my worship of 8 men I'm now out and alone. I totally understand your brother. I pray your brother rest in peace. Blessings to you and thank you
Hopefully you can find other ex JW’s in your area, they will know not only what you are going through, but typically they like the sense of community without all the hateful practices. Hang in there it sounds like your departure was fairly recent, you will find good people on the outside. Hugs from Canada.
I share the same experience of being reared in the Kingsom Hall, baptized early (13), coming to terms with myself in my budding 20s and leaving voluntarily because I was tired of the self hate I felt while trying to remain in that organization. I have been disfellowshipped since 1998. My family on both my father and mother side were JWs, heavily active at that. I hold no relationship with my mother, especially in recent years now that thenorganoArion has been heavily discouraging communication with Dissed ones... My father is now disgellowshoped due to his behavior stemming from recent Schizophrenia diagnosis (another story) and my brothers are conflicted. I now live with the love & acceptance of myself but the cost is my family so I understand how you feel. Much compassion to you. I wish I knew him... I would have loved to be of encouragement to him. Its not our fault.
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful brother. As a queer JW I nearly lost my life thanks to this organisation and I know of many more that were lost. I thank you Brandy for your bravery in speaking out. You are not only honouring your brother's memory, you are keeping it alive. We will all hold him, and you, in our hearts. Know that you have a family that loves you unconditionally. You just need to go out and find them.
Brandy: in this short video, you have accomplished a million times more good for humanity than all the time combined as a JW. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I hope one day, when I can break free from this evil cult, I can meet you and thank you in person.
Brandy keep speaking out. You are a brave young girl. You will be so much help and support for gay Jehovah's witnesses who leave that organization. You will save lifes. Your brother would be so proud of your activism 💖
Brandy I will never forget Steven Camp because of your bravery. You will save lives by speaking out. Thank you. I look forward to seeing the community you can build to support those experiencing circumstances like your brother did. In the meantime let’s support those in need by posting resources available right now. To anyone who may be struggling with this issue please know that things can get better and you are NOT alone. In Australia you can ring Lifeline 24/7 on 13 11 14. They also offer online chat and text support at other times. There are likely other services available in your area too.
I was extremely upset by Letts talk at that convention. If there is a God of love then it was not reflected by this man. Knowing this backstory is even more shocking as he is showing psychopathic lack of empathy. No wonder JWs are losing so many followers.
My sincere condolences for your loss. I was raised a jw and the idea that anyone simply chooses a life where every aspect of your existence is a trial is about the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.
I guess Mr. Lett is "free of sins" and so he "throws stones" while he deems it appropriate to add insult to injury in further condemning his late nephew (who by the way paid for his sins by death) Mr. Lett at the same time manages to disregard the feelings of his immediate family. I am so sorry for your loss, Brandy.
Sending all the love your way from Canada. I have lost too many friends to suicide and your account hits home as a former JW. Only out now for just over 1.5 years and was raised and lived it for 32.5 years.
First off - I want to start by saying I am so, so sorry for the loss of your brother Steven. I will never understand a religion that does this to their members. Shunning/disfellowshipping someone in their time of need. When they need community more than anything. It's horrible and I'm deeply sorry that Steven went through that. Hi Brandy, I'm a cousin of Aaron. Debbie is my great aunt. I found you while working on my family tree on Ancestry. I don't know if we've met, but if we have I was really little then. I wasn't raised JW (as my mother was disassociated when she became pregnant with me at 16), but my mom's entire family was and so I always had half a foot in. But now as an adult and a mother myself, I see things as they really are and I just wanted to tell you I'm proud of you.
Such a beautiful way to honour your brother by bringing attention to this very serious problem of shunning and suicide. You have an incredible amount of courage!
You are a great person and keep up the great work. You are going to help thousands of people. I got out in 2003. I'm not gay but I have a family member that is and I'm going to share this with him he was disfellowship in 2002 He is like your brother. Please keep up the great work.
I am truly sorry for your loss, Brandy. You are truly brave, and remember that no matter what comes your way now, you are not alone. We need to create a community where Jehovah's Witnesses who are gay can find support. The isolation and the feeling of worthlessness are overwhelming, but we can pull through if we stand together.
You are a Hero for me! I was born into Jehovas Witnesses and left this Cult when I was 23 years old. At this point I lost my whole existence, family friends... everything. I am soooo grateful for what you do here!!! Greetings from Switzerland :)
Dearest Brandy. I want to applaud this UNBELIEVABLE bravery, integrity and TRULY LOVING tribute to your beautiful brother. Despite the tragic loss, of his life, you are doing your upmost to honour him, in this exposure and I am sure you will do much more than save just one life, as you cherish his memory, by trying to ensure others do not feel the same pain, he did. As an ex ‘brand muslim’, I also lost my marriage, family and friends, as I attempted to follow my conscience and reject the blind ignorance, cruelty and ‘gilded cage’ of ideology and tribalism. I still retain my personal faith and the hope in the love of a creator, but I am now truly free to live my life, without the constraints of man made prejudice. I can honestly say that after many readjustments my life is starting to become bathed in the light of unconditional love. -No strings attached and therefore a far more secure life and love. Your family are fools if they reject the precious jewel of your love. I wish you all the very very best for you and your children and am truly sorry for the storms to come. I can only offer my love and compassion from afar, in the humble hope, it might offer some small comfort, at this difficult time. With much love, your sincere sister in humanity. Victoria, Lancashire, 🇬🇧 xxx
Hi Brandy Thank you so much for sharing. As a JW for 50 years missionary elder min servant etc My son Stephen decided he was Gay. He wasn’t accepted by JWs and had many issues to deal with. Unfortunately he overdosed and I lost him at 28. I hope your story opens the eyes to the dangers of this cult. PM me sometime if you decide too. Thanks again
Thank you Brandy, for choosing to act in love for your brother, your family and others! Just over two weeks ago my husband tried to commit suicide, because of the lack of love, from his (JW) mother. On her deathbed she still didn’t show him love, so he tried to kill himself and this was his second try. He has been suffering all his life, wanting his mom to love him. She felt she was just doing what she was taught by the religion on how not to have “close Association” with him. BTW my husband was never baptized as a JW and didn’t follow the religion as an adult. I went through the same thing with my JW mom and family. I was raised and baptized as a JW. However as a young adult I faded away, which put a strain on my relationship with my family. I lost all relationships and thought about suicide all the time. With only the grace of God, He pulled me through. My heart breaks right now, I’m so sorry for the loss of your brother and I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers. Keep doing what you’re doing because God is using you!
I am very sorry for your loss. My sister is 11 years younger than me, I cannot imagine losing her. Especially if it was from her taking her own life. 💕
I am so grateful that you are speaking out. I am also very sorry for the loss of your brother. You’re making a big difference. I tried to make the same choice your brother did. I failed and am still here.. and through a year of therapy I am now feeling free of the shackles of the organization. Thank you. Thank you for making this video. And stay strong through the storm of losing your family.... it hurts but there is light at the end of the tunnel. I would be happy to help in any way to create a support group/system to help others. 🖤
I am dealing with this and feel very alone. In fact, I am isolated and alone. I hope you are able to build a community of support. I desperately need it and would like to contribute to it.
