I just have to pause here at 1:06:00 and state that the primary reason Harrison got called to bethel was for his nursing skills. As long as you have a pulse and keep your nose clean (be in good standing), you will be accepted at Bethel if you have the following skills and certifications - medical which includes dental, legal, accounting and the building trades. These applicants don't even have to be a Pioneer. The requirement to be a pioneer is just an artificial barrier put there to reduce the number of unwanted, unskilled applicants. I have known of persons with the above mentioned skills getting into Bethel after being reassured by elders and COs that they not being a Pioneer is not a problem. This is so ironic as these skills are developed with higher education. This has caused some bitterness and resentment among the rank and file who followed the orgs advice to not get higher education only to see those that didn't follow the direction get privileges at Bethel.l
Yeah when I was in, an elders brother was a full time and dreamed of going to Bethel (he was a painter) and he found that after 35 you can forget getting in without a "special skill". The elder complained that most JW's were on government assistance and that he had to help pay for his brothers medical problems. The no higher education has doomed many people to an old age of poverty and that is the time you need money the most to improve/keep your quality of life. The GB are frauds.
I was meant to go to the library 2hrs ago, but couldn't stop listening to this compelling young man. I am off to the library now (on a Saturday night, embarrassing lol), but having been in a circumstance for way longer, it has given me plenty to think about, especially regarding health impact. Thanks for being open, brave, and a delight to listen to and learn from
Thank you for sharing your story! I related to much of what your life was like, especially the childhood years. I did not take the Bethel route after pioneering but married thinking it would save me from myself. I am glad you didn't get trapped that way. I don't regret anything in my life as a JW, but life after leaving has been so full of love and peacefulness. You are young and have so much to look forward to living as your true self.
Thank you both for this excellent interview. Thank you Harrison for beeing so brave and open to tell your story. Hearing about your time at Bethel as a gay brother was very interesting! I can relate to so many things. I served as well in Bethel in the German Branch and it was exactly as you said. The bullying, the drinking and a ton of gay brothers. In fact the first time I was drunk was in Bethel 😂 Glad you left this toxic environment.
I'm so glad for you Harrison to be your authentic self! Like me, I have known others that have had the same struggles you have had. It feels so good to finally be happy and be myself.
Your sexuality is not a choice , I had a good friend growing up in the org very similar to you ! He’s finally living his authentic life and I wish you well also ! Be careful and enjoy your life ...
same sex attraction is something that you don't always choose, however that does Not mean one should have sex with anyone, it means that it's a burden and anyone can decide to have sex with this or that person, it's still a sin, fornication and adultery are sins that are talked about in the NT especially and they don't lead to joy and happiness in this life, it's basically a person who gets satisfied with sex, but usually they don't take on a spouse and have children, it's not an especially happy life
@@donnavaughn9409 are you a JW or former JW? As a JW you are told and taught that fornication will turn everyone into a sex addict who ruins their life and becomes a drug addict, has unwanted pregnancies, STDs, etc. The reality is that the majority of “worldly” people will have boyfriends/girlfriends in their late teens/20‘s and become sexually active from then on. They will also eventually have a successful life married, single, sexually active with multiple partners or just one.
I am grateful for every sexual relationship I've had. It was a wonderful opportunity to be so intimate with another human being. Be selective of who you want to share that with. It's a normal human function and privilege. It should be respected for what it is and stop being criminalised
Being a heterosexual in the org is already a nightmare, I can't imagine being homosexual and being in the org, the staggering amount of loneliness and sexual frustration you must feel must be unreal. No wonder many commit suicide.
@@kwarrior2895 yes, only God can judge and there are so many factors that are not known to most people. What's really in the chemicals added to the food we eat? What's really in the prenatal vitamins the pharmaceutical companies make and doctors prescribe? How to the shots they make babies get effect them? Do they confuse the babies brain chemistry? Only God can judge. Let's pray for His love and mercy on us all.
