"Stephen Lett is my uncle!" - A conversation with Brandy Schmiedel

[@adddad9779]

Such respect. She KNOWS she is getting disfellowshiped and is doing it anyway. Thank you soo much for your bravery and telling us your story!

[@barbaramullins4233]

She loves and misses her brother. She can't stay quiet about his pain. This is her brave heart saying, "this is wrong". My total respect for her

[@UJB123]

And yet she pretty much said nothing, aside from her brother tragic suicide likely because of her uncle's despicable words ... like has any idea about the goings on in future world.

[@brunomarsall4077]

Much love and respect to you 💞💕💞

[@jackieonate3439]

She is not only brave but such a compassionate person

[@bidd7680]

Best thing they can do for her to disfellowship her to get away from these loons .

[@Straightupto1]

Brandy, as a parent, ex-JW who is gay, and attempted suicide twice while be a JW for 30 years. I'm so proud of you, and know this there are a lot of people here to support you.

[@honjabee]

So glad you’re alive! I wish I could hug every ex witness 💗 freedom is priceless

[@phinnn6050]

@@honjabee Tell you something im 14 and ive got to make the decision that could ruin my life at some point. Im so close to my family it would kill me to tell them but unfortunately im going to one day.

[@honjabee]

@@phinnn6050 if you ever need to talk or need advice I can help. There is a great community around you. It hurts but it gets so much better

[@honjabee]

@@phinnn6050 I left for the first time at 17. Got DFed twice currently this is my second time and it’s going on 3 years out.

[@phinnn6050]

@@honjabee Thanks ill proberbly go along with it and see where it takes me.

[@RevengeOfTheEmpath]

Lloyd, the entire Ex JW community thanks you for not only asking but also for prioritizing the question about Letts’ mannerisms 😂

[@misty4937]

JW is a false religion. To think that the infinite source creator would shun one of his BELOVED creations is sick. As is the religion that teaches these abhorrent dogmatic propaganda lies. It is of n by man's creation not GOD'S.

[@JustMe-pl1tz]

Amanda you are hot😉

[@gabelambiris8310]

@@JustMe-pl1tz wtf desperate much? 😂😬

[@carlivasquez6840]

it’s at 2:28 for anyone wondering

[@j.a.erickson3121]

LllAaaaaa

[@zacpate9921]

I was married to her step sister. Brandy was always very nice to me and her Father was always there for me. My heart goes out to her.

[@nenala7684]

Omg why divorce??

[@tuffstuff9809]

my husband (non JW) says that the way he talks in videos are mind control tactics. After hearing her say that he's normally not like that, when speaking, it makes it seem truer.

[@Nebroc420]

If you'd like to get a deeper understanding of Stephen Lett's and the GB's mind control tactics research Neuro Linguistic Programming, specifically a technique called anchoring.

[@mikewerndy8556]

Hello Patricia

[@leabak1672]

It’s bizarre people can be mind controlled with this kind of approach. To me he just comes across as rather simple. Like to me embarrassingly simple. Every time he opens his mouth and uses those god awful expressions I think “what the hell is wrong with this man?”. He kind of reminds me of Barney the dinosaurs voice or goofy.

[@kawehionalani]

Your husband is absolutely correct! It’s hypnotizing in a disgusting way.

[@janellegonzalez5882]

NLP is a form of hypnosis.

[@herbs4life851]

Do you know what Stephen Lett doesn't like about children? They ask questions, as we know questioning things in the organisation is somewhat discouraged.

[@thomash.schwed3662]

I agree with you, with the exception of your use of the phrase "somewhat discouraged". The Society doesn't 'somewhat discourage' questioning, it flat-out strongly condemns questioning. After all, this is the same organization which once used "Fight Against Independent Thinking" as a subtitle in a "Watchtower" study article; and, in the thirty-eight years since then, that subtitle has become something of a slogan amongst Jehovah's witnesses.

[@joanferguson4194]

Somewhat? You question too many things or question the elders about things they can’t answer you get “ marked”. This is their term for “watch out for this one, he/she may be turning apostate!” Funny thing how the scriptures themselves tell us not to be misled, but examine those who claim to come in Jesus’ name! And how can a person do that without questioning.

[@ronhansen8471]

Herbs4life said: Do you know what Stephen Lett doesn't like about children? They ask questions, as we know questioning things in the organisation is somewhat discouraged. Ron's response: That is a bold faced lie he loves all people including children. Questioning the organization is not discouraged and is healthy when done in the right way. What is discouraged are those who push ahead after they have been given an answer. If person wants to push their own agenda they need to go somewhere else as it does not promote unity or peace in the congregation. One of the problems with world religions.

[@Plethorality]

@@ronhansen8471 so one is only allowed to ask questions that they have answers for, and dont question the answers... right. so no curiosity, allowed. but "questions" are fine..

[@ronhansen8471]

@@Plethorality Apparently you have no earthly idea what you are talking about and need to get your bias in check. How does a person get to the truth of any subject without resolving their questions? If you go into a Kingdom hall of Jehovah's Witnesses and start a scene by arguing with people on bible understanding you will be asked to leave. There is a time and place for everything. At one time we would stand at peoples doors and argue with them as long as they wanted to argue. It is counterproductive to the preaching and teaching work to time waste arguing with people who have no real interest.

[@PimSlickins]

I have a gay son, I left 5 years before he was born. I can never imagine turning my back on him or making him feel like God hates him. These people are awful.

[@fromeveryting29]

I have a bisexual friend whos mom is JW, and it has really instilled a LOT of shame in her. But she seems to be doing ok now. She moved out and far away.

[@MM-dv9hp]

Thank you for that.

[@fromeveryting29]

@@susiervo1 sorry to hear that. But why can you never leave her? She must hurt you a lot by doing that? :o

[@MM-dv9hp]

@@susiervo1 Your adulterous wife is only an adulterer because she is married to you. In your case perhaps the sin doesn't need to be addressed. You have decided to stay in a polyamorous RELATIONSHIP with her...Furthermore, sexuality is a separate point of discussion from the RELATIONAL issue you are using as an example. I might add that we are ALL sinners, so who among us can really address anything let alone sin.