I have a older sister named Brandy. We were both raised in the witness faith and struggle everyday with being cut off from our family. At least my kids wont be brainwashed. My sincere appreciation and support goes out to you.
Thank you for making this video. And I know it will come with consequences. As someone who shunned her mother when I was 18 and was later told by her that she thought of driving her car off a cliff because of it all, I can slightly relate to this. I am no longer a witness. My family left almost 2 years ago. And now we’re being shunned and we’re not even disfellowshipped. It hurts so badly to lose all you grew up with in an instant. I am sorry for the loss of your brother. I too am an older sister so I understand the bond you had.
I saw your interview with Lloyd. I want to thank you for recording this video, as I know it took insurmountable courage. We left the JWs in 2005, if our own volition, exactly for this reason. We had a family member come out, and we chose family over a religion we knew would try to delete her from our lives. That was almost 16 years ago, and we cannot be more happy and grateful for that decision, not only in favor of our family who came out, but also because my mother, who was a very devout Catholic, died in 2019. We would have missed many, many things with her, now knowing she would only live to be 68. I had not been actively engaging or in activism, mostly to protect on grandmother, who would have been devastated if they would have disfellowshipped us officially or worse, heard us be called apostates. But, she has passed away now, as well, and it's time to help and inform those who may be in trouble inside.
Thank you so much Brandy! We love you and we got your back. So many need to hear this story, there are so many more stories like this. Hopefully this will help more to use their voice and speak out.
I agree with another comment made .. that your video alone will help others. To be acknowledged for who you are is so important. My husband was disfellowshipped for smoking, found he couldn’t kick the habit and committed suicide .. he was shunned by all of his family and I believe too that his life became “very dark”. He would have echoed your brother’s writings .. thank you for sharing those personal moments .. yes the pain becomes too much and some cannot and choose to no longer deal with the mistreatment .. it is a constant daily reminder to them. Thank you.
I was friends with a guy named Kelly when I was a kid, and when he was still young he attempted suicide several times. No one knew why. Years later I found out after we lost touch that he was gay, and was struggling with the guilt put in him by this religion. I haven't been able to track him, down since leaving, but I hope he's doing well. I'm so sorry to hear about your brother, and thank you for making this video, as well as your appearance on Lloyd Evans' channel. Your brother would be so proud of you.
Brandy, first my deepest condolences. I could hear the deep love you had with your brother. What a beautiful soul crushed by this religion. Shunning really affects people and strips them of dignity. You are a strong sister/mama, who cared deeply for Steven. Your heart is in the right place. You’re simply sharing your heartache and your brother’s loss of his life, adds a profound and genuine voice to the ExJw community. Your words keep the message alive and will resonate with so many. You have honored your brother with this video. I may not have known him, but you brought him into my heart today. He truly was your special baby brother. ♥️🌷🥲 May your goal to support those who are gay and is/was a JW, be successful.
Thank you for speaking out on behalf of your Brother Brandy. You have an ever-increasing support network and your Bravery and sacrifice will be rewarded by the lives saved from your efforts.
Your interview with Lloyd Evans is part of what inspired me to finally start my own ex JW channel. Thank you for your courage. My deepest condolences for your loss.
Thankyou for your bravery and courage in doing this video. So sorry for your loss of your brother. I can empathise. I was raised a JW and fought throughout my childhood with transezuality. I also felt my only options were to be true to myself and leave, stay a witness in misery and despair or take my own life due to the horrendous teachings that came from the org. I wish there were words that I could type to ease your pain even a little. I'm so thankful to people like you that share stories like these. I made it through and was able to distance myself from the org in time. If I had stayed a JW I know for a fact that I wouldn't be alive today. Big hugs xx
So sorry for your loss brandy, I can see you loved your brother very much that's why your speaking out for him, such a loving-kindness person you are, hope to see you again on Lloyd's Channel, you are very brave to speak out, I'm sure your brother would be very proud of you, ❤️from UK England ❤️
Brandy, I just discovered you through Lloyd Evans’ RUclips channel. I have no words to express my deep sadness that your brother’s guilt over being gay and a JW resulted in his suicide. As a gay man who grew up in the JWs, I understand the pressures he faced. And, as an older gay man, who has been down this lonesome road, I wish I could have told him that he was loved and cherished by the God who created him, and it does, indeed, get better. My heart breaks for you, your brother, and other LGBT JWs caught in what they believe to be an impossible situation. I wish you and them peace and love. Your bravery and courage to address this intensely personal situation publicly will no doubt help others.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Of all the many videos on RUclips about the cruel policy of shunning, this is the most powerful. Thank you for making it Brandy.
Thankyou for speaking out Dear Brandy...I know...I have brothers...and because of this cult...I lost one...and could have very easily lost the two others... as a big sister... our brothers mean so much to us...and the cruel policies in the Jworg...rip away so many of our loved ones...so sorry about your brother...😭so sorry...hugs and love to you and yours...Thankyou again for doing this...we are a community...much love is here...way more than in the org...💕💕💕🇨🇦🐾🐾🦦💧
His story could be my story. I'm glad I had already made two friends outside the religion who really helped me and persuaded me out of the way I was going to commit suicide. I had even made a list with things I had to do before my action and I wrote a letter. Later I destroyed both things. I feel much better after bringing my mind a bit out of the JW system. I thank God for helping me see that my life is worth living.
"With or without religion, good people can behave well and bad people can do evil; but for good people to do evil - that takes religion.” ..so sorry...such a sad story...we can take solace that over time truth always triumphs.
My dearest sister, please accept my warmest hugs and condolences. English is NOT my first language, but I deeply feel your loss. We have to stop criminal acrivity of the religious fanatics! We all should reach to our disfellowshipped ones immediatelly to avoid such consequences ....Please TAKE the fucking phone straight away and TALK TO THEM, or even better drive to them and hug them..........
Thank you for sharing this. Your story will help so many people in the Jw and exjw community. I appreciate your courage and compassion. RUclips videos helped me to wake up from the indoctrination and helped me find comfort when I got disfellowshipped. We are not alone. We all have each other. The pain from this organization is what binds us. But we end up being stronger, more compassionate and loving than ever before. My heart goes out to you and your family for this tragic loss.
Your story touched me because I'm the one if my family being shunned for being gay. Several times I thought about taking my own life but I refuse to let this cult take my life. My heart goes out to you and your family ❤️
I cannot say how much this video related to me. I really connect to Steven!! I am a gay man with all my imitate family are in the organisation! They have nothing to do with me. I have already tried to kill myself once before.
Thank you for speaking up Jared. I watched your coming out video and you come across as a truly beautiful person. I would be proud to call you brother or friend. I am not a trained professional but I really want to ask you to please reach out for help if you are ever feeling that low again. There are services to help people through when they are in that space and a guy like you has so much capacity to do good in the world and lead a meaningful life. ‘Recovering from Religion’ may also be worth looking into. Even if you retain your beliefs I think they assist religious people too because they care and are familiar with many of the challenges you face. Glad to have met you mate!
