JEHOVAH’S
WITNESSES
More than 10 years revealing secrets because there is no excuse for secrecy in religion – w1997 June 1; Dan 2:47; Matt 10:26; Mark 4:22; Luke 12:2; Acts 4:19, 20.
JEHOVAH’S
WITNESSES
More than 10 years revealing secrets because there is no excuse for secrecy in religion – w1997 June 1; Dan 2:47; Matt 10:26; Mark 4:22; Luke 12:2; Acts 4:19, 20.
Jehovah’s Witnesses cannot prevent their members from being homosexual, but they are forbidden from being in a homosexual relationship.
When it comes to homosexuality, Jehovah’s Witnesses make a distinction between a person’s feelings or attractions and one’s actions and lifestyle.
Jehovah’s Witnesses’ stance on homosexuality comes from their beliefs on the Bible and their interpretation of various scriptures. They believe that the Bible defines acceptable sexual conduct and that it reserves sexual relations for marriage between a man and a woman.
Jehovah’s Witnesses emphasize that while they do not permit homosexuality within their faith, they do not hate or persecute homosexual individuals. They believe in treating all people with kindness and respect, except for critics of their religious group (but that’s a separate topic).
However, they maintain that to be part of their religious community, a person must adhere to their interpretation of biblical morality, which includes abstaining from homosexual acts.
In short, sexual acts between members of the same sex is prohibited.
Bible verses to support their position
Genesis 1:27-28 – God created man in his image, in God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.’
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe this shows that God’s design for humans was male and female, with the purpose of reproduction and family.
Genesis 2:24 – That is why a man leaves his father and his mother and he clings to his wife, and they become one flesh.
This verse is often cited to show that marriage, as God intended, is between a man and a woman.
Leviticus 18:22 – You must not lie down with a male in the same way that you lie down with a woman. It is a detestable act.
This verse is part of the Mosaic Law, which Jehovah’s Witnesses believe reflected God’s moral standards.
Leviticus 20:13 – If a man lies down with a male the same as one lies down with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination.
They view this as reinforcing the idea that homosexual acts are contrary to God’s will.
Romans 1:26-27 – That is why God gave them over to disgraceful sexual passions, for their females changed the natural use of themselves into one contrary to nature; likewise, also the males left the natural use of the female and became inflamed in their lust for one another, males with males, working what is obscene and receiving in themselves the full penalty, which was due for their error.
Jehovah’s Witnesses see this passage as evidence that homosexual behavior is condemned in both the Old and New Testaments.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – Or do you not know that unrighteous people will not inherit God’s Kingdom? Do not be misled. Those who are sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, men who submit to homosexual acts, men who practice homosexuality, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners will not inherit God’s Kingdom.
They believe this verse indicates that homosexual acts are among the behaviors that disqualify someone from inheriting God’s Kingdom.
1 Timothy 1:9-10 – We know that the Law is made, not for a righteous man, but for lawless and rebellious people, ungodly and sinners… men who practice homosexuality, kidnappers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to the wholesome teaching.
This verse is used to support their belief that homosexuality is not part of God’s moral standards.
Attraction v Action and Membership Implications
The organization behind Jehovah’s Witnesses does not consider having a same-sex attraction in itself a sin. In other words, experiencing same-sex attraction isn’t viewed as sinful.
However, Jehovah’s Witnesses hold that sexual activity is reserved for a marriage between a man and a woman. Therefore, engaging in homosexual behavior (or any sexual activity outside of a heterosexual marriage) is considered sinful by their standards.
This means that someone who identifies as gay can be a Jehovah’s Witness as long as they adhere to the organization’s moral guidelines. In practice, this would require remaining celibate or, if they choose to remain in the faith, not engaging in homosexual relationships.
Needless to say, these beliefs can create personal and emotional challenges for individuals who identify as gay. Many within the community may experience tension between their personal identity and the organization’s teachings.
Ultimately, while one can be gay and a member of Jehovah’s Witnesses, doing so typically means accepting and living according to the religion’s interpretations of biblical standards regarding sexual behavior.
Each gay Jehovah’s Witness faces unique choices. Some choose to suppress their feelings and remain faithful to Jehovah’s Witness teachings. Others quietly leave the organization but may struggle with guilt and loss. Some come out and are disfellowshipped, experiencing painful rejection but gaining personal freedom. A few find ways to maintain faith in God while redefining their spiritual beliefs outside the organization.
The unique difficulties that gay Jehovah’s Witnesses face
Since same-sex relationships are not permitted, a gay Witness is expected to remain celibate for life, suppressing their needs or desires for romantic and sexual relationships. This can lead to deep emotional and psychological distress.
If a Jehovah’s Witness engages in same-sex relationships or openly identifies as gay while advocating for such a lifestyle, they risk being disfellowshipped (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Disfellowshipping is the complete cutting off or shunning of the gay member from the religious community, including friends and even close family members who remain Witnesses. Many gay Witnesses face the painful choice between living authentically and maintaining relationships with loved ones.