[@kwdoug]

Agreed

[@andrewhaas664]

So if a child rapist is resurrected and is as he was when he died, how many years in the new world and how many victims are acceptable before he changes and conforms to Jehovahs standards?

[@Beleen-gw3vw]

my gosh! what a terrible though 😳 i never considered such possibilities/happenings. i was an idiot, obviously 🙄

[@josh686]

1000 years

[@benrobinson5950]

I'm confused, I thought those were his standards? Why else would the watch tower try so hard to keep information about them away from the police?

[@block4562]

@@benrobinson5950 honestly I feel like they protect them more to preserve the squeaky clean image that they're constantly trying to cultivate. Unfortunately they're more concerned with their twisted version of moral goodness (which is just whatever "Jehovah wills") than they are with doing what's ACTUALLY morally good and as such they just don't see how they're actually protecting predators and punishing victims. They think "evil" and "satan" are obvious to spot things but have no true understanding of the true insidious nature of evil. The easiest way to deliver evil intent is to package it as being good and the JWs fell for it hard

[@block4562]

Think about it, if "satan" actually was real, what would be the best way to turn people from God? Make them think they ARE serving God. God operates with judgement and fire, Satan simply whispers in your ear and lets you do the rest yourself. Not that I subscribe to such beliefs myself but as an outsider looking in this all seems so obvious

[@tamaradobson5146]

Brandy,my heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry for your loss. And I'm terribly sorry for what you're going through. You're very brave. Know there are a lot of people who Love you & will be thinking of you. This will get easier in time. You're going to be much happier eventually.

[@mikewerndy8556]

Hello Tamara

[@mikewerndy8556]

How are you doing Tamara?

[@mikewerndy8556]

@Ron c hello Ron

[@mikewerndy8556]

@Ron c yes I'm and you?

[@Gouzinstrumentals]

"STEPHEN LETT IS MY UNCLE" I couldnt click this fast enough!

[@badcooper235]

I am at work and took an extra break to hear about him

[@drest5316]

Hahaha same here!

[@jrow0524]

OMG same!!

[@longbeachwoman]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ariloves10]

Ditto! He's famous lolol so we can feel sympathy and love and be healed. And Stephen is also my Dad's name lololol 😆 🤣

[@mattiademaz-hebert3671]

As a gay ex-JW, I have tears in my eyes. We need to create a safe space for all those other gay JW who feel so terribly alone. Thank you Brandy and thank you Lloyd.

[@jadedstar7442]

Don't let man, family, or men who GAVE THEMSELVES the authority to speak in the name of God judge you. You can conquer all with love. That includes loving yourself. Do you really believe if you do good that God would hate you over something you have no control over?

[@emilyflotilla931]

Sending love emotional virtual support your way.

[@TeStOs78]

​@@jadedstar7442 From the reasoning of a non Christian, you would sound correct when you say "something you have no control over" but from a biblical stand point, you would stand clearly wrong for that can never be used as an excuse. Doing good in the bible's context is righteousness by faith, us living right with God by faith and professing our love for Him and his commandments by our act of obedience. God is love but He is also just, for whatsoever a man sows, that he will reap. He hates the sin and not the sinner, for His long suffering with us all as sinners prove that he isn't that any of us should perish but that we should all come to repentance. Here lies the issue, repentance and "something you have no control over" can't coexist in the judgement of God if His justice fulfils righteous judgement. We're all born in sin and shaped in iniquity, so our natural tendency to obey the cravings of the flesh and not God, for the flesh is enmity against God, it's not subject to His law. We have lied, stolen, committed fornication & adultery, murdered, covet, harbored idols and just down right gone each his own way according to the tendency of the flesh. Now, are we going to say that we continue in all these sins because we had no control over it and whatever little "good" that we think we do will make our works righteous?? No, how can we be so gullible to ourselves!! Thus, since we were born with a sinful nature and homosexuality is a result of that corrupted nature, Christ said "Ye must be born again" of the Spirit of life in Him so that we can receive the power to break the tendencies in the flesh and walk after the Spirit of life which empowers us to overcome the temptations of the flesh & the world.

[@jadedstar7442]

@@TeStOs78 I'm well aware of what the bible says. I also feel it has been tampered with and many Masonic views inserted. I have seen people who are straight able to have homosexual encounters. However it seems that there are people that have homosexual tendencies. They have tried going straight and it doesn't work. So how do you change that? I'll let God judge. And if my children were gay I would still love them.

[@Deia3Bina]

Yeees

[@valeriediaz82]

I’m a born-in JW 3rd generation, but I’ve never been a good one lol. I just had my first baby 4 months ago. And there’s NOTHING she could do to make me shun her and be unloving toward her! That’s just disgusting!

[@Tampo-tiger]

You are a lovely human being Valerie, so much better than despicable idiots like rubber-faced Stephen Lett.

[@aldastroud9671]

Exactly, and they call children God enemies, how can people even consider being a Jehovah witness, I don't know.

[@cheys7373]

As a lesbian who will be coming out to my JW family in the coming months, I cant thank you enough for coming forward with this Brandy. I admire your bravery, and i admire you for moving away from your family in this way, and for sharing this information despite the consequences. iIam so sorry for your loss, I understand your brothers struggle, and i'm sorry that he was in a place he felt like he couldn't get out of due to this cult we were part of. Thank you so much for sharing this story. You are loved and appreciated and your brother will remain in my heart and mind as i move through my own journey.

[@lisaineurope]

I wish you well in your journey Chey. I hope you have a good circle of friends to help and support you. You deserve to be treated with respect and dignity for the person you are. Take care and keep safe.

[@rachelmcnulty3215]

You won't regret the decision you make.keep strong you got this!

[@nicolebuttigieg569]

Sending u love! Just kno even if your family doesn’t accept u the way u are there are plenty of others out there that will love u for being u. All the best xx

[@krisilleloveadriatico8718]

How’s your come out chey as a lesbian?

[@pluggedinplayerful]

All my love. You are not alone and you can do this. I hope you find happiness from the other side of this. Thank you for sharing.

[@corruptedmedia2599]

As a gay man with religious parents this story really resonates with me. Brandy is an amazing woman and I'm sure her bother knew that to his core and valued her immeasurably.

[@Tampo-tiger]

You are very much loved by all of us sir, and I hope your feelings are never hurt by revolting things like this sickening cult.