@@Shami.Hopeful.Lady777 God hating gays would be like God hating children born with no legs or those who have some mental condition like Down syndrome. As harsh at it is some people can live with being gsy and live unaltered others feel they have the wrong body for those... they genuinely need their family and friends to support them along witha a professional to help them e.g a psychiatrist to give them wellness, support and guidance all that is better than being judgemental and doing fuck all. But the public needs to admit gender dysphoria is an issue and many Non binary slip through the radar and end up 6 feet under. Saying non binary is a defect may seem harsh but it may save more lives who would would hit a autistic kid having a seizure? It should bring shame being gay clearly isn't a choice or else I could be gay if I wanted which is not the case it is genetically programmed. The pain of not being in the body you feel you belong that is not feeling thats much more going on especially on children. These people need support as technology progresses. We hope that one day trans can be a thing of the past. E.g. she was a man but she fully has all aspects of a woman. As for those who rather be the same it is not for everyone as long as things are not forced and there is support. Things should work out. I think God would not put gays in hellfire he would already know their struggles it is really pointless to judge someone with autism so why judge gays?
Yes! So many closeted ones.And those straight ones that readily toy with homoerotic behavior or display whether they suspect someone or just casting a net to see "who looks". Are they exemplary jws? EPHESIANS 5:27 says "to be without spot..." They play with the spot of homoeroticism. Are they really straight!? Hypocrites.
I was studying with Witnesses where I live in Upstate,NY and I told them I was gay eventually. I studied and attended meetings for about three years. It was about a year and a half in that I finally told them I was gay. They treated it as if it was a passing thought and never mentioned it or brought it up after telling them.I stopped studying but they still reach out from time to time. I miss all the friends I made in the congregation,so I grieve the loss of those friendships as none of them talk to me anymore. But they were awesome people and I thoroughly enjoyed attending meetings to see them. I also miss commenting lol,I don’t know why I liked to comment but I did. I still read the Bible everyday and I love God because his love is unconditional unlike the love we receive from many people in our family and friend groups .
They will study with you, sure. They think they can change you. You actually can even be a JW and be gay (if you can call it being gay to squelch that expression within yourself), you just can never have any relationships as a gay person. If you're willing to be celibate and to avoid relationships like that, sure, they will let you be one of them.
I’m so proud of your courage, being gay is not a choice and you had such a rough life growing up! Kuddos to cutting ties with a hi control religion and building yourself a life 🥰♥️🥰
What beautiful & handsome man! Certainly doesn’t need the shunning nonsense & all the cult behaviours that go with being a member in this organisation.
Women in the cult definitely get their identity from their husbands. Nice to hear you understand that as a man. My husband was an elder for years and I felt like a nobody when he stepped down. Very difficult for me. I’m glad that now my feelings about my personal worth is up to me!
I would see that a lot as a teenager in the org, they would often not have much of a life without their husbands. But tbh as a sister there’s nothing else to do other than go on ministry or occasionally give a talk
Just not feeling guilty because Jehovah is watching you, plus the 1000s of other spies,should make feel happiness. Also don’t forget that you’re constantly reminded that no matter what you do, there’s no guaranty that you’ll survive Armageddon. I Free went I left. T4s
I can see when wrongdoing involves child abuse that it would be important to know all of the details, but in the case of Harrison, if he says he's been with multiple men that should have been enough for them to reach their verdict without asking humiliating details. What good do the details serve other than to needlessly shame?
They do not care, they only care about your status or your parents status, but they don't really respect you. When my dad became an elder, I was confronted by a friend's sister telling me I can't be friends with her sister anymore because she didn't want me to snitch her out to my dad and the other elders. My siblings and I were already the outcasts in the congregation, and got worse when my parents split up.
It's alright brother just stay with the Lord Lord blesses everyone Jehovah God hold your head up high he knows the problems we go through in life one thing never give up
If ur wanting to or going to get disfollowship why would u even tell them ur business just leave they can't make u stay or even talk or explain ur actions
I’m an ex-JW. When I had gay feelings, masturbation, wet dreams etc., I apologized to Jehovah and told him that he should have helped me more. I prayed that it would go away, but Jehovah did not help one bit. Now I’m glad that he didn’t help. Gay is the best thing that ever happened to me.