Yes Jared, please please know how much your bravery in speaking up, also helps others to do the same. Thanks to you and for the first time, I can also say how my faith crisis and subsequent loss of family has led to my own attempts to end my life. 😔 I wish I could say these feelings are in the past but we know the pain and loneliness is TORTURE and it really is a daily battle to ‘stay in the game’ and believe things will become easier. There are so many people in the world who will benefit from your honesty and perhaps if we reach out to each other we can be the new family we all yearn for and miss so much? With much love and empathy. Vicky, Lancashire UK 🇬🇧 xxx
It saddens me greatly to hear Mr. Lett still focusing on reproaching his late nephew (a few months after his suicide), showing not even a thread of compassion for the horrible circumstances that drove your brother to end his own life. Indelicate at best, arrogant, cruel and inconsiderate of your feelings and that of your family .
Fulmer Mendez I agree with you. It's horrible that a human being was so distraught they ended their life yet Lett would not let it stop there. That wasn't enough for him. I guess there was gossip stirring within the self proclaimed' elite ' group so Mr. L took it upon himself to sew assunder his nephew just 1 more time for the home team, in front of a mass audience. Makes me want to vomit.
@@beverlyharward9631 I feel the same. And remember that Lett is a "Christian" no less, and a "channel" or so they think, "representing" the Jesus that we knew wept for the suffering endured by others. Jesus wept not for Lazarus but for the sisters in their suffering. Lett choses to further condem him when he could have chosen instead to publicly comfort the family for this huge loss.
@@beverlyharward9631 This Lett character, will meet his own demise one day and will have to answer to Jesus Christ himself, for his lack of true Love and compassion for his very own Gay nephew, no less millions of other Gay young men or women world wide, that are also going through there own trials & tribulations while trying to live on this earth in peace no less love that Jesus thought his followers to show to others. etc.
Thankyou. Sadly my mother in law took her life last year too. (Not related to this subject). But... It is tragic .. the pain for remaining family members is tragic. I hope you will have support to deal with the emotions family members experience.. i was brought up a JW and left 20 years ago. But I only recently realised I now have a future ... Leaving the JW's can make you feel there is no future. I too felt suicidal until recently. I so hope your deeply moving video will help many find their futures. Once again thank you and my love goes out to you. You have many emotions in front of you... Take care. Love and peace to you and strength for your path. Xx Thankyou.
Thank you Brandy! Thank you for honoring your brother at risk to your personal happiness. It really helps many of us who have faded or been disfellowshipped!
My condolences to you Brandy, after being a JW for over 50 years I was forced to make a decision to choose between my gay ex JW son and my daughter and grandkids, it wasn't my choice but I no longer can see them, I left in 2018, also the child sex abuse was also a factor seeing that it also happened in my family, like Lloyd said there is light at the end of the tunnel, and you will be embraced by a world wide community of ex JW that will love you unconditionally God give you strength Brandy much love from UK ❤️🙏
Brandy, I'm a bisexual ex-Christian, and although I am sure that the internalized homophobia I dealt with was nothing compared to what it would have been if shunning was a policy of my church, I am so glad you are speaking out in this way. You are improving the world for everyone in the future and that is a beautiful testament to your brother's memory. Thank you for being strong and talking openly about this, our species needs to stop being beholden to regressive ideas written in scriptures thousands of years ago which cause psychological damage to so many people!
Thank you very much for your courage Brandy for sharing this sad story with the world ! You are brave human being with integrity and love that is why you are able to speak out ! I'm deeply sorry for your lost so please accept my condolences ! No human being should be exposed to such unnecessary external unsolicited pressure/extortion based on internal policies of some ORG./institution/big brother to choose between his own family/friends or prescribed "isolation/exile"! Creator bless and sending you lots of HPL !
Hi. My sincere condolences for your loss. I also was a JW, I’m 3rd generation JW. I also get disfellowship for being gay, I struggle every day, I have suicidal thoughts constantly and I even try many times to commit suicide. Is not easy I lost everything that I knew, because all my life was base on that religion. I miss everyone on my family a lot but there is nothing I can do about it. I’m learning to love myself and to be proud of who I am. Thanks for your words. Take courage to speak out, thanks for doing so.
Brandy, please receive my most sincere feelings as a result of this tragedy within your family. May the true comfort from God be cherishing your heart for such loss. I would like to take this opportunity to praise you for the courage to go public and tell what happened and how it happened. As an ex tj and who held "leadership positions in the congregation", I know exactly what you are facing now by your courageous action, both within your family, as well as in the congregation, etc., due to your testimony that aims to help other people (even at least one, as you said yourself) for the dangers of apostate legalism practiced by the governing body. Be sure that we pray for you and are by your side. If you, who are so close to the front of the Watchtower, did not go public to expose what happened, this would be another case that they would do everything to hide it from the general public. We are 'ATTENTIVE' here in Brazil. A big hug Brandy, stay with God.
Brandy, my deepest condolences for the loss of your brother Steven. I grew up as JW, I am disfellowshipped now because I chose to live true to myself like Steven. Sometimes it gets dark but it’s comforting to know I am not alone
Thanks for taking these brave steps in getting your brother's story out there. Have shared a link on our Facebook page so hopefully get the support out there for those being shunned . Condolences on your loss.
I resonated so much with the words he wrote about experiencing so many things/friendships/relationships being taken away. I've been out for a couple years now after having been in for 40 plus years. Just when I think I'm ok I get crushed by those losses. It is really heavy sometimes. I miss my friends and family so much it makes me wonder why I was born to experience this sadness. But I keep hanging on. I've been wanting to start a channel to speak my truth but I get so overwhelmed with emotion. I will eventually. I've got a lot to share. I love you all!
My condolences to you. You are a brave and strong soul. It certainly takes much courage to undertake such a video. I wish you much success in your new life as a free person as well as success in building up the caring community of acceptance and tolerance. I bid you peace, love, and overall strength.
Im hoping both the Lloyd Evans and this video will send shock waves through WT, your poor brother is one of thousands sacrificed by a property and investment company acting as a sham religion, I hope your bravery will wake up many more into leaving this cult.
This moved me to tears. My heart goes out to you, Brandy, and to your family. I live in Brazil, and for the longest time I struggled with suicidal thoughts due to the same issue, for simply being gay. My entire family, parents, brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins are JWs. Some days are hard. Others easier. I remember that I tried fading and moved to another city at the age of 21. JWs and ex-JWs know that a 21 year-old that was born into a JW family isn't at the very least prepared for life on his/her own. After having moved out of my hometown, the elders were still contacting to try and get me to go to a judging committee. After not having attended it, they announced my disfellowshipping. I distinctly remember that night. My parents left the family WhatsApp group where they, my brothers and I kept contact. My brothers wouldn't answer back. It dawned on me that it had happened. A JW friend who was about to be disfellowshipped called me and told me how it was. He said people cried as if I had died, even though I was a simple phone call away. I dove into a long depression. I wouldn't eat, wouldn't shower, living by myself in a big city surrounded by people that I didn't know. It was a hard time. There came a point where I decided to take my own life... To make a long story short, I didn't go through with it, looked for professional help and am now here to type these words. Ostracism kills. This beautiful man, Steven, could be here now. It's a shame.
Thanks for sharing. I love u. I am gay myself and I am going through the same thing....I recommend we come together, do a zoom call and support each other. I have stopped hating myself since I stopped listening to those self hate speeches by the jw org.