[@KBoB369]

"Children would be perfectly happy eating ice cream, candy, and cookies for all of their meal." Me, a grown man, "So would I".

[@kennedyntommy]

At 41 years old, I find ice cream to be a perfectly acceptable meal, thank you very much!!

[@diannejewell4410]

😂

[@thebewitchedone7953]

Lol Yes, I thought the same! Bring on the sweet!

[@barneysdad9193]

Obvious he doesn't understand children! Of course they eat junk if you let them and want to play all day. What child doesn't? Watch any little kid in a restaurant and they soon start on nothing but the chips/fries!

[@adrianaslund8605]

Ice cream is wonderful. Making your own with condensed milk and cream is easy. I like putting lime/lemon juice, zest and biscoff in there.

[@jasa_TheRealOne]

I've never clicked on a video so fast. Stephen Lett is the creepiest person ever. His vocal cadence actually scares me and to see someone related to him speak out is just amazing!

[@PlzCa1mDown]

Yeah I totally agree. I actually considered converting to JW until I saw that incredibly scary man. He has those "Sanpaku Eyes" and that was an immediate red flag for me.

[@jimocker743]

Stephen Lett is just plain Wierd, Period!

[@_JustJoe]

@@PlzCa1mDown YES

[@TonyaFitzpatrick]

He makes me feel 🤢

[@altworldly]

Incredible conversation. Brandy is so brave; it takes an extraordinary amount of strength to speak up as an exJW even in the best of circumstances, and her circumstances make everything so much more complicated. There are so many people like Steven, casualties of the shunning and homophobia of the organization, and speaking up about it and creating accepting communities is the best way to combat that.

[@noraplowshay8784]

I think he is trying to find out about JWs pay. They do not get paid for services. I didn't hear Brandi say anything negative. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I think the worst thing Steven does is talk like we are all 3.

[@_JustJoe]

@@noraplowshay8784 You're not serious are you? /gen

[@ascorner7059]

Thanks Brandy for coming forward. I'm PIMO and you've inspired me. Where are tight pant's relatives ? A niece, nephew, cousin, something c'mon! 2021 is set out to be interesting year.

[@Ianm3247]

I've just picked my jaw up off the floor. Brandy was so lovely, what a heartbreaking story 💔

[@coloradoroninnomad1336]

For what it is worth. Thank you. I know what waiting for that axe to drop over this subject feels like. I'm so sorry for the pain coming. But I thank you for your bravery.

[@jiffypoo5029]

I heart goes out to Brandy. Stephen Lett is a terrible human being, I absolutely detest him.

[@barrygibbons2803]

He needs serious help. does he even have children. they are a gift from god and are innocent and loving . unlike the GB. what would a pediatrician or child psychologist make of his statements . To me educated experts and even the general population would see this religion and many fundamentalist christians as very harmful and dangerous to peoples lives. religion is heading to be banned in the future. my opinion and that of many others. Governments are definitely looking at charity status of religions that dont do any good in society and just damage people. why should they be tax free when their members have to pay tax like everyone else who works for a living and businesses that pay tax.

[@robertcastellanos98]

Don't worry he will have what is coming to him... Revelation 22:19 English Standard Version and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

[@cbswims401]

@@robertcastellanos98 Unfortunately, there is no sky daddy to administer such justice. We humans need to do it ourselves!

[@jimocker743]

His comments show that he doesn't like children, unlike Jesus, who loved Children!

[@jamiejanssen1582]

I work with kids and have two of my own!(older now) but play time is when children learn! That comment was not very intelligent. People who work with kids would say the same!

[@junejunie2284]

Excellent point!

[@sarahmayfield1674]

Stephen Lett is a highly opinionated ignoramus. Thank God he is not a father.

[@jeanniejewel2272]

You are a wonderful person Brandy. Good luck supporting the ex JW gay community. Thank you lloyd for your continued activism.

[@genesimorales1893]

As a gay, ex-JW I have an idea of what was going through his mind but I'm so glad that I'm still here and I fight against the pain of losing my family every day. My heart goes out to her and her family ❤️

[@calanm7880]

I am so sorry for your loss Brandy, your standing up for your brother by speaking out is something I'm sure he'd be so proud of you for. Not just him, but thousands currently in the same boat. You are right about finding a way to build support and offer true community - surely there are ways to build this perhaps with the help of other individuals with knowledge & experience? This would be a hugely worthwhile endeavour

[@TashiTV3D]

I’ve heard of non baptized worldly people with ‘ good hearts’ being resurrected but never “disfellowshipped” people being resurrected and given another chance. That’s a huge change

[@boboak9168]

Oh Brandy! We love you and your brother. Thank you so so much for speaking out to help protect others. Parents, brothers, sisters, friends please please please stop shunning those dear to you. It is so harmful and it feels wrong because it is wrong.

[@ivyyoung521]

We got your back Brandy! Thank you for doing this!

[@bassman85710]

Brandy is such a brave woman. And a great closing statement about getting through the storm to finally be surrounded by people who will love her unconditionally and how that is what her brother would have wanted.

[@patricelanauze8301]

Brabdy is psychologically disturbed . She looks like under drug effects . Her brother that suicids was ALSO psychologically disturbed , and all gays are like a pack of pittbulls . They are athéists , like lloyd evans is also . I' m not witness of J , but you cannot cheat me , no . Why don't you attack muslims that Kill 37 people in NIce , France and injured 77 people with a truck at full speed on french riviera ?? Why you attack the weak , and you do it on internet like cowards ?? When I say " you" I mean gays . snakes and tongues of snakes .

[@extremelylargeslug4438]

Very brave to come on camera and be willing to accept full shunning as a consequence of exposing the corruption. Thank you so much, Brandy.

[@takeyouryokeandlearnfromme1771]

She is brave. Thankfully, she'll never have to get kicked out of the home by her parents. And if the entire family resorts to shunning her, there is at least one person in this audience who'll foot a plane ticket for her to come be part of a new family.