Many gay Jehovah’s Witnesses deeply believe in their faith and its teachings, leading to intense internal struggles with guild and spiritual conflict. They may feel ashamed or view their feelings as a test or weakness. This internalized guilt can lead to anxiety, depression, and self-doubt, as they try to reconcile their faith with their identity.
Since same-sex relationships are not allowed, a gay Jehovah’s Witness may experience profound loneliness. Unlike heterosexual members, who are encouraged to seek marriage and companionship, gay Witnesses are expected to remain single and avoid romantic relationships entirely.
Some gay Jehovah’s Witnesses attempt to suppress their feelings, marry someone of the opposite sex, or engage in therapy to “overcome” their attraction. However, this often leads to unhappiness, strained marriages, and emotional suffering. Others choose to live a double life, hiding their true selves out of fear of judgment or disfellowshipping.
Within the Jehovah’s Witness community, there is a total lack of safe spaces for open discussions about homosexuality, and there is little support for those struggling with their identity. A gay Witness may feel like they have no one to confide in, leading to feelings of isolation and despair.
A gay Jehovah’s Witness may struggle with the fear that by embracing their identity, they are disappointing God or losing their chance at eternal life. This can create deep existential distress, as they may feel trapped between their faith and their personal truth.
How have others faced the challenge?
Every gay Jehovah’s Witness must make their own choice about how to navigate their identity and faith. There is no single “right” path—only what feels true and sustainable for the individual. Here we list 5 options and provide the benefits and challenges for each.
Remain Celibate: Some gay Witnesses choose to stay in the faith while remaining celibate, believing that their devotion to Jehovah is more important than romantic fulfillment.
“I convinced myself that if I prayed hard enough, Jehovah would remove these feelings. I spent years alone, avoiding deep friendships out of fear of attachment. Eventually, I realized that while I could follow the rules, I was deeply unhappy.”
Benefits: One enjoys continued acceptance within their religious community. They maintain relationships with family and friends in the organization, and they have a strong sense of purpose through faith.
Challenges: One may have lifelong loneliness and will have to suppress romantic feelings. They may experience emotional distress and self-denial. They may have the constant pressure to avoid temptation.
Live a Double Life: Some Witnesses hide their sexuality while outwardly maintaining their religious lifestyle. They may engage in secret relationships or only express their identity outside of the Witness community.
“For years, I pretended to be the perfect Jehovah’s Witness while secretly seeing someone. The secrecy took a toll—I felt like I was lying to myself and everyone else. Eventually, the stress became unbearable, and I had to make a choice.”
Benefits: One can maintain family and religious ties while exploring their identity. They avoid immediate confrontation or loss of community.
Challenges: On the downside, there is the constant fear of being exposed and disfellowshipped. There is the emotional distress from leading a double life. And there are the feelings of hypocrisy and guilt.
Leave the Organization (Fade): Some choose to step away from the religious group without making an official announcement. This process, known as “fading,” allows them to gradually distance themselves from Witness activities without being disfellowshipped.
“I slowly stopped attending meetings and became less involved. I moved to a new city where no one knew me as a Witness. Eventually, my family realized I was no longer active, but since I wasn’t disfellowshipped, I still had some contact with them.”
Benefits: It reduces the trauma of immediate shunning. It allows one time to adjust to life outside the organization. And it provides and opportunity to explore personal beliefs and relationships at one’s own pace.
Challenges: This approach requires extreme caution to avoid suspicion. Family may still distance themselves if they notice a change in beliefs or behavior. There may be feelings of guilt and loss.
Come out as Gay: Some choose to openly come out as gay, knowing it will result in disfellowshipping. They prioritize living their authentic life over staying in the faith.
“I told my family the truth, and they immediately cut me off. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I finally felt free. Over time, I built a new life with friends who accepted me for who I was.”
Benefits: One has the freedom to live honestly and form authentic relationships. There is relief from the mental and emotional toll that comes from hiding. And there is an opportunity for personal growth and self-acceptance.
Challenges: With disfellowshipping, there is the immediate loss of all relationships with Jehovah’s Witnesses, including family. There is deep emotional pain and loss of a support system. This requires the need to rebuild. There is also the fear of Jehovah’s judgment, particularly for those who still struggle with this belief.
Find a new Spiritual Path: Some have sought out a different religious or spiritual belief system that aligns with their belief system. Others became agnostic or atheist.
“For a long time, I was terrified that Jehovah would punish me. But as I studied other perspectives, I realized that love and kindness mattered more than strict rules. Now, I feel closer to God than I ever did before.”
Benefits: Finding a new path allows one to explore spirituality or morality on their personal terms. They have the ability to embrace both faith and identity without conflict. There is a sense of peace and wholeness.
Challenges: Deconstructing deeply ingrained religious teachings can be difficult. There is the fear of being wrong and having to face divine judgment. There is also the difficulty of having to navigate life without the strict structure that the Jehovah’s Witnesses provide. The stabilizers have had to come off.
Supports for the LGBTQ+ Community
No matter what path you choose, you are not alone. Many others have walked this journey and found happiness, love, and fulfillment beyond the constraints of the Jehovah’s Witness organization.