Queer Hutterite
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- čas přidán 22. 03. 2016
- Kelly Hofer knew he wasn't a fit from the start. His secret drove him from his Hutterite colony, it was the only home he had ever known. When he was 19 he drove to Calgary and came out on Facebook. The reaction was extreme.
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A small, tight, somewhat isolated community can be a wonderful experience if you are embraced by your community members. It can be a hell if you are not. People that are accepted can never understand how it feels to be rejected by everyone in your community, and be kept away from those who would accept you, because they are also people being shamed
Such exquisite photographs. I would love to see more of Kelly's work. He's so very talented.
Beautiful and honest.
Kelly, your photos are really striking. Don't stop clicking!
Birnam Wood zpoerful pictures
well said...
Birnam Wood p
Oh nice one I just watched the documentary where he ran away at the end, I'm going to sit and enjoy watching how he got on then will probably be back when I've finished .. going to get a brew and sit back and enjoy watching his story unfold ...
Yes, same :) such a bright young man!
@Kelly Marie me too, watching 2nd part now. I like a follow up. One of the best informative videos I've seen in a long time. So real and without sensationalism. What happened to the young man who was dreaming of becoming a designer, building a house after his own wishes. He had to collect every day eggs from these tortured chickens.
Yep,me too.
I watched it too, years ago.. but I can’t find it anymore.. how is it called?
Im so glad that you had the courage to leave. I cried. I knew you had a plan, i could see it on your face in the other documentary. So talented.
Kelly, if you ever see this, I watched the doc on Maple Grove Colony before I seen this, and I am just so proud of you. I'm glad you get to be YOU and I'm proud of you for not completely persecuting your colony for their ways, while still living your life. That contests you who you are as a person, and I think you're great!
What a lovely comment, Jessica. It made me smile!
I just saw it the other day and after a few seconds I was like, wait that's Kelly the runaway photographer! Now I understand more of why he left the community, they should have touched on that in the documentary!
ThatGirlJD I too have just watched the same documentary :-)
Be yourself is normal, you have talent. Like your pics. You gone the right way
I had a feeling he was queer. His perspective behind the lens was amazing. When he left the colony, the smile on his face was fantastic.
Why do you use the term queeer it is an offensive & a derogatory phrase. I am gay and find queer offensive if your not not gay do you introduce yourself as hello I’m John/Janet I’m straight?
@@richarddavis2107 I'm a queer person, if it offends you, I won't call you that, but please don't police mine or others self identification.
I’m queer and it’s not a term I find offensive
also he had the best shirt
@@richarddavis2107 Queer is just a synonym for gay. Just like pretty and beautiful.
I dont know which one is offensive, pretty or beautiful.
I like how they aren't angry, but want understanding.
I had seen a previous documentary, and it highlighted when you biked away. You are so lucky to have such an amazing sister, and your talent is beyond what I can put into words!! Absolutely amazing to say the least... Much love to all of you, and thank you for sharing your journey :)
Oh my Goodness...I was just praying for your happiness.Its really really good to see you on the other side of the lens and finding yourself 💞
I live in southern Manitoba and it’s always so interesting for me to see Hutterites when I’m uptown. They are such a unique group of people. I am Mennonite and we are very different from the hutterites (we aren’t so sheltered) but something about seeing Hutterite colonies for some reason feels very nostalgic
I just watched the documentary where he left the colony with his sister's help. I am so happy to find out he is doing well and has fully embraced his talent! Some people are truly just born with it!
Your talent and gift that you have with photography is God given. I hope you know and feel that. I pray you have a long full life of adventure and joy. Please keep sharing your pictures. They have so much soul and life and happiness. I wish you and your family well. In a perfect world we could agree to disagree and live in harmony.
Your photographs are absolutely gorgeous!
I'm here after watching the documentary How to Get to Heaven as a Hutterite. I wanted to know what happened to Kelly and wanted to know his sister's story as well so I was SO pleased to find this video! Thank you so much for it. I wish them both such a wonderful life.
What a lovely, articulate, optimistic young man. I would be proud to call him my son. [my daughter is about his age]. It's very sad that he can't go home to visit as others who have left the colony are able to. Kudos to his sister.
I am very curious to know what the members of his colony think. Not the leaders, I get what they think, or at least what they present to the public as what they think. I would like to hear from his parents, his childhood friends. The girl who had her eye on him in high school.