[@NilDreams]

So very sad. My brother is gay and I shunned him for 10 years. 😢 I still feel guilty for not being there for him during the worst moments of his life. I can’t even imagine the pain Brandy is going through with the loss of her brother and the pain he must have been going through to take that step. I have thought of trying to help lgbt exjws who have come out and have nowhere to go by providing a halfway house for them. I have set this as a goal since my own daughter has come out as gay. I’ve been too distracted, anxious and depressed over the political situation in my country but as soon as things calm down I want to get on to this.😢

[@_JustJoe]

Thank you 🤍

[@FrogInPot]

What gets me is how Stephen Lett delivers his talks like he is instructing young children, so inciting as to how he subconsciously regards the intellect of witnesses

[@rebornjoker359]

Stephen Lett did an interview and he didn't speak how he speaks to the Jdubs lol

[@davidburroughs2244]

Yes. I'm constantly thinking when he's speaking is "wtf, wtf, wtf?" and have grave difficulties getting past his apparent need to talk down and inability talk to adults as equals.

[@cyndibenson3140]

@@rebornjoker359 would love to see this interview where he speaks to adults appropriately

[@freespirit3891]

@@davidburroughs2244 its to keep you at a childlike level where you are taught not to question, just listen to us.

[@kendrabond7647]

Brandy - you are so courageous for telling us your heartbreaking story. I sincerely wish you all the best for the future and hope that you will be able to help others in a similar situation. Thank you.

[@naomikeenan951]

Wow! Thank you for speaking out. You have a ton of support and love. ❤️

[@udstodt]

So sorry for your loss. My older brother did also commit suicide after being disfellowshipped. I can totally understand you when you talked about the feeling of guilt thinking about being part of the shunning. We have to live with it, but knowing we were under an extreme indoctrination when we participated in shunning of our close ones. 💔😌

[@purplefairy4489]

My son is gay ..I'm so glad I never shunned him, I'd rather lose my life than him feel this way ..😘 (I'm not trying to say I'm amazing )

[@deborahamstead5506]

Your HUMANITY is AWESOME ❤️

[@purplefairy4489]

@@deborahamstead5506 thank you my lovely. I have a daughter still in and 4 grandchildren, they shun me because I stood up for the victims of paedophiles. Theres no winners in this religion 💔

[@deborahamstead5506]

@@purplefairy4489 this is what woke me up after 29 years! The blood issue, the data base of Child abuse and John Cedars. Also my daughter was DF and I could would not shun her. The elders even told me to ignore my 3 grandchildren because mom was DF! They all came and lived with us!

[@Linda-ux8un]

@@purplefairy4489 Good for you.all my respect to you..

[@cherylseebreth328]

You are amazing. To love your child unconditionally is a God given gift.

[@humbles19]

Shame, what a trauma 😔 A life lost, and all for a religion. So wrong.

[@gbnomore3918]

For what's touted as "Jehovah's Organization". Sickening.

[@karlenekrause6210]

Brandy coming out publicly on this forum is also incredibly brave, I hope she has a good support system from people who deeply love her.

[@mikewerndy8556]

Hello there

[@mylife-23]

Cult

[@ruthephoenix22]

Still reeling from the after effects of being raised in this cult and I'm 38.

[@tonyfernadez472]

Brave Brandy these things must b exposed the GB is wicked.

[@tonypeterman1133]

Sexual Perversion is condemned in the Bible, but Jesus only emphasized Love. So, maybe we need to do the loving thing and Help people who are handicapped, physically and mentally.

[@blitzblutz]

When the family of the GoBos start leaving, then the end is very near.

[@missmichelle2201]

The end of the organization? Or the end of what?

[@freespirit3891]

@@missmichelle2201 org we should figure

[@ziggylaurie2268]

The org is a sinking ship

[@missmichelle2201]

@@ziggylaurie2268 well I sure do hope so. My daughter just left us to be a witness and she is so incredibly brainwashed it's almost impossible. It's impossible. I hope one day she wakes up. She's only 14.

[@robertcastellanos98]

Yes correct, his end... He should read this Bible verse: Revelation 22:19 English Standard Version and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

[@BR0K3NARCH3TYP3]

This is just more evidence that this is not a divine organization. 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.

[@junejunie2284]

Broken Archetype, Thank you for sharing your experience. I was glad to read of a happy ending for you.

[@gorilla-grip-pussy-support7976]

Good for you, you’re free now!

[@robinkishmiller2596]

You had to go your own way! Bless you

[@darkrose-k1h]

Love is where you find it. You don't need that organization to be happy in life.

[@justjanice8373]

This lady has broken all barriers for the love of her brother. Stephen Lett you may wish to think again.

[@NoGodsJustMetal]

Here is why we can't just let religion be. It corrupts and destroys everything it touches.

[@aeolian7556]

Cults

[@Shmaples]

@@aeolian7556 No "Hola Amigos" not just cults.. religion in general can be very damaging and when people try to discount our objections of it by saying 'it's not hurting anyone' or 'it makes people live a more "moral" life', we can't let that slide because this video illustrates the kind of extremes religion can lead to.

[@kirawalker5893]

@@Shmaples fair, however jehovah’s witnesses are a cult. not a religion. and they have more control over their members than your average religion, such as catholics for example. tens of thousands of JW die and let their children die for JW doctrine and rules.

[@bernadettekelly2772]

She is very brave to talk to you about her Uncle !

[@j.c.b6473]

I was disfellowshipped for being gay (bi) 40+ years ago as a teenager. I lost friends and family and was on my own so very young. I was shunned at JW family funerals. One JW family member and one JW friend was always there for me, and they risked everything. I was shunned for who I was, yet abusers in my JW family were protected. I've been suicidal. I've had therapy, support, and made real friends. For years I was resentful about the shunning. Now I'm glad. The Universe kept those toxic people out of my life because I wouldn't have been able to stop contacting them due to my past need to make them love me. To all those suffering alone you are NOT ALONE! PLEASE REACH OUT! ❤️💛💚💙💜 PS: I'm writing a book.

[@allanpanek2134]

Was Brady disfellowshipped as a result of this interview and her own video ?

[@_JustJoe]

What is the book titled? Also, I'm so so proud of you!!

[@j.c.b6473]

@@_JustJoe Thank you! No title yet.

[@cindyarnold8165]

Brandy, so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this with us.😢

[@TheChloeTea]

I can relate to her feelings of detachment, I deeply appreciate her speaking on this. Definitely very sorry for her loss.

