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Ex-member: Netflix's 'Unchosen' mirrors sect trauma
12 Jun
Summary
- A former member relates Netflix series 'Unchosen' to his own upbringing.
- He describes strict rules, social isolation, and homophobia within the sect.
- The show's similarities highlight the realities of controlled religious groups.

A former member of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has drawn parallels between his own upbringing in Sydney, Australia, and the experiences depicted in the Netflix series 'Unchosen.' Ben Woodbury described a childhood marked by strict rules, profound social isolation, and pervasive homophobia within the sect. He specifically recalled pressure to 'pray the gay away,' illustrating the intense challenges faced by individuals within these environments.
Woodbury conveyed that watching the series felt like a significant emotional blow, describing it as a "throat punch." The striking similarities between his personal history and the show's narrative serve to underscore the often-difficult realities faced by those living within tightly controlled religious groups. This personal testimony highlights the broader impact of such communities on individual lives.