What is disfellowshipping? If you think about the severe shunning that goes on even before one leaves or is removed, that the Congregation loves you so much one day, but once a few imperfect men announce you are no longer a JW, and the next moment no one loves you anymore? That's unconditional love? Even animals are capable of unconditional love, but Jehovah's Witnesses are trained not to have unconditional love. It is not hard to see!
Our elderly coordinator had been at bethel but had to leave as his wife wanted a baby...many years later he'd laugh about how he pulled a few strings to get his son in his desired mechanic dept immediately. His son was nothing special at all in the Cong except for being a giant suck up
It's more sad than funny. It shows the level of indoctrination and fear that has been instilled in humans to make them act against their own self-interest. Such is the power of shame, fear, and the cult. I think the humor is evident though in the ridiculousness of it all. Grown people telling other grown people their personal business and giving their power over is an absurdity.
You are gay and deserve to be here and live like rest of humans. I am glad you did not marry as a JW and link up with a woman then be miserable.Enjoy your freedom
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
I just have to pause here at 1:06:00 and state that the primary reason Harrison got called to bethel was for his nursing skills. As long as you have a pulse and keep your nose clean (be in good standing), you will be accepted at Bethel if you have the following skills and certifications - medical which includes dental, legal, accounting and the building trades. These applicants don't even have to be a Pioneer. The requirement to be a pioneer is just an artificial barrier put there to reduce the number of unwanted, unskilled applicants. I have known of persons with the above mentioned skills getting into Bethel after being reassured by elders and COs that they not being a Pioneer is not a problem.
This is so ironic as these skills are developed with higher education. This has caused some bitterness and resentment among the rank and file who followed the orgs advice to not get higher education only to see those that didn't follow the direction get privileges at Bethel.l
Yeah when I was in, an elders brother was a full time and dreamed of going to Bethel (he was a painter) and he found that after 35 you can forget getting in without a "special skill". The elder complained that most JW's were on government assistance and that he had to help pay for his brothers medical problems. The no higher education has doomed many people to an old age of poverty and that is the time you need money the most to improve/keep your quality of life. The GB are frauds.
Of course, they are users
I was meant to go to the library 2hrs ago, but couldn't stop listening to this compelling young man. I am off to the library now (on a Saturday night, embarrassing lol), but having been in a circumstance for way longer, it has given me plenty to think about, especially regarding health impact. Thanks for being open, brave, and a delight to listen to and learn from
Thank you for sharing your story! I related to much of what your life was like, especially the childhood years. I did not take the Bethel route after pioneering but married thinking it would save me from myself. I am glad you didn't get trapped that way. I don't regret anything in my life as a JW, but life after leaving has been so full of love and peacefulness. You are young and have so much to look forward to living as your true self.
Thank you for being so brave , I love you both for helping me to never regret leaving the JW ❤❤
Lo mejor que pudiste hacer por tu propio bien.
Thank you both for this excellent interview. Thank you Harrison for beeing so brave and open to tell your story. Hearing about your time at Bethel as a gay brother was very interesting! I can relate to so many things. I served as well in Bethel in the German Branch and it was exactly as you said. The bullying, the drinking and a ton of gay brothers. In fact the first time I was drunk was in Bethel 😂 Glad you left this toxic environment.
I'm so glad for you Harrison to be your authentic self! Like me, I have known others that have had the same struggles you have had. It feels so good to finally be happy and be myself.
Your sexuality is not a choice , I had a good friend growing up in the org very similar to you ! He’s finally living his authentic life and I wish you well also ! Be careful and enjoy your life ...
same sex attraction is something that you don't always choose, however that does Not mean one should have sex with anyone, it means that it's a burden and anyone can decide to have sex with this or that person, it's still a sin, fornication and adultery are sins that are talked about in the NT especially and they don't lead to joy and happiness in this life, it's basically a person who gets satisfied with sex, but usually they don't take on a spouse and have children, it's not an especially happy life
@@donnavaughn9409 I agree , that’s why I said be careful ! I wasn’t giving a license to just have promiscuous sex !
