My brother (15M) has been lying about my (25M) life to my conservative, estranged parents, MADE FAKE INSTAGRAM, HELP?

A 25-year-old man receives an unexpected email from his mother—a family vacation photo, the first contact in years since his Jehovah’s Witness family disowned him at 16 for being gay. His 15-year-old brother, still living under their strict household, has spun a web of deception with a fake Instagram account, portraying the man as straight and devout to reunite the family. The discovery leaves him torn between frustration and affection for his brother’s naive efforts.

This story dives into the raw tension of family estrangement, where love and rigid beliefs collide. It’s not just about a misguided social media ploy; it’s about navigating sibling bonds amidst deep-seated conflict. How do you protect your truth while keeping a connection alive? Let’s explore this emotional journey and the choices it demands.

‘My brother (15M) has been lying about my (25M) life to my conservative, estranged parents, MADE FAKE INSTAGRAM, HELP?’

The OP’s dropped an update on the saga—curious? Click here to check it out!

Talk about a plot twist—a teen crafting a fake Instagram to “fix” a family split by faith and identity. The 25-year-old man, outed as gay and shunned by his Jehovah’s Witness parents, now grapples with his brother’s naive scheme to pass him off as straight and devout. The man’s firm stance—no contact with parents who rejected him—clashes with his brother’s desperate dream of family unity. The parents’ rigid beliefs fuel the divide, while the brother’s lies reveal a kid caught in a tough spot.

Family estrangement in high-control religions is all too common. A 2023 Pew Research study found 20% of adults from strict religious backgrounds face family rejection over identity differences (https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2023/06/15/faith-and-family-dynamics/). The man’s story reflects this, his brother’s actions a cry for connection within a system that stifles dissent. It’s less about malice and more about a teen’s limited tools to cope.

Dr. Marlene Winell, a psychologist specializing in religious trauma, says, “Children in high-control groups often internalize conflict, seeking ways to reconcile family loyalty with personal beliefs” (https://journeyfree.org/rts/). Winell’s perspective fits here: the brother’s fake account is a clumsy attempt to bridge a gap he doesn’t fully understand. The man’s hurt is justified, but the brother’s youth and restrictive environment explain his misjudgment.

The man should have a heart-to-heart, ideally via a secure call, urging his brother to delete the account while affirming their bond. He could say, “I get you want us together, but I can’t pretend to be someone I’m not.” Offering to be a safe haven—perhaps coordinating with his aunt if the brother needs an escape—keeps the connection without compromising his authenticity. Reporting the account to Instagram later ensures it’s gone.

Check out how the community responded:

Reddit didn’t hold back, dishing out raw empathy and sharp advice for this family fiasco. Check out their takes:

These opinions pack a punch, but do they nail the balance between love and boundaries? Maybe there’s more to this teen’s hopeful, messy plan than meets the eye.

This story hits like a bittersweet melody—two brothers reaching across a chasm of faith and fear, only to stumble over good intentions. The man’s choice to stay true to himself while keeping his brother close is a tough but relatable call. Family doesn’t always mean agreement, but it can mean understanding. What would you do if a loved one’s plan to help crossed your line? Toss your thoughts into the mix below.