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Brandy, I am shook by this. As another gay man that struggled with suicide due to Jehovah's Witnesses, I was outraged by Lett's talk last year. I had no idea about this background, and now I'm even angrier. My sincerest condolences to you. Thank you for being a champion for your brother, and for all us other gays out here.
I saw your video about this talk, and it was your reaction to that talk that made me tell my family to stop trying to re-indoctrinate me....
Keep strong
Stay Strong and thank you for reaching out!
I absolutely agree with you. He should have excused himself from even giving that talk. Instead, he couldn't wait to condemn his own nephew. There obviously was no love in him for his nephew. Even God feels sorrow for sinners who go the wrong way. We don't even know whether God would condemn such person's. I don't think so. If we were to find out differently when God's will takes place on earth, then God would show love and help that one to grow spiritually. No different than God will help those that lie or cheat or steal habitually.
I say again. Let's just love one another and let God do the judging.
@@patbrown9558 perfect.
Brandy so sorry to hear of brothers death and your terrible loss. My wife and I have been inactive since Oct 2019. We are now completely out mentally. Our middle child is gay. He had dissociated several years ago, while we were still in. He had called us, we took his call despite the dramas and counsel from the organization about pretending they don't exist. He was preparing to commit suicide. We were able to intervene and help him. We as well as our 3 children are no longer in the organization. My best wishes to your efforts and if our family can assist let us know
I’m glad you answered his call and saved him from taking his life. Watchtower doesn’t understand the scriptures about treating someone who’s left the religion and has misapplied them. So sad.
Thank you for being there for your child when he needed you. That is love in action. Your son is lucky to have you as you are him 💞
I am proud of you. That organization is all about control .
I just love that your love for your child helped you to see through the fog. I thank you as a parent for setting that example.
Congrats, Mark. Now that you guys are out, you can have actually a happy and loving familiar relationship. I think the love was already there, of course, but that cult gets in the way
I lost my daughter to suicide when she was 19.
She was not gay but had decided she did not want to be a witness anymore and was terrified of what would happen , knowing she would be shunned by friends and family.
You are so brave to make this video and I know it will help. ❤️
Saddened to read of the loss of your daughter and the reasons that led her to take her own life.. This could easily have been the case with my own daughter, but somehow she has survived...The years that have passed though have been difficult as her dark thoughts are always with her... And as her parent, one has to learn to live with this in mind... It must be very difficult for you... I have lost very close friends to suicide, some were even closer to me than my own siblings, and despite the passing of, in my case decades, their loss is with me every single day.. I can only imagine how difficult it must be when one looses one's own child...
Hi 👋🏽 I’m so sorry for your loss😢😢 Suicide is no joke 🤧😥 I have a uncle who’s a Jehovah witness & I pray 🙏🏽 that one day JW’s will see the real truth. If JWs called it “the truth”, then why are they afraid or not to look up any outside information like google?! Charles taze Russell is to be blamed for all of this! Charles took a Holy Bible & twist the scriptures.😢😥☹️
I’m so sorry for the loss of your daughter My heart goes out to you...
@@Ed30675 ❤️
@@ghouse2492 ❤️
I am so sorry for the loss of your bother. We all have faced so much pain suffering and loss because of the JW religion. I was a 5th gen JW my father served at bethel with Nathan knorr. My sister was in Brooklyn and Wallkill for 20 years until her husband transitioned into a woman. They were both kicked out. And now they are separated. My sister in law has attempted Suicide many times. She is an awesome person and I am so happy that I can except her a person since I am no longer an elder and a Jw.
“You might be surprised how many Jehovah’s Witnesses are homosexual.” I related having made that frank remark in a #5 talk which I delivered on the Theocratic Ministry School. The fall-out resulting from that talk led to my officially disassociating from Jehovah’s Witnesses which, in turn, cost me my marriage of more than 40 years. I have no regrets for speaking truth, as I am not responsible for how others respond when hearing truth spoken. I commend you, Brandy Schmiedel, for your courage in speaking your truth. My wish for you is that you will find many more genuine friends who practice unconditional love than you ever found among your JW associates.
Well said.
Hi Roger, good to see you around supporting veterans of this community also new ones like Brandy. best and take care bro !
Thank you for the inspiration. My marriage is on the rocks due to JW.borg/Watchtower.
Amen! 😢
It is amazing how many lies are necessary to maintain "true" religions.
I too am a gay ex JW born in 1990, my name is Steve from the UK. I’m so sorry for what you have been through! Thanks so much for telling this story- this community is here for you!
Brandy my love to you , I totally understand. My witness son was gay , fortunately I chose not to shun , ...I then stood up for victims of paedophilia, then my daughter shunned me . Unfortunately my lovely there are no winners in this religion . ..my love to you sweet 😘😘😘😘
This was my cousin and if you knew Steven, you'd never know he was going through all that . He was always laughing . He was a very caring young man that I wish we still had . You're forever in my heart 🖤 love you guys .
Stephen Lett’s comments about praying the gay away at the annual meeting was the last talk I ever listened to. I walked out of the Kingdom Hall that day and never went back. As a proud gay man I applaud your bravery.
I think your brother would be proud.
Stephen Lett should nevermind praying the gay away let alone praying away the paedophilia a lot of their leaders engage in, also how about praying away all other forms of 'sin' and imperfection for example: sickness is sin, gossip, slander unjust treatment, scorning others, lying tongues, running toward badness, not doing what is right, failing to provide for the poor and unfortunate, being greedy let's pray away materialism and a self righteous spirit. If you could pray away 'sin' the Christ was not needed in the first place. I met Daniel Sydlick BTW, that guy is definitely gay imo, I felt his eyes undressing my 19 yrs old teenage body as I shook hands with him and there was a lusty licking of his lips, apparently his strikingly good looking and busty wife was known to be sexually unfulfilled by him also, I have heard but that would be gossip whether factual or not.
Hello Brandy. I too am a gay ex JW. I'm almost in tears seeing your video. I went through the same thing. Shunned not only for leaving the religion but then completely cut out when they confirmed I was gay. I'm so so sorry for your loss. This organization is blood guilty and has so much hate at their core. You are very brave in sharing your story. My deepest condolences.
Sorry for what happened to this persons brother, but that as nothing to do with JW.
@@adrianthomas2196 I'm sorry to contradict you. But I don't think you understand the terrible hold they have on the publishers. Just try commenting something just a little different than the reasoning from the governing body. Grow a beard if your male. Get a non jw friend that is totally acceptable in every way except for being a jw.
That clip of Steven Lett is so chilling now that I know some backstory.
If empathy can’t be shown when experienced through own family then never will. No wonder shunning policies are so heartlessly promoted by the GB.
He’s so creepy looking too. It’s like I’m looking at the devil himself
1 minute into this video and I am already crying. My heart goes out to you Brandy. I'm an Ex-JW, the lack of humanity by the organization is just crushing.
I am so proud of you for being so brave for posting this!
I was once a regular pioneer and ministerial servant, and I was disfellowshipped and reinstated twice for being gay, for nearly two years each time. The psychological effects were catastrophic. I tried my absolute hardest to change, but I felt like Jehovah gave up on me. I came so close to ending my life, even after being reinstated, because the even though I was admitted back into the flock, the ostracism was still palpable. I was an outcaste, and COVID only made that more clear. Leaving behind my entirely family was the hardest thing I have ever done, but I am glad that I chose life, and I have found the love of my life as well.