@@donnavaughn9409 are you a JW or former JW? As a JW you are told and taught that fornication will turn everyone into a sex addict who ruins their life and becomes a drug addict, has unwanted pregnancies, STDs, etc. The reality is that the majority of “worldly” people will have boyfriends/girlfriends in their late teens/20‘s and become sexually active from then on. They will also eventually have a successful life married, single, sexually active with multiple partners or just one.
Old Elder Hodges gave me no choice. Took the little cornbox when I was 13. Didn't even offer me candy first. =(
I am grateful for every sexual relationship I've had. It was a wonderful opportunity to be so intimate with another human being. Be selective of who you want to share that with. It's a normal human function and privilege. It should be respected for what it is and stop being criminalised
Thanks for another great, and candid discussion.
A cult can never be based on love.
It's great listening to you Harrison.
Hope you're doing great still and big hug on its way.
Congratulations and welcome to your freedom! Peace!
This is a very interesting interview. Thank you both and God bless 💜
Being a heterosexual in the org is already a nightmare, I can't imagine being homosexual and being in the org, the staggering amount of loneliness and sexual frustration you must feel must be unreal. No wonder many commit suicide.
You are so right...the suicides are way way too much. It's terrible.
Never thought about, the suicide thing is actual concerning. I don't think God hates gays.
@@kwarrior2895 yes, only God can judge and there are so many factors that are not known to most people. What's really in the chemicals added to the food we eat? What's really in the prenatal vitamins the pharmaceutical companies make and doctors prescribe? How to the shots they make babies get effect them? Do they confuse the babies brain chemistry? Only God can judge. Let's pray for His love and mercy on us all.
@@Shami.Hopeful.Lady777 God hating gays would be like God hating children born with no legs or those who have some mental condition like Down syndrome. As harsh at it is some people can live with being gsy and live unaltered others feel they have the wrong body for those... they genuinely need their family and friends to support them along witha a professional to help them e.g a psychiatrist to give them wellness, support and guidance all that is better than being judgemental and doing fuck all. But the public needs to admit gender dysphoria is an issue and many Non binary slip through the radar and end up 6 feet under. Saying non binary is a defect may seem harsh but it may save more lives who would would hit a autistic kid having a seizure? It should bring shame being gay clearly isn't a choice or else I could be gay if I wanted which is not the case it is genetically programmed. The pain of not being in the body you feel you belong that is not feeling thats much more going on especially on children. These people need support as technology progresses. We hope that one day trans can be a thing of the past. E.g. she was a man but she fully has all aspects of a woman. As for those who rather be the same it is not for everyone as long as things are not forced and there is support. Things should work out. I think God would not put gays in hellfire he would already know their struggles it is really pointless to judge someone with autism so why judge gays?
@@kwarrior2895 I understand. We need to be kind and let the Almighty do the judging He is the best knower. God bless you💜🙏🏼
I had a similar experience in the mid nineties in Brooklyn bethel lol. So many closeted brothers
Yes! So many closeted ones.And those straight ones that readily toy with homoerotic behavior or display whether they suspect someone or just casting a net to see "who looks". Are they exemplary jws? EPHESIANS 5:27 says "to be without spot..." They play with the spot of homoeroticism. Are they really straight!? Hypocrites.
I was studying with Witnesses where I live in Upstate,NY and I told them I was gay eventually. I studied and attended meetings for about three years. It was about a year and a half in that I finally told them I was gay. They treated it as if it was a passing thought and never mentioned it or brought it up after telling them.I stopped studying but they still reach out from time to time. I miss all the friends I made in the congregation,so I grieve the loss of those friendships as none of them talk to me anymore. But they were awesome people and I thoroughly enjoyed attending meetings to see them. I also miss commenting lol,I don’t know why I liked to comment but I did. I still read the Bible everyday and I love God because his love is unconditional unlike the love we receive from many people in our family and friend groups .
They will study with you, sure. They think they can change you. You actually can even be a JW and be gay (if you can call it being gay to squelch that expression within yourself), you just can never have any relationships as a gay person. If you're willing to be celibate and to avoid relationships like that, sure, they will let you be one of them.
I’m so proud of your courage, being gay is not a choice and you had such a rough life growing up! Kuddos to cutting ties with a hi control religion and building yourself a life 🥰♥️🥰
What beautiful & handsome man! Certainly doesn’t need the shunning nonsense & all the cult behaviours that go with being a member in this organisation.