[@nicoletitov5612]

I actually started crying when she started to talk about her brother. I could be at the same place right now. I am so sorry for your loss.

[@carbonf2051]

This took a lot of courage on her part. The hesitancy and careful wording makes it quite apparent that she was still closely linked to her family in the org and it must have been scary for her to take this subject on. She's amazing and is moving in the right direction. The mistreatment and shunning of a wonderful young man that I knew growing up (one of the kindest people I have known) while finding that they have been covering CSA cases all along infuriated me and was the final straw. So men can rape babies (male and female) and be excused but a person can't have feelings for consenting adults of the same gender just because they're honest about who they are?!

[@kittylove2975]

I know several JW's that committed suicide over being shunned... One was a dear friend...💔🥀...

[@dogsdroolllquinavancepasre6756]

💕Same here, several. Just lost my son suddenly 2 weeks ago & JW’s won’t do his memorial because he never got baptized. So evil. The rest of the family are JW’s.😢

[@dogsdroolllquinavancepasre6756]

@Vida Pimo Thank you 🙏. It is very difficult right now. 💕💗💕

[@rachelabee128]

@@dogsdroolllquinavancepasre6756 I'm very sorry for your huge pain - you lost your Child. That is strange because my aunt's husband who never was Jw and even made her difficulties had memorial with speach by elder. It was kind of respect to my aunt and was witness to uncle's family. I think my uncle was even catholic,who doesn't attend church but kept tradition about X-Mas Easter St.Claus :) Anyway don't be sad. No one who is "awake" with this kind funeral. The most important is our memory about the one who pass away.

[@marjutrepo9931]

There is no love, mercy and compassion in this organization 😔

[@dogsdroolllquinavancepasre6756]

@@rachelabee128 You’re right. Thank you. He was incredible !! Loved & helped others. Very kind. JW’s didn’t deserve him.

[@reclaimedlife6870]

Was he talking to his wife in the convention talk? As, at home she would miss her nephew. This is so important to talk about. Thank you Brandy, so much respect for you. Surely human rights are violated by this dreadful forced shunning.

[@sofiamorgan6644]

What a very brave lady. Thank you Brandy, for being your brothers voice now. Condolences on the death of your brother. I will remember you in my prayers.

[@liplockednomore]

Wow!!!!!💪👏❤Brandy, thank you for this courageous interview. The loss of your brother must have been so very distressing. So very sorry for that precious life gone😢🌈🌈😢

[@sd9531]

Sheesh this hit home hard. Thank you both so much for this, I needed it. Brandy you are really brave and I’m sorry for your loss. It’s so nice to know that there are other ppl out there who understand all of this and realize the pain that comes with being shunned for being gay.

[@reece1929]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing this, because I know it wasn't easy. Bless you and stay safe.

[@Northwind82]

Jesus: "Bring the children to me" Lett: " ewww get those things away from me"

[@Ed30675]

I concur with many on here that Brandy is extremely brave for being so open and so very articulate in expression her feelings regards the death of her brother.... Her story is very close to my own.... two of my closest in my earlier years of life both extremely zealous in their prospective lives as J.W,s , came out of their closets and announced they were gay..... Incidentally these two people were not aware of each other...They lived in different countries but were known to me... One was my brother and one was my closest friend and pioneer partner... Sadly one of the two who woud be ages with Brandy,s brother ( an only son) took his own life.... Brandy,s story brings all of this back to mind, not that my experience has ever been forgotten... the loss, lives with me every day, as it will with Brandy... Sadly the issue of suicide has been very real for me ,as three people who were extremely close friends have taken their lives... they live in my memory and are never forgotten... Just so very missed... Many thanks to both of you for this video, it will be revisited often....

[@petalparker5]

Oh my gosh Brandy this is still so fresh for you so sorry for your loss. It is so courageous of you to come forward and speak publicly about this. YOU are just as much a victim of this org as any of us. I remember a particular elder in the congregation I was in that shamelessly used his family's lives as fodder for his public speaking and it deeply shamed them so I KNOW IT HAPPENS! I can only imagine the shame your brother must have been carrying with him. So sorry this happened to him.

[@amb163]

Thank you for being brave, and speaking out for your little brother. As a big sister myself (my kid brother is 10 years younger), I understand you HAD to do this. I hope your story leads to more understanding of how damaging the JW policy of shunning is to everyone involved.

[@Chirondebree]

This woman is incredibly brave. What she does here takes so much courage. I and I believe all of your subscribers are unbelievably grateful for her decision to come forward and make a stand for what is right. So sad that her brother Steven saw no other way in his life. I am sure that this will in the long run will help others and prevent people in similar conditions seeing no other way out. Thank you so much Brandy (Brandi?) for speaking out, and helping others. You are amazing.

[@shnorth888]

Don't any other members of the governing body watch the way Lett acts in front of others on camera and realize what a joke he is? Why act like a clown making funny faces while other GB members don't do that.

[@traceysankar-charleau4003]

A joke is funny.. he's not funny he's toxic

[@WilliamEly]

He probably does that so you can tell the difference between him and the other old white guys. Lett's the clown, Morris is the angry one, and so on.

[@josevaldez1554]

Hard to say, seems like they all ha e their "style " if you will haha. For example Tony plays the heavy , Steve plays the kind grampa quality etc. Not sure what the others do in the way of branding. Idk just a wild guess, I'm playing with this a bit haha.

[@aquagrl81]

I mentioned this to my Dad and he doesnt think so, he believes he's just animated lol... i say yea rite

[@minuette1752]

It is just his way of speaking, I imagine its built upon all those years he have been giving talks and it is just the style he uses.

[@kirstenornelas881]

I'm so very sorry for the loss of your brother and I'm so so sorry your uncle used his death as rhetoric. My dad died refusing platelets and was used as a rhetoric story from the platform as well. I left after attending his funeral at the kh.

[@freespirit3891]

Kirsten, They use these as "shining examples" which is just plain cruel to families left behind. It should be private. Sorry for your loss. 😢 agape` 💙 & 🕊

[@purplefairy4489]

So sorry for your loss 😘😘😘

[@kirstenornelas881]

@@purplefairy4489 thank you. I appreciate you kindness

[@EmilyCouturiere]

Im so sorry about your dad. In my 17 years in the cult I attended 4 funerals all due to suicide. They always use their deaths as an excuse to talk about satans system of things, sin etc. It's absolutely disgusting.