I am so sorry this happened. The congregation gave up on you it seems, not God. You will find friends who will love you. I once had neighbours, two men, and they turned into the best of friends.
Congratulations! You are not a Broken Archetype. You are a shining example of what can be to those who are where you were. Thank you for sharing!
Leaving the org. Is not leaving Jehovah. When you take away that obstacle and only approach God through Jesus as the bible tells us, you will have a better relationship with Jehovah. Many of us have found this to be true.
Just reading the bible and seeing God talking through his words is very comforting. You will slowly realize that the organization uses only a set set of scriptures and base everything on those few scriptures. When you start reading on your own you will discover many wonderful things that provide comfort and hope. Yes hope. We all have the right to hope in a better future when God brings his will into force on earth as in heaven. It may not happen in our lifetime, but be assured that it will happen and everyone who puts there hope in that ransom sacrifice will benefit.
Beware of people who speak for God. And remember God is our judge, not men. Too big a job for man.
Broken Archetype, that’s the funny thing about JW’s they teach the world is broken, but it is them who is broken, like your family the need to cling to and obey this cult at all cost is an indication of their failures not yours. I’m so happy you found love and acceptance on the outside. Just remember it is your family who are shunning you that are the ones truly broken, not you.
currently an lgbtq jw but in the closet. idk what to do and im seeking for any type of help while im a minor.
My brother tried to commit suicide right before he came out as gay. He just kept repeating that he was sick in the head. We couldn’t get any elders to come visit him because they were too busy. When he came out as gay it was amazing to see the witch-hunt start and 3 elders easily assembled to disfellowship him. I shunned him for 5 years before I was disfellowshipped also. I love my brother and I’m honored that he asked me to be a groomsman at his wedding this coming October. He never blamed me for shunning him. He knew I was programmed and keeping to the code.
You said you're doing this to save at least one life... I 100% guarantee you're saving MANY MANY lives. I can't stop watching this. Thank you.
This cruelty must stop. How can anyone believe it's about love?? Wake up, people!
Brandy, you've been going through hell but I hope you'll never give up 💚
Thank you so much for sharing Steven’s story, and yours; the world needs your strength, and your voice. There are so many Stevens out there who will benefit from this.
I'm proud of you Brandy. I never got the opportunity to tell you how sorry I was about your brother. You're doing the right thing and are incredibly brave. Your story will help others.
Just watched you on lloyds channel.. You are so brave you are going to help so many people.. I’m so sorry for your loss
I admire your courage Brandy❣️ I’m so sorry for your loss, it hurts so badly 😥
I am so sorry about the loss of your brother. As a queer person who was raised a JW, it makes me so angry what this organization does. Thank you for making this video.
Thank you for posting this. My last suicide attempt was when I was 27. I wasn't disfellowshipped but when I came out, I knew that I had to leave in order to protect myself. I lost every single person in my life. I did survive and I am publishing my book this year for the same reason that you are coming out with your video. Suicide is not the answer and there are people that understand. There are people that care. When I was 10 I was suffocating because I knew I was gay but the indoctrination is so intolerant of anyone that doesn't fit into their cookie cutter. This reaffirms for me why I have worked so hard to get my story published. My parents, who consider me dead, know that it's coming out and are in damage control to make sure that none of the witness family see my book. For the first time in my life they will see complete honesty as I talk about what happened...and why.
Brandy! Your tribute to the beautiful brother you had has me weeping! Steven had so much life left to love and live and this horrible cult made him believe that he was unacceptable. Please know that those of us who walked away have you in our arms, you are NOT alone!
Your daughters now have the potential to live in freedom.
I have 2 family members who are gay still stuck in that Religion and their lives are miserable. I have other family members who have chosen shunning to be free and truly, it was life saving! Much love to you sister! Hold on tight! 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
I’m a 4th generation born in fully shunned XJW. It’s a long road to freedom but worth every step. All my unconditional love to you ❤️ there is support out there.
Thank God for your bravery Brandy. I'm a father that brought a family of 6 and 3 including an ex wife are shunning me because I couldn't square the wicked 2016 convention with love and the Australian royal commission. I thought I was strong but their actions took me some dark places. 1 john 4 vs 20 is one of the litmus tests for ALL so called Christians. And now after 33 year's of a religion that wanted my worship of 8 men I'm now out and alone. I totally understand your brother. I pray your brother rest in peace. Blessings to you and thank you
Hopefully you can find other ex JW’s in your area, they will know not only what you are going through, but typically they like the sense of community without all the hateful practices. Hang in there it sounds like your departure was fairly recent, you will find good people on the outside. Hugs from Canada.
We are out, Brandy! My whole bloodline. I am trying to help. Love you!
I share the same experience of being reared in the Kingsom Hall, baptized early (13), coming to terms with myself in my budding 20s and leaving voluntarily because I was tired of the self hate I felt while trying to remain in that organization. I have been disfellowshipped since 1998. My family on both my father and mother side were JWs, heavily active at that. I hold no relationship with my mother, especially in recent years now that thenorganoArion has been heavily discouraging communication with Dissed ones... My father is now disgellowshoped due to his behavior stemming from recent Schizophrenia diagnosis (another story) and my brothers are conflicted. I now live with the love & acceptance of myself but the cost is my family so I understand how you feel. Much compassion to you. I wish I knew him... I would have loved to be of encouragement to him. Its not our fault.
Thanks for the video. I’m an gay ex jw being shunned. I know your video will be a great help to many of us. I am very sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful brother. As a queer JW I nearly lost my life thanks to this organisation and I know of many more that were lost. I thank you Brandy for your bravery in speaking out. You are not only honouring your brother's memory, you are keeping it alive. We will all hold him, and you, in our hearts. Know that you have a family that loves you unconditionally. You just need to go out and find them.
Brandy: in this short video, you have accomplished a million times more good for humanity than all the time combined as a JW. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I hope one day, when I can break free from this evil cult, I can meet you and thank you in person.
Ich schliesse mich deinen Worten an, danke!
Brandy keep speaking out. You are a brave young girl. You will be so much help and support for gay Jehovah's witnesses who leave that organization. You will save lifes. Your brother would be so proud of your activism 💖
Thanks for sharing. That took courage. I wish you all the best in the time to come.
Brandy I will never forget Steven Camp because of your bravery. You will save lives by speaking out. Thank you.
I look forward to seeing the community you can build to support those experiencing circumstances like your brother did. In the meantime let’s support those in need by posting resources available right now. To anyone who may be struggling with this issue please know that things can get better and you are NOT alone.
In Australia you can ring Lifeline 24/7 on 13 11 14. They also offer online chat and text support at other times. There are likely other services available in your area too.
I was extremely upset by Letts talk at that convention. If there is a God of love then it was not reflected by this man. Knowing this backstory is even more shocking as he is showing psychopathic lack of empathy. No wonder JWs are losing so many followers.
My sincere condolences for your loss. I was raised a jw and the idea that anyone simply chooses a life where every aspect of your existence is a trial is about the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.