Excellent job shunned podcast! Thanks for the time and effort invested in making this video! BTW...is their a way to send Harrison a DM? THANKS!!
Thank you. Much ❤️..my Brother
Women in the cult definitely get their identity from their husbands. Nice to hear you understand that as a man. My husband was an elder for years and I felt like a nobody when he stepped down. Very difficult for me. I’m glad that now my feelings about my personal worth is up to me!
I would see that a lot as a teenager in the org, they would often not have much of a life without their husbands. But tbh as a sister there’s nothing else to do other than go on ministry or occasionally give a talk
By this, ALL will know you are my disciples if you have love for those who leave the faith
Just not feeling guilty because Jehovah is watching you, plus the 1000s of other spies,should make feel happiness. Also don’t forget that you’re constantly reminded that no matter what you do, there’s no guaranty that you’ll survive Armageddon. I Free went I left. T4s
I can see when wrongdoing involves child abuse that it would be important to know all of the details, but in the case of Harrison, if he says he's been with multiple men that should have been enough for them to reach their verdict without asking humiliating details. What good do the details serve other than to needlessly shame?
They do not care, they only care about your status or your parents status, but they don't really respect you. When my dad became an elder, I was confronted by a friend's sister telling me I can't be friends with her sister anymore because she didn't want me to snitch her out to my dad and the other elders. My siblings and I were already the outcasts in the congregation, and got worse when my parents split up.
It's alright brother just stay with the Lord Lord blesses everyone Jehovah God hold your head up high he knows the problems we go through in life one thing never give up
If ur wanting to or going to get disfollowship why would u even tell them ur business just leave they can't make u stay or even talk or explain ur actions
dude you sound just like the doordash guy!🤣👍....hahaha that's great!
I think grandma would be proud of him!
I’m an ex-JW. When I had gay feelings, masturbation, wet dreams etc., I apologized to Jehovah and told him that he should have helped me more. I prayed that it would go away, but Jehovah did not help one bit. Now I’m glad that he didn’t help. Gay is the best thing that ever happened to me.
Have you come to realize why he never helped? It sounds a little like you might still think there still is such a thing. Just curious.
@@Eric_01 He never helped because he doesn’t exist
I'm glad you're free . But the reason Jehovah didn't answer is because he doesn't exist . Except in the minds of people who do not wish you well .
@@michellebrown4903 so true 👍
no its not.
Shunning used to be called #Vitandus by the Roman Catholic Church. Even they gave up Vitandus, and just retained simple excommunication!
What is disfellowshipping? If you think about the severe shunning that goes on even before one leaves or is removed, that the Congregation loves you so much one day, but once a few imperfect men announce you are no longer a JW, and the next moment no one loves you anymore? That's unconditional love? Even animals are capable of unconditional love, but Jehovah's Witnesses are trained not to have unconditional love. It is not hard to see!
Since I left Jehovah I've been having a devil of a time with Satan and loving it. Justin porter ex jw
Many other people have left their church or religion , because the church does not give them the answers that they need to know to live a good life 😉.
I'm sure there are a lot of closeted folk having a blast at bethel. Thus the need for pillowgate 😂
Our elderly coordinator had been at bethel but had to leave as his wife wanted a baby...many years later he'd laugh about how he pulled a few strings to get his son in his desired mechanic dept immediately. His son was nothing special at all in the Cong except for being a giant suck up
I cant understand how people just tell on themselves? Like wow 😂😂 im PIMI my mouth will stay shut
It's more sad than funny. It shows the level of indoctrination and fear that has been instilled in humans to make them act against their own self-interest. Such is the power of shame, fear, and the cult. I think the humor is evident though in the ridiculousness of it all. Grown people telling other grown people their personal business and giving their power over is an absurdity.
@@shunnedpodcast very bazaar! But you made a good point.
Is a CULT
You are gay and deserve to be here and live like rest of humans. I am glad you did not marry as a JW and link up with a woman then be miserable.Enjoy your freedom
I love you bb
Rock on Harrison!!!