[@guillermovilla9517]

My heart breaks for her and her brother. She is so brave!

[@ah7470]

As a PIMO, who is gay, this is a struggle I have everyday. Its extremely hard, especially with all the homophobic comments. I have had times where I wanted to commit suicide, because of the pain and loneliness I have felt. And some of the things family have said. I hope one day I will be able to have the courage to leave and be happy.

[@jessicanerpio-cauldwell4987]

The WT ORG (JW's) is only a 120 years old... Where was Jehovah BEFORE the WT ORG !?!...it's a Man (GB) Made Religion (Cult) just like the Mormon's (Cult) founded by Joseph Smith... these Man Sell their OWN personal Idealogy on religious beliefs putting on a New Spin using God as their Backer As if they're telling you the Truth instead using Fear it's their way or the Highway...😲😩🤔

[@douglasphiliphalaczkiewicz1269]

Bro I was so afraid but eventually I stepped out I can assure you it only gets better ones you take your stand .... make sure to build a small network to support you and then leave .... I sincerely wish you all the best don’t give in ❤️

[@kwdoug]

Ask the elders if they could choose to be gay....boom. Case closed.

[@catsanmil]

Isn't it harder to stay and not be your authentic self? Once you get out you'll see what a relief it is! No more feelings of guilt, it's so liberating. Will it be difficult at first? Of course! But soon you'll have new friends and family and you'll never look back. Good luck!

[@rozieposy613]

Stay strong... one day you will find your way out and it will not be as scary but more of a terrifying joke.

[@bryancooper5180]

Brandy, I was very impressed with you in this video. In my opinion you showed the utmost respect for your uncle Stephen Lett. Your reserved manner showed honor, integrity and truthfulness without passion. You did not take this opportunity to bash your uncle or bring up skeletons as some would be tempted to do I'm sure. In the end, you have given the greatest respect and honor to your brother. I would be so honored if you were my sister. Thank you so much for what you have done today so bravely. You represent so many of us who have faded or been disfellowshipped. I can't imagine the heartache you have endured and unfortunately will continue to endure with your immediate family in the future. So selfishly, I say thank you again but never lose sight of the fact they're many of us who want to express love and support to you. Best wishes to you Brandy!

[@ktm2079]

A lump filled my throat hearing about your brother. Sorry for your loss.

[@justinlloyd4244]

Very powerful... I advise you click the link in descriptions... The letter left by brandy, s brother made my heart skip a beat ♥️✌️

[@kakprat]

Wow, what a powerful interview that was. And what a brave lady. I wish her a well.

[@theoracle56]

I hope I don’t sound mean, but I truly wonder has he ever had a psych analysis completed and I say this as someone studied; he seems to have a personality disorder and suffers from extreme delusions. It is very apparent when he speaks that there is something not right about him.

[@ianbennett1491]

You don't say. 😂😂😂

[@SaffronHammer]

Bible's Doomsday delusions.

[@Bringon-dw8dx]

@@SaffronHammer the issue is just being super religious isn’t a delusion. A delusion can’t be acceptable for their culture, society and religion... because then it’s not a delusion. If you are a JW what he believes is perfectly acceptable so doesn’t count as delusions (unless there is more too it)

[@SaffronHammer]

@@Bringon-dw8dx John on the Isle of Patmos wrote down his delusions in Revelation--or he was tripping balls / psychedelic mushrooms. That crazy shit is not super religious, it is insanity.

[@SaffronHammer]

@@Bringon-dw8dx believing the mad ravings in the Bible isn't delusional, rather it is indoctrination. And life is far more sane and beautiful, healthy and fulfilling when we wake from indoctrination and can think for ourselves.

[@freedomparadisechick6564]

What a great interview and what an amazing lady!! Very brave considering who is her uncle!! Very interesting interview!!

[@daveskipt21]

Thank you Brandy for sharing your story. I'm so sorry you and your family have suffered so much pain, and avoidable pain at that. I wish you every success with your efforts to support those ostracized by this unloving policy.

[@naterobinson5141]

Somebody deserves a standing ovation to be bold and brave to speak out. I'll have to take a second listen to the interview and I look forward to part two

[@ssj5ssj640]

this is why, the organization creates more division. jws dont like too much communication with other jws because they can create their own communities and i remember preaching, they never wanted more than 5 people together, if the group got too big they will divide them to pairs and at the end everyone would go their own seperate ways, no way to keep going further or become friends. before you preach you shouldnt talk too much, after you preach no talking everyone go home. are parents jelouse or the elders get jelouse? many reasons can become the excuse, but mostly young groups gather together was never tolerated and most of the time you have to show yourself up at some elder home to let them make arrangements for everybody else, and everyone was over 20 yo. even parents would take their parenting skills so seriously like their life depends on it. some did go together alone but they where grown ups and everyone knew each other. what iam trying to say, preaching in groups was not tolerated if it was not arranged by the elder. looks like they dont want strong powerful groups to go too far because then they cant arrannge them their way

[@ssj5ssj640]

@@elliesambrook5929 to keep people from understanding the bible, even satan and the pope study the bible and understand it better

[@dennisconstantine624]

Ive always thought Steven Lett was a scum bag bottom feeder, now Im convinced. When he gave that 2020 talk on homosexuals its almost like he was aiming for his nephew. This guy has blood dripping from his hands.

[@raventreefrog2305]

Very empathic act requiring firm courage Mrs Schmiedel. Sharing your feelings and experience will aid others whom peer over the fence of doubt. Thank you so much Brandy.

