My mother became JW when I was around 5. I joined the Ministry School in 1969 - baptized on July 4, 1975 in the final hours of this old system of things. Pioneered out of high school and became Ministerial Servant in 1986. In 1992 I was disfellowshiped for being gay. I was president of A Common Bond - a support group for gay/lesbian ex-Jehovah's Witnesses from 1993 until 1997. I don't regret my years as a Witness - conider it my "spiritual heritage" but enjoy the peace of mind that true freedom brings.