I've had work relations with a local colony and as a whole, they are very kind, polite, and generous people to be around. After an initial shyness, [I've often wondered how the teen aged girls were "cautioned", if they were, about dealing with us outsiders] I found the girls and women who worked on our farm to be hard workers, always up for a laugh or a prank, and very curious about my "un-feminine" lifestyle. [I worked in a male dominated industry and am a partner on our farm].
This was an interesting story, I'd love to learn more.
+Sue Werner I think he would be more interested in your son than your daughter. Perhaps you need to ask your daughter what queer means nowadays.
axactly
I don't think she meant to say that she'd like him to meet her daughter, LOL
I find it most interesting how both of them still consider themselves to be Hutterite, despite leaving.
And I feel sorry for their parents. To lose one child is terrible, they lost 2. They are probably seen as "bad parents" now... And the pressure on the rest of the famiy, the brothers and sisters.
At least his sister and him are together. It would be much harder otherwise.
He has a great eye for photography, that's for certain!! And rather ironic unfortunately how well he captured what he can no longer be a part of..... hopefully they will see him one day as a documenter of their incredibly beautiful lifestyle....
@c fedyszyn they have had their same culture for 500 years, you want to change a group. we have heard that one before...
Wonderful video. Thank you for sharing your story.
Your work is lovely. I wish you everything good.
Well Done young man and you are so fortunate to have a sister that cares so much. I on the other hand am sad that your parents and family cannot see your beautiful work.
I saw the documentary that showed his escape just the other day. I had a feeling he was gay and also needed to express himself as a person. I had hoped he would do well in the world. I am glad he has.
He is so well-spoken & for someone who grew up the way he did in the colony & basically shielded, he is very self-assured. So happy for him 🤗
Omgosh, I remember watching his story when he left them. I’m actually glad he didn’t go back, and is thriving.
Thank-you. Marvellous photography!
He's so beautiful x
Wow, you are an extraordinary photographer. Your photos are beautiful and full of meaning.
Wow! What a fantastic film! I'm from Winnipeg, and remember many stifling hot days spent at St. Ambroise beach, when at some point in the evening a whole bunch of Hutterite young people would show up, the girls in their long dresses, and they would head straight for the water to cool off and hang out. I always loved to see them there, the pure joy on their faces was unmistakable. My Mum is from a Mennonite background and I often thought about how different my life could have been had she not moved to the city and met my Dad.
Kelly, I wish you and your sister and family peace and happiness. Today and always. I hope that this film will help to bring about the changes that you desire.
Wow. The amount of courage he has. And what a brilliant photographer, too!
Courage?? How does he have courage?? You people crack me up, you have no idea what courage is.... None!!!!
@@joeborrajo186 You are ignorant. Courage comes about in many ways, and in many different contexts. Your limited view doesn't invalidate the personal experience of many.
If I am not wrong, the central value of Hutterite is Jesus. If this value is not emphasized any more. then the Hutterites may be the same as the world.
I saw the doc on the Maple Grove Colony first too, where Kelly leaves at the end. I thought it seemed like a great place unless you're different (like me and now I know like Kelly). I'm glad Kelly is doing well.
I assumed he was going to be all anti-Hutterite. Instead he gave such a heart-warming account of the beauties and drawbacks of the community.
I can't imagine having to choose between living a lie or abandoning everything and everyone I've ever known. I don't know that I'd be brave enough to do what he's done. If I were gay, I probably just hide it and try to convince myself of the lie. He is so courageous and has such a good heart.
I doubt he'll ever see complete acceptance in the Hutterite community, but they should still allow him to visit his family. Even if the elders don't agree with his views, they should still show him Jesus' love and not shun him.
And those hateful FB messages have no place in a Christian community. The elders should consider that an even greater sin than anything this young man has done!
I saw giselle in the group photo, it’s the same colony that she now vlogs about, Kelly’s sister has not lost her accent
So nice to get an update from that BBC documentary ... seeing free Kelly ... his pictures are good ...