I guess Mr. Lett is "free of sins" and so he "throws stones" while he deems it appropriate to add insult to injury in further condemning his late nephew (who by the way paid for his sins by death) Mr. Lett at the same time manages to disregard the feelings of his immediate family. I am so sorry for your loss, Brandy.
Sending all the love your way from Canada.
I have lost too many friends to suicide and your account hits home as a former JW. Only out now for just over 1.5 years and was raised and lived it for 32.5 years.
Thank you Brandy for taking a stand for your beloved brother. My heart is with you...💙
First off - I want to start by saying I am so, so sorry for the loss of your brother Steven. I will never understand a religion that does this to their members. Shunning/disfellowshipping someone in their time of need. When they need community more than anything. It's horrible and I'm deeply sorry that Steven went through that.
Hi Brandy, I'm a cousin of Aaron. Debbie is my great aunt.
I found you while working on my family tree on Ancestry. I don't know if we've met, but if we have I was really little then.
I wasn't raised JW (as my mother was disassociated when she became pregnant with me at 16), but my mom's entire family was and so I always had half a foot in.
But now as an adult and a mother myself, I see things as they really are and I just wanted to tell you I'm proud of you.
My wife is Jehovah's witness. I'm thankful for anyone brave enough to tell their story and help others in the faith and out.
Thank you brandy.... I believe that your goal to save a life will be meet.. All the best to you 👍
Such a beautiful way to honour your brother by bringing attention to this very serious problem of shunning and suicide. You have an incredible amount of courage!
You are a great person and keep up the great work. You are going to help thousands of people. I got out in 2003. I'm not gay but I have a family member that is and I'm going to share this with him he was disfellowship in 2002 He is like your brother. Please keep up the great work.
Thank you for sharing this. It's a beautiful display of love and courage. Thank you very, very much.
Worth noting that Telltale is starting a support organization called apostaterefuge.org but it has just launched and is trying to get off the ground
I am truly sorry for your loss, Brandy. You are truly brave, and remember that no matter what comes your way now, you are not alone. We need to create a community where Jehovah's Witnesses who are gay can find support. The isolation and the feeling of worthlessness are overwhelming, but we can pull through if we stand together.
You are a Hero for me! I was born into Jehovas Witnesses and left this Cult when I was 23 years old. At this point I lost my whole existence, family friends... everything. I am soooo grateful for what you do here!!! Greetings from Switzerland :)
Dearest Brandy. I want to applaud this UNBELIEVABLE bravery, integrity and TRULY LOVING tribute to your beautiful brother. Despite the tragic loss, of his life, you are doing your upmost to honour him, in this exposure and I am sure you will do much more than save just one life, as you cherish his memory, by trying to ensure others do not feel the same pain, he did.
As an ex ‘brand muslim’, I also lost my marriage, family and friends, as I attempted to follow my conscience and reject the blind ignorance, cruelty and ‘gilded cage’ of ideology and tribalism. I still retain my personal faith and the hope in the love of a creator, but I am now truly free to live my life, without the constraints of man made prejudice. I can honestly say that after many readjustments my life is starting to become bathed in the light of unconditional love. -No strings attached and therefore a far more secure life and love. Your family are fools if they reject the precious jewel of your love. I wish you all the very very best for you and your children and am truly sorry for the storms to come. I can only offer my love and compassion from afar, in the humble hope, it might offer some small comfort, at this difficult time.
With much love, your sincere sister in humanity. Victoria, Lancashire, 🇬🇧 xxx
Hi Brandy
Thank you so much for sharing.
As a JW for 50 years missionary elder min servant etc
My son Stephen decided he was Gay. He wasn’t accepted by JWs and had many issues to deal with. Unfortunately he overdosed and I lost him at 28.
I hope your story opens the eyes to the dangers of this cult. PM me sometime if you decide too.
Thanks again
Can't understand why being gay is such a big issue in JW religion and other religion
My brother also made a suicide, so I know how you feel. Thank you for your video. I wish you all the best ❤️🌹
I would love to support you and help those who are suffering in the organization because of intolerance.
Thank you Brandy, for choosing to act in love for your brother, your family and others! Just over two weeks ago my husband tried to commit suicide, because of the lack of love, from his (JW) mother. On her deathbed she still didn’t show him love, so he tried to kill himself and this was his second try. He has been suffering all his life, wanting his mom to love him. She felt she was just doing what she was taught by the religion on how not to have “close Association” with him. BTW my husband was never baptized as a JW and didn’t follow the religion as an adult. I went through the same thing with my JW mom and family. I was raised and baptized as a JW. However as a young adult I faded away, which put a strain on my relationship with my family. I lost all relationships and thought about suicide all the time. With only the grace of God, He pulled me through. My heart breaks right now, I’m so sorry for the loss of your brother and I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers. Keep doing what you’re doing because God is using you!
I am very sorry for your loss. My sister is 11 years younger than me, I cannot imagine losing her. Especially if it was from her taking her own life. 💕
I am so grateful that you are speaking out. I am also very sorry for the loss of your brother. You’re making a big difference. I tried to make the same choice your brother did. I failed and am still here.. and through a year of therapy I am now feeling free of the shackles of the organization. Thank you. Thank you for making this video. And stay strong through the storm of losing your family.... it hurts but there is light at the end of the tunnel.
I would be happy to help in any way to create a support group/system to help others. 🖤
@Curious KayWalk -- did you use a specific type of therapy to help you or just normal "talk" therapy?
I am dealing with this and feel very alone. In fact, I am isolated and alone. I hope you are able to build a community of support. I desperately need it and would like to contribute to it.
Brandy so sorry about your brother passing away. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Sending you and your family all my love 💔❤
Sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing!!❤
I have a older sister named Brandy. We were both raised in the witness faith and struggle everyday with being cut off from our family. At least my kids wont be brainwashed. My sincere appreciation and support goes out to you.
Thank you, Brandy. You are giving your brother's life extra special meaning. I am so sorry.
Thank you for making this video. And I know it will come with consequences. As someone who shunned her mother when I was 18 and was later told by her that she thought of driving her car off a cliff because of it all, I can slightly relate to this. I am no longer a witness. My family left almost 2 years ago. And now we’re being shunned and we’re not even disfellowshipped. It hurts so badly to lose all you grew up with in an instant. I am sorry for the loss of your brother. I too am an older sister so I understand the bond you had.
I saw your interview with Lloyd. I want to thank you for recording this video, as I know it took insurmountable courage. We left the JWs in 2005, if our own volition, exactly for this reason. We had a family member come out, and we chose family over a religion we knew would try to delete her from our lives. That was almost 16 years ago, and we cannot be more happy and grateful for that decision, not only in favor of our family who came out, but also because my mother, who was a very devout Catholic, died in 2019. We would have missed many, many things with her, now knowing she would only live to be 68. I had not been actively engaging or in activism, mostly to protect on grandmother, who would have been devastated if they would have disfellowshipped us officially or worse, heard us be called apostates. But, she has passed away now, as well, and it's time to help and inform those who may be in trouble inside.
Thank you so much Brandy! We love you and we got your back. So many need to hear this story, there are so many more stories like this. Hopefully this will help more to use their voice and speak out.
so sorry for your loss. i hope you video makes the waves it need to to make a real change
I agree with another comment made .. that your video alone will help others. To be acknowledged for who you are is so important.