[@elizabethnewborn6575]

Powerful interview! Courageus Brandy- brawo , way to go! My heart goes out to You , another beautiful life gone (; How much blood is on their hands..... I want to cry right now . Please Lioyd have Brandy for your future interview. Love

[@tamarjeynes5724]

A friend of mine in another congregation took his own life, he couldn’t bear the thought of coming out to his parents, particularly because his other brother was gay, so he thought his parents couldn’t cope with both their children being gay. Very, very sad. Felt so sad and angry. Nobody said that was it, but I just knew as soon as I heard. He was so camp, only dated someone briefly once. I was naive and just thought that he was naturally camp, but that didn’t have to mean he was gay. I never really could get my head around gay being wrong, as I grew up I just told myself it was like people who were born in the wrong body (trans) before I knew what that even was. I just thought it was a human ‘imperfection’ and people would have to wait til the new system to be ‘cured’. I was really naive, never believed that 10% of ppl could be gay because there were no gay ppl that I knew at the hall 😳🤣 I look back and cringe at being indoctrinated as a child. Even indoctrination never made me feel being gay made someone a bad person, never understood hate towards LGBTQ community. It’s just so sad that suicide is something that isn’t uncommon. As you talk to people, you hear of others who have died.

[@golong3163]

Heartbreaking...

[@j.c.b6473]

My condolences. 💜

[@kellydonley2519]

I learned in my psychology class in college that homosexuality is inherited to some degree because it is a preference that is engrained in your brain at birth. This is how we know its nature and not nurture that causes this preference/ attraction for the same sex. Researches did twin studies of twins and triplets who were adopted or their parents divorced and split custody of the kids so they were raised in different households, and the results showed that if one of them was homosexual or bi then the other siblings had a huge chance to report the same sexuality. I personally know triplets in real life who after high school all came out as either bi or gay. I myself was attracted to women before even noticing men. I would stare at them and draw their bodies at a young age because women are so attractive to me. This is why I HATE how they call it a "lifestyle" as if they CHOSE to be attracted to the same sex. I used to sit at the kingdom hall meetings and feel so scared inside as they talked on stage about homosexuality because I knew how I felt. (I was a born in JW and stopped attending meetings around 17) I'm very sorry to hear about your friend who took his life.

[@tamarjeynes5724]

@Ron c oh, I agree.

[@tamarjeynes5724]

@Ron c Bisexual, Pansexual, Demisexual, Sapiosexual, Aromantic, Asexual.... all of those can be across the genders. I always thought I was a little different because most people tend to find attraction easy. If you’re gay, bi, straight, you kind of have a type, you feel an attraction. Boom. I realised I wasn’t quite like that, it seems to be something else, usually an emotional connection. That or a strong connection that is inexplicably formed. No idea what that comes under. Pan-Demi? But not quite. Sexuality is a strange thing. It’s also impacted by nurture as well as nature - religious early developmental trauma & doctrine has a major impact too. All that repression ... 😢

[@mariopario8637]

This is guy is the Oprah Winfrey of Apostates. Gets all the big name interviews.

[@mariopario8637]

@@gabrielmoralesgonzalez6471 You must have a low iq or something... I'm not against what he's doing, where in my comment did I say anything negative? The comment came from a place of awe lmao

[@mariopario8637]

@@gabrielmoralesgonzalez6471 No no I'm sorry I overreacted. I'm sorry to hear that but the brain is very elastic and can recover, do daily cardio and read everyday. The same thing happened to my dad 30 years ago.

[@lostnotforever5099]

Brandy, wow my heart goes out to you!!! I have lost family to suicide and a dear friend, I am sorry for what you are dealing with and what is to come. Thank you for coming out and saying your peace on your and your brothers behalf

[@nesbo7578]

You are extremely brave, Brandy. Good luck with your efforts to help others!

[@raventreefrog2305]

Heart felt condolences Brandy on the terrible loss of your brother Stephen. 🤗

[@clarity2478]

So brave to come out like you are doing, thank you for your unselfish caring. We all need to join in with exposing these immoral religious beliefs! How many more will lose their lives over this.

[@donnastevenson6554]

Wow. I am in awe of her bravery. She is about to experience a world of pain, criticism and loss from shunning. But she is speaking out so she can help others in similar situations as her poor brother was in. She is so courageous and selfless. What a beautiful soul.

[@bryancooper5180]

Lloyd, because of your tireless energies and the honorable platform which you have built, people like this young lady feel comfortable reaching out to you to speak out. Thank you for your work Lloyd!

[@WalkingAnarchy]

Love your vids Lloyd. That said, I have NEVER clicked on one faster. I mean, wow!

[@machtek]

I know Brandy, and knew her brother and mom personally. I used to attend the same cong with them and have known her husband since he was a child in middle school. I still remember when Brandy and her family moved into the cong when she and her husband started dating and when they married and also their first child. I also remember Stephen when he was young and transitioned into adulthood. He was an extremely, nice, quiet, and well mannered young man. You couldn't help but like him. My family were all shocked when we heard of his death, but ultimately, as Brandy mentioned we knew why. I have never agreed with the shunning practices and actually never practiced it when it came to family and some close friends because I always thought it was wrong and that the org weaponized it to control its members. And I remember how they changed the conditions of it over the years. One significant thing I also noticed was that most elders didnt practice it when it came to their own families but tried to enforce it with everyone else. That appalled me. Brandy is extremely brave for going on record and speaking about this. Our hearts are with her. Please don't feel guilty because as witnesses we all were endoctrinated and thought we were doing the right thing only to find out how misguided we were. It was nice seeing her although it was a KZbin vid. We wondered what happened with her and her family when they moved away. We have all since left that cong, moved to a completely different state and are gradually fading as well.

[@gretajokupaite8594]

I'm just gonna say: You go girl! Thank you for being such a brave woman. I'm very proud of you, Brandy! Greetings from Germany.

[@milham76]

Extraordinary! What a wonderful, loving woman and great interviewing from Lloyd. Wow! Just wow!

[@HaydenHoneywood]

Such a heartfelt and heartbreaking story. Brandy you are so strong for speaking out. Thank you for sharing your story. You have many friends here to support you.

[@theom79]

"He makes Mister Rogers look like Mick Jagger."

[@reece1929]

I busted out laughing during a conference 🤣

[@ryancaster3413]

LOLS

[@chrischandler889]

He talks like he is talking to emotionally violated indoctrinated cult members. Oh wait. That is literally exactly what he is doing.

[@nickrowland1904]

@@reece1929 I would have burst out laughing too. I have never seen anyone with such facial expressions. I often wonder if his neck is too long. There is a Jay the Comedian video and he does a real good piss take.

[@reece1929]

@@nickrowland1904...Jay is something else 😂

[@barbwire531]

She's is a hell of a lot better looking than him....