Worth the watch for many reasons - including Kelly's marvellous photos - but also to hear an unique accent that is a another grain in the tapestry of our country: English touched with the sounds of Plaatdeutsch.
great story thanx so much 4 sharing this with us all
I’m not sure if Kelly will see this, but.... I’ve never heard of such wonderful thing like your story. I can’t imagine how many other colonists around here (I live in South Dakota) can relate to you, but I’m sure there’s a number far greater than I can conceive, and I know this will be inspiring for them all; it will be inspiring for everyone 😁 I’m glad I found this in the midst of my family search session. And on that note..... well, hi! I’m a distant cousin to some degree; I don’t know in what degree, but because I also have some Hutterite dna in my blood, I know there’s a definite relation based on what I have seen... Seeing this makes me realize that even if I have total strangers in my extended family, I have reasons why I should be proud and supportive of them even if we haven’t had a conversation yet. This will be the prime example! You’re changing the world for the better at this moment, remember that 😊
Not a Hutterite, but grew up in a tiny South Dakota town- population 56. I just saw this video for the first time today. Knew I was gay from age 5 but didn't have any reference for what I felt. Being born in 1956, there was just nothing out there to help understand what I was feeling. I sent a message to Kelly today congratulating him on his courage to live an authentic life and put his story out there to help other gay kids- Hutterite or not.
I just watched documentary when he left the colony and am glad to find this. I think both of the Hofer children were very brave and it's sad to have to ask permission to visit family. As long as you don't come into the community and start trouble it should be up to the person you are visiting.
I agree, but still it might open the eyes and minds of other colonists to the possibility of leaving. That in itself would likely be "trouble" to those in charge.
What doc?
i'm amazed that the group he started trusted facebook to keep their membership information private.
nothing online is private; nothing is ever truly removed/deleted. my own aol chatroom logs are out there somewhere, i'm sure.
I saw the footage of Kelly leaving the Hutterite somewhere else, but it didn't talk about him being gay. I wondered why he left on his bike with no luggage at all. The doco didn't explain the part about his sister being there and taking the bags for him. Wow. So cool to hear the rest of the story.
I love and admire Kelly! I follow him on Facebook ❤️
This isn't so surprising to me. His photography was amazing before he left the colony. I hope he continues to find happiness and who he wants to be in this short life God gives us. I'm so happy that his sister continues to support him in his truth and hope they realize they aren't going to hell for choosing to live fully the life given to us. Kelly you are amazingly talented and brave. Thee are many of us, parents who support, love and understand that God has intended you to be exactly as you are. I hope your parents realize this, best of luck.
Great mini doc, your images are very good. I think you'll be a great photojournalist.
Incredible.
What an amazing eye you have. Interesting and beautiful photos. I hope you are well
I am sorry for his parents but also for him because i guess it is unfair to leave and to be left without saying/hearing anything.. on the other hand, maybe, i am thinking like this because it is the case of my story and it is a very deep pain in my heart.
Very wonderful video, and how courageous are these two siblings! I must say, though, regarding Kelly's homosexuality, God does not make mistakes, and I believe religious leaders need to recognize this fact. There is a reason for everything that occurs, but that reason is in God's hands. I had a very difficult journey to come to this realization 33 years ago, when our infant son died after a very brief illness. I removed myself from religion for several years because I was so filled with pain. However, someone sent me the poem The Plan of the Master Weaver, and that began my journey back to God. It is not made that we be the judges of, in this case, peoples sexuality...who someone sleeps with is not our business. At the end of the day, God will judge us all on how we lived our lives, not who we slept with. Kelly, this was the most splendid video, particularly as you and your sister did NOT spend time vilifying the Hutterites, but rather expressing your sorrow that you have to separated from them. I send prayers that in time you will both be welcomed back to your family, and community, with joyful reunion. Many blessings from Texas.
6:31 wow he looks gorgeous there. Where do we have to write to date him?
Wow, the sister is incredibly beautiful. They seem like really cool people. Would love to meet them.
Wonderful story - great guy and his sister
Awesome pics.
Just watched the documentary that Kelly was in. Awesome!
I am so glad I came upon this video on my CZcams Home Page. As an avid photographer I recognize talent when I see it and Kelly's photos are mesmerizing and inspirational. I went to his site to order his book and gasped when I saw that the shipping to the US would be $20. I left the site and slept on the potential expense, but couldn't resist. I just ordered the book and know I will treasure it. Kelly is an amazing man, and I wish him much success and fulfillment in his life.