My husband was disfellowshipped for smoking, found he couldn’t kick the habit and committed suicide .. he was shunned by all of his family and I believe too that his life became “very dark”. He would have echoed your brother’s writings .. thank you for sharing those personal moments .. yes the pain becomes too much and some cannot and choose to no longer deal with the mistreatment .. it is a constant daily reminder to them. Thank you.
I was friends with a guy named Kelly when I was a kid, and when he was still young he attempted suicide several times. No one knew why. Years later I found out after we lost touch that he was gay, and was struggling with the guilt put in him by this religion. I haven't been able to track him, down since leaving, but I hope he's doing well. I'm so sorry to hear about your brother, and thank you for making this video, as well as your appearance on Lloyd Evans' channel. Your brother would be so proud of you.
Brandy, first my deepest condolences. I could hear the deep love you had with your brother. What a beautiful soul crushed by this religion. Shunning really affects people and strips them of dignity.
You are a strong sister/mama, who cared deeply for Steven. Your heart is in the right place. You’re simply sharing your heartache and your brother’s loss of his life, adds a profound and genuine voice to the ExJw community. Your words keep the message alive and will resonate with so many. You have honored your brother with this video. I may not have known him, but you brought him into my heart today. He truly was your special baby brother. ♥️🌷🥲
May your goal to support those who are gay and is/was a JW, be successful.
Thank you for speaking out on behalf of your Brother Brandy. You have an ever-increasing support network and your Bravery and sacrifice will be rewarded by the lives saved from your efforts.
Your interview with Lloyd Evans is part of what inspired me to finally start my own ex JW channel. Thank you for your courage. My deepest condolences for your loss.
Thankyou for your bravery and courage in doing this video. So sorry for your loss of your brother. I can empathise.
I was raised a JW and fought throughout my childhood with transezuality. I also felt my only options were to be true to myself and leave, stay a witness in misery and despair or take my own life due to the horrendous teachings that came from the org.
I wish there were words that I could type to ease your pain even a little. I'm so thankful to people like you that share stories like these. I made it through and was able to distance myself from the org in time. If I had stayed a JW I know for a fact that I wouldn't be alive today.
Big hugs xx
So sorry for your loss brandy, I can see you loved your brother very much that's why your speaking out for him, such a loving-kindness person you are, hope to see you again on Lloyd's Channel, you are very brave to speak out, I'm sure your brother would be very proud of you, ❤️from UK England ❤️
Brandy, I just discovered you through Lloyd Evans’ RUclips channel. I have no words to express my deep sadness that your brother’s guilt over being gay and a JW resulted in his suicide.
As a gay man who grew up in the JWs, I understand the pressures he faced.
And, as an older gay man, who has been down this lonesome road, I wish I could have told him that he was loved and cherished by the God who created him, and it does, indeed, get better.
My heart breaks for you, your brother, and other LGBT JWs caught in what they believe to be an impossible situation. I wish you and them peace and love. Your bravery and courage to address this intensely personal situation publicly will no doubt help others.
Thank you for sharing this with us I know it’s not easy speaking up ❤️ You’re going to reach many people with this and help so many! 💕
Heartbreaking. Thank you so much for sharing. What you are doing requires love, compassion and requires courage. You are an amazing example to follow.
Sending you and your family much love and hugs xxx Steven looks like a wonderful man. Shunning is hurting our family so much.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Of all the many videos on RUclips about the cruel policy of shunning, this is the most powerful. Thank you for making it Brandy.
You are very brave Brandy. Thank you very much for sharing your painful story, it is not easy. I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish you the best.
Thankyou for speaking out Dear Brandy...I know...I have brothers...and because of this cult...I lost one...and could have very easily lost the two others... as a big sister... our brothers mean so much to us...and the cruel policies in the Jworg...rip away so many of our loved ones...so sorry about your brother...😭so sorry...hugs and love to you and yours...Thankyou again for doing this...we are a community...much love is here...way more than in the org...💕💕💕🇨🇦🐾🐾🦦💧
His story could be my story. I'm glad I had already made two friends outside the religion who really helped me and persuaded me out of the way I was going to commit suicide. I had even made a list with things I had to do before my action and I wrote a letter. Later I destroyed both things. I feel much better after bringing my mind a bit out of the JW system. I thank God for helping me see that my life is worth living.
"With or without religion, good people can behave well and bad people can do evil; but for good people to do evil - that takes religion.”
..so sorry...such a sad story...we can take solace that over time truth always triumphs.
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My dearest sister, please accept my warmest hugs and condolences. English is NOT my first language, but I deeply feel your loss. We have to stop criminal acrivity of the religious fanatics! We all should reach to our disfellowshipped ones immediatelly to avoid such consequences ....Please TAKE the fucking phone straight away and TALK TO THEM, or even better drive to them and hug them..........
Thank you for sharing this. Your story will help so many people in the Jw and exjw community. I appreciate your courage and compassion. RUclips videos helped me to wake up from the indoctrination and helped me find comfort when I got disfellowshipped. We are not alone. We all have each other. The pain from this organization is what binds us. But we end up being stronger, more compassionate and loving than ever before. My heart goes out to you and your family for this tragic loss.
Your story touched me because I'm the one if my family being shunned for being gay. Several times I thought about taking my own life but I refuse to let this cult take my life. My heart goes out to you and your family ❤️
I cannot say how much this video related to me. I really connect to Steven!!
I am a gay man with all my imitate family are in the organisation! They have nothing to do with me.
I have already tried to kill myself once before.
Thank you for speaking up Jared. I watched your coming out video and you come across as a truly beautiful person. I would be proud to call you brother or friend.
I am not a trained professional but I really want to ask you to please reach out for help if you are ever feeling that low again. There are services to help people through when they are in that space and a guy like you has so much capacity to do good in the world and lead a meaningful life.
‘Recovering from Religion’ may also be worth looking into. Even if you retain your beliefs I think they assist religious people too because they care and are familiar with many of the challenges you face.
Glad to have met you mate!
Yes Jared, please please know how much your bravery in speaking up, also helps others to do the same. Thanks to you and for the first time, I can also say how my faith crisis and subsequent loss of family has led to my own attempts to end my life. 😔
I wish I could say these feelings are in the past but we know the pain and loneliness is TORTURE and it really is a daily battle to ‘stay in the game’ and believe things will become easier. There are so many people in the world who will benefit from your honesty and perhaps if we reach out to each other we can be the new family we all yearn for and miss so much?
With much love and empathy.
Vicky, Lancashire UK 🇬🇧 xxx
@@misswarda78 ❤️❤️❤️
@@misswarda78 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗 i’m in tears
@@Beleen-gw3vw Thanks. Your hugs gratefully received. ❤️💋
It saddens me greatly to hear Mr. Lett still focusing on reproaching his late nephew (a few months after his suicide), showing not even a thread of compassion for the horrible circumstances that drove your brother to end his own life. Indelicate at best, arrogant, cruel and inconsiderate of your feelings and that of your family .
