The ‘Ex-Gay’ Movement’s Viral Gen Z Makeover

There is little subtlety to the TikTok videos posted by Samuel A. Perez, self-described “Former Gay Stripper Now Child Of God.” One of his most popular clips, with more than 1.2 million views, is captioned: “When I used to be gay but discovered Jesus is better than my sexuality.” Set to a pumping viral beat, it shows Perez examining what looks like a well-thumbed book of scripture before declaring with a smile: “Switching sides!”

Thousands upon thousands of positive messages flood the comments section. “Welcome to the Family brother!✝️✝️🙏🙏” and “Holy glow up✝️” and “yessss. Same!”

Make-up, pink wigs, and bunny ears are a staple of Perez’s videos, leaving some commenters unsure if the posts are an attempt at satire or a skit. “wait I didn't realize you were serious 💀 I THOUGHT THIS WAS A JOKE NGL😦,” reads one comment on a recent Instagram video.

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