This is a beautiful documentary of sorts.I enjoyed every minute of it!
What an amazing young man. And his sister too. Beautiful, courageous, strong young people. Thank you for posting this.
Excellent story.
This is wonderful
what should be those social changes you've mentioned at the end?
I was just watching several other hudderite videos and I saw Kelly in one (He left with his sister) and wondered what ever happened to him. Now I know❤
I'm really sad that BBC took off How to Get to Heaven with the Hutterites Documentary on CZcams. Does anyone know where one can find the documentary?
Hi, Kelly, I'm glad that you are happy now and loved your story.. Junie from P.A
You have some very inspirational photographs. I grew up in a Christian home and I too am also gay and a professional photographer.
I live in a small town in Arizona.
It seems that we share some common traits. Being gay, being artistic, being rejected because of our sexuality.
Feeling guilty and ostracized by family and community.
Both siblings are beautiful, strong & courageous.
I truly enjoyed watching this video. As a child we often went with our Father & Mom to different colonies. As my Dad was friend with many people. If I remember correctly either my Dad would phone to get permission to come out. Or the Hutterite would get that permission. Often I would remember Hutterites coming to our home for a visit if they were in the city. We all enjoyed our times together ass we would anyone else. I remember year & years ago as I am 57 yrs. now that my 3 sisters & myself had our own Hutterite dresses & we all spent parts of our summer holidays on a colony. We were ofter invite out for Saturday / Sunday Dinners. YUMMMMMMMMMMMM
Great photograph the one with all the family faces in profile!
Well, explained.
Well I am familiar with and have visited the Roundup colony in Montana and Lodge Grass colony ❤🎉
Your photography is beautiful your story was beyond amazing. Thank you for sharing. I pray you have found your happiness and peace in the world. That is what life is about. We are given one life to live we should live it to the fullest happy and peace in our hearts.
Oh they almost sound Irish or Canadian! How charming! I wish his family would accept him.
duh, they are Canadian
I watched the Documentary on Maple Grove first and then this. Truly incredible Kelly! Your photography is absolutely stunning. I wish you nothing but happiness and success for the future...
I congratulate you Kelly Hofer, you had the courage to came out (from the Colony and Closet) And in Facebook. OMG. Thank God you count with your sister's support, and your courage as well. Congrats Dude!!!
Always enjoy anything about you Kelly!
The Hutterites came originally from Austria. Where I was Born too. They were chased by The catholic church, so they had to flee. Because they deny any violence, they also got rejected by Germany, Eastern Europe, USA and others - because of military Service. Canada was Smart enough, to welcome this hardworking and good people.
The Hutterites were brutalized by both protestants and Catholics because of their anabaptist theology.
@Jacob Stahl that's discipline not violence. Seems like it wasn't enough though the way u talk about ur own culture
@Jacob Stahl getting spanked across the butt or hand is discipline. If u get hit anywhere else say across ur leg or side of ribs and it was intentional then that was abusive and violent. The statement that u made about ur culture not being hutterian seems false as ur last name is stahl and u said u got beaten and witnessed the same for other kids. By saying beating I mean spanked/disciplined. The only place in the world that I know of that still spank their kids as a punishment is hutterites.
Kelly, I was very moved by your courage and your story and AMAZED by the beauty of your photographs. I looked on Amazon to see if you had published a book...it would seem not. You really should. You are a handsome man with a shining heart and soul. God bless you.
As a gay man, watching the hour-long hutterite documentary I couldn't help but think "being gay must be hell there". As Kelly was making his escape, I though to myself "I wonder if he's gay..." Glad to see that my gaydar is still in working order, as the next video that came up was this one. Thanks for sharing your honest and intense story with the world Kelly, no doubt it will help a lot of kids to honour who they are and break the circle of self-hatred and loneliness.
I am sad they took off that documentary. I can’t find it anywhere.
Wow I saw the doc before this one of him running away didn't know he was gay. Nothing's wrong with that I'm happy to see him succeed in what makes him happy.
Very courageous. Blessings.
You are a gift from god. I hope your groups saves the lives of many lbgti hutterites.
Can you plz read Romans 1? GOD DOES NOT WANT WHAT HE DOES AND HE DOES NOT THINK HE IS DOING THE RIGHT THING!!
@user-jt3eq9kg7k that