Fulmer Mendez I agree with you. It's horrible that a human being was so distraught they ended their life yet Lett would not let it stop there. That wasn't enough for him. I guess there was gossip stirring within the self proclaimed' elite ' group so Mr. L took it upon himself to sew assunder his nephew just 1 more time for the home team, in front of a mass audience. Makes me want to vomit.
@@beverlyharward9631 I feel the same. And remember that Lett is a "Christian" no less, and a "channel" or so they think, "representing" the Jesus that we knew wept for the suffering endured by others. Jesus wept not for Lazarus but for the sisters in their suffering. Lett choses to further condem him when he could have chosen instead to publicly comfort the family for this huge loss.
@@beverlyharward9631 OMG. You are so right. Of course, we can't know for sure. But, it follows the pattern I've seen in JW.borg for decades!
@@beverlyharward9631 This Lett character, will meet his own demise one day and will have to answer to Jesus Christ himself, for his lack of true Love and compassion for his very own Gay nephew, no less millions of other Gay young men or women world wide, that are also going through there own trials & tribulations while trying to live on this earth in peace no less love that Jesus thought his followers to show to others. etc.
Thankyou. Sadly my mother in law took her life last year too. (Not related to this subject). But... It is tragic .. the pain for remaining family members is tragic. I hope you will have support to deal with the emotions family members experience.. i was brought up a JW and left 20 years ago. But I only recently realised I now have a future ... Leaving the JW's can make you feel there is no future. I too felt suicidal until recently. I so hope your deeply moving video will help many find their futures. Once again thank you and my love goes out to you. You have many emotions in front of you... Take care. Love and peace to you and strength for your path. Xx Thankyou.
Thank you Brandy! Thank you for honoring your brother at risk to your personal happiness. It really helps many of us who have faded or been disfellowshipped!
My condolences to you Brandy, after being a JW for over 50 years I was forced to make a decision to choose between my gay ex JW son and my daughter and grandkids, it wasn't my choice but I no longer can see them, I left in 2018, also the child sex abuse was also a factor seeing that it also happened in my family, like Lloyd said there is light at the end of the tunnel, and you will be embraced by a world wide community of ex JW that will love you unconditionally God give you strength Brandy much love from UK ❤️🙏
Brandy, I'm a bisexual ex-Christian, and although I am sure that the internalized homophobia I dealt with was nothing compared to what it would have been if shunning was a policy of my church, I am so glad you are speaking out in this way. You are improving the world for everyone in the future and that is a beautiful testament to your brother's memory. Thank you for being strong and talking openly about this, our species needs to stop being beholden to regressive ideas written in scriptures thousands of years ago which cause psychological damage to so many people!
Thank you very much for your courage Brandy for sharing this sad story with the world ! You are brave human being with integrity and love that is why you are able to speak out ! I'm deeply sorry for your lost so please accept my condolences ! No human being should be exposed to such unnecessary external unsolicited pressure/extortion based on internal policies of some ORG./institution/big brother to choose between his own family/friends or prescribed "isolation/exile"! Creator bless and sending you lots of HPL !
Hi. My sincere condolences for your loss. I also was a JW, I’m 3rd generation JW. I also get disfellowship for being gay, I struggle every day, I have suicidal thoughts constantly and I even try many times to commit suicide. Is not easy I lost everything that I knew, because all my life was base on that religion. I miss everyone on my family a lot but there is nothing I can do about it. I’m learning to love myself and to be proud of who I am. Thanks for your words. Take courage to speak out, thanks for doing so.
i'm so glad u are still with us
Your doing the right thing! It's sad that most of the time, it takes a tragedy to make us look at the other side. I applaud your courage.
Brandy, please receive my most sincere feelings as a result of this tragedy within your family. May the true comfort from God be cherishing your heart for such loss. I would like to take this opportunity to praise you for the courage to go public and tell what happened and how it happened. As an ex tj and who held "leadership positions in the congregation", I know exactly what you are facing now by your courageous action, both within your family, as well as in the congregation, etc., due to your testimony that aims to help other people (even at least one, as you said yourself) for the dangers of apostate legalism practiced by the governing body. Be sure that we pray for you and are by your side. If you, who are so close to the front of the Watchtower, did not go public to expose what happened, this would be another case that they would do everything to hide it from the general public. We are 'ATTENTIVE' here in Brazil. A big hug Brandy, stay with God.
Brandy, my deepest condolences for the loss of your brother Steven. I grew up as JW, I am disfellowshipped now because I chose to live true to myself like Steven. Sometimes it gets dark but it’s comforting to know I am not alone
Thanks for taking these brave steps in getting your brother's story out there. Have shared a link on our Facebook page so hopefully get the support out there for those being shunned . Condolences on your loss.
I resonated so much with the words he wrote about experiencing so many things/friendships/relationships being taken away.
I've been out for a couple years now after having been in for 40 plus years. Just when I think I'm ok I get crushed by those losses. It is really heavy sometimes. I miss my friends and family so much it makes me wonder why I was born to experience this sadness.
But I keep hanging on. I've been wanting to start a channel to speak my truth but I get so overwhelmed with emotion. I will eventually. I've got a lot to share.
I love you all!
Incredible heartfelt strong share that takes a loving stand Mrs Schmiedel. I whole heartedly gives thanks to you for doing this.
My condolences to you.
You are a brave and strong soul. It certainly takes much courage to undertake such a video.
I wish you much success in your new life as a free person as well as success in building up the caring community of acceptance and tolerance. I bid you peace, love, and overall strength.
Im hoping both the Lloyd Evans and this video will send shock waves through WT, your poor brother is one of thousands sacrificed by a property and investment company acting as a sham religion, I hope your bravery will wake up many more into leaving this cult.
So moving. So brave. You're going to do great things Brandy. And Steven would be so proud of you, I'm sure.
This moved me to tears. My heart goes out to you, Brandy, and to your family. I live in Brazil, and for the longest time I struggled with suicidal thoughts due to the same issue, for simply being gay. My entire family, parents, brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins are JWs. Some days are hard. Others easier. I remember that I tried fading and moved to another city at the age of 21. JWs and ex-JWs know that a 21 year-old that was born into a JW family isn't at the very least prepared for life on his/her own. After having moved out of my hometown, the elders were still contacting to try and get me to go to a judging committee. After not having attended it, they announced my disfellowshipping. I distinctly remember that night. My parents left the family WhatsApp group where they, my brothers and I kept contact. My brothers wouldn't answer back. It dawned on me that it had happened. A JW friend who was about to be disfellowshipped called me and told me how it was. He said people cried as if I had died, even though I was a simple phone call away. I dove into a long depression. I wouldn't eat, wouldn't shower, living by myself in a big city surrounded by people that I didn't know. It was a hard time. There came a point where I decided to take my own life... To make a long story short, I didn't go through with it, looked for professional help and am now here to type these words. Ostracism kills. This beautiful man, Steven, could be here now. It's a shame.
Espero que isso tenha acontecido já há algum tempo e que vc esteja/consiga estar lidando um pouco melhor com isso agora. Triste de ler.
De coração, desejo que Jeová e Jesus estejam c vc, lhe dando forças pra passar por esta horrível situação.
Thanks for sharing. I love u. I am gay myself and I am going through the same thing....I recommend we come together, do a zoom call and support each other. I have stopped hating myself since I stopped listening to those self hate speeches by the jw org.