[@Ballykeith]

Wouldn't argue with that but they're not related. Stephen Lett is the husband of her father's sister.

[@sms1655]

i was about to comment that.....

[@JenniB123]

That was my first thought until I heard they were not bloodcrelated

[@davidburroughs2244]

The guilt we feel as a result of the shunning we take part in against df'd family members, friends and people we knew and didn't personally know - it is the insidious weight we carry as long as we tolerate being a part of that nonsense. It tears at the heart and mind. Our being a part of inhumanity to our fellows can give us an excuse "it is alright because every one else whom we think is important is doing the same thing." This has a cascading effect and is one that builds from the group acceptance of inhumane treatment of others. Never a good policy nor practice. Too many examples in history of how not to do it, of how not to show one's lack of approval for another's choices. I'm straight and even i know that is foolish and wrong and backfires in unforseen ways.

[@TheRedgarage]

Lloyd, great job conducting this interview. Brandy, no matter what happens, you’re a legend, and I can guarantee the amount of lives you’re saving will more than quadruple the amount of people who will shun you. May your brother Rest In Peace. ❤️

[@josephsieving392]

Her brother was almost me a couple of years ago... my heart goes out to Brandy

[@junejunie2284]

Joseph, I'm so sorry for your suffering, and very glad you are here to comment.

[@instasingingvids3529]

Same here

[@eddieington6243]

Hi Joseph please don't ever let this be you. It gets really rough at times. I am gay too & know it is not a choice.

[@douglasphiliphalaczkiewicz1269]

Could have been me to But it gets better ❤️ be strong ❤️

[@lululashlounge]

I am sorry her brother killed him self. I am a straight female and wanted to kill my self being a JW because not only do they bully you if you are gay or straight they bully you if you don’t go out in field service enough. I am so very sad.Sending love her way!Thanks to Brandy by being so courageous.This is for Stephen her brother , and many others going through this!

[@cedarpoint2plj374]

Dear Brandy, Thank you for sharing your very personal and heartbreaking story! Being PIMO till now, it is helpfull for me in considering the next steps...... With love, from the Netherlands, Peter

[@lalasstickercreation]

It is just so sad that Lett used her brother In his talk so inconsiderate , that is putting more pressure on the pain.

[@ruthieboots4325]

I know even by his standards he could have asked someone else to talk about this, cold as ice.

[@crossroadcircleoffical]

I almost thought I wasn't going to have anything good to watch today

[@ianbyford]

quite possibly the most heart breaking you have shared . i may never be able to laugh at Stephen Lett rubber muppet face ever again

[@takeyouryokeandlearnfromme1771]

(Random throwback): Remember as a kid at school, you were the one who knew the addresses of almost every fellow pupil in your class? If not their exact home address, at least you knew what street or neighborhood they lived? And we all know why you randomly asked them for that information and memorized it. Because even though the organisation constantly tries to make you "boldly take a stand for Jehovah," no JW kid (and I'll repeat, NO JW kid) liked to be seen by their classmates going door to door to knock and preach. Of course when it happened, you quickly found ways to dilute the public embarrassment, and also prepared yourself mentally for the social backlash that was sure to come when school resumed on Monday. But we all know you did NOT like being seen! Not even after you've become an adult, talk less of deliberately putting a child through such awkward situations. And that's why at school you had to find out what neighborhoods each classmate lived in, so if you ever got assigned to work that territory, your eyes were always watching over your shoulder for any surprise from familiar faces. Now this was back in the day, when you had to wait until Monday to find out how much embarrassment you would be dealing with when word goes around the class. These days however, I can't imagine how JW kids have to deal with classmates using social media to already spread the word before Monday. Worse yet, they even got the poor JW kid on video going door to door, and that clip would never be erased from his classmates' Facebook memories. What a way to destroy your child's social esteem early on, that he has to formulate ways to avoid encountering school mates on weekends? This religion literally trained us to be little CIA agents, who had to remember what territories our classmates lived in as a matter of necessity, just in case. 😅

[@tamaradobson5146]

Oh dear God. I absolutely hated field service! Had a lot of bad experiences. Dogs being turned on you. Garden hoses multiple times. A gun on 2 different occasions. Good times. I was in service with an elder & his wife, when the person at the house we were at wasn't intrested & attempted to close the door, the elder stuck his foot in the doorway to keep her from closing it. And then was seemingly confused about her threat to call the police.

[@takeyouryokeandlearnfromme1771]

@@tamaradobson5146 Tell me about it, I've been with elders who at their family Bible Study they teach their children to courageously identify themselves as JWs and when their children run into a classmate at the door, these parents go, "Oh so you are classmates? Alright my son will do the preaching to you." (Thanks to my mom and dad who used to do this too). However, these same parents or the elder has work colleagues whom they do not "courageously preach to at work." And when they run into them in the ministry, they shift the discussion to something about work. The hypocrisy! Im glad my kids will never go through such situations I was put through. Can a kid just have a normal childhood for once without having to be held up to the same expectations as the people of Nineveh? Ugh.

[@tamaradobson5146]

@@takeyouryokeandlearnfromme1771 I never really realized just how traumatizing it actually was.

[@takeyouryokeandlearnfromme1771]

@@tamaradobson5146 That was the problem. The organisation normalizes so much abuse, that when is victims are told by outsiders about how abusive our "relationship" to being a JW was, we tend to either deny it or soften it by saying it wasn't that bad. It was horrible. Think how difficult it is to come up with explanations at work as to why you won't be involved in any gift giving or opening of presents at Christmas. Now imagine a child who still doesn't know themselves well nor has developed an own personality, trying to deal with such social situations. All because we "don't want to make Jehovah mad with us." Well, where is the part about "Jehovah understands that we are mere humans?" 🙄

[@tamaradobson5146]

@@takeyouryokeandlearnfromme1771 it's a bit like the government. Change things around to fit the situation. One minute, Jehovah's all loving, all forgiving God, the next, He's offended and pissed off about everything. It just ridiculous. But it definitely leaves it's mark.

[@jessicanerpio-cauldwell4987]

We all began as Innocent Children until raised as a JW Kid we become "Judgemental" in every which way !!! 😲🤨🤔