[UPDATE] Brother (15m) made fake instagram of me (25m) to make JW parents think I’m not gay?

A 25-year-old man, long estranged from his Jehovah’s Witness family for being gay, faced a shocking twist when his 15-year-old brother crafted a fake Instagram account to depict him as a devout, straight son. The teen’s plan? To escape their oppressive home under the guise of visiting a “reconverted” brother. Now, with the account deleted and truths laid bare, the man steps up as a lifeline for his brother’s potential freedom.

This update isn’t just about a social media scheme gone awry; it’s a raw look at a teen’s desperate bid to break free from a controlling faith and a sibling’s resolve to support him.  How does one balance love and boundaries in such a tangled mess? Let’s dive in.

For those who want to read the previous part: Original Story.

‘[UPDATE] Brother (15m) made fake instagram of me (25m) to make JW parents think I’m not gay?’

The saga of a teen’s fake Instagram account takes a hopeful turn, revealing a 15-year-old’s desperate plan to escape a stifling Jehovah’s Witness household. The 25-year-old man, shunned for being gay, now faces a new role: a lifeline for his brother, who deleted the deceptive account and confessed his disillusionment with their family’s faith. The parents’ strict control pushes the teen to lie, while the man’s firm boundary—no contact with them—offers a safe haven for his brother’s rebellion.

This scenario reflects the broader struggle of youth in high-control religions. A 2024 report by the American Psychological Association notes that 25% of teens in such groups experience significant psychological distress due to family expectations (soucre). The brother’s actions—lying to secure a visit—stem from a need for safety and freedom, not deceit. His shift from defending the faith to calling it a “cult” signals a critical awakening.

Dr. Janja Lalich, a sociologist and cult expert, states, “Young people in restrictive groups often use covert strategies to test boundaries or seek escape, especially when they lack external support” (soucre). Lalich’s insight illuminates the teen’s ploy: a risky but understandable move to reach his brother, the only safe figure he knows. The man’s response—offering a home while setting clear boundaries—strikes a delicate balance, honoring his truth while supporting his brother’s journey.

The man should maintain open, discreet communication, perhaps using encrypted apps to avoid parental scrutiny. Reinforcing his offer—train tickets, a room, and aunt’s support—gives the teen a tangible exit plan. He could gently guide his brother to explore faiths safely, perhaps online, until he’s independent. Advising the teen to deflect parental questions with vague answers, as planned, minimizes conflict. This approach fosters trust without dragging the man back into a toxic past.

Here’s how people reacted to the post:

Reddit’s chorus of voices brings heartfelt support and sharp insights to this evolving tale. Here’s what they shared:

These reactions brim with empathy, but do they capture the full weight of a teen’s escape from a controlling faith? There’s a spark of hope in these comments that’s hard to ignore.

This update hums with quiet triumph—a brother’s love cutting through years of pain and dogma. The man’s choice to be a beacon for his brother, without bending to a toxic past, feels like a small victory. Family ties can be messy, but they can also be lifelines. What would you do to help a sibling trapped in a world you left behind? Share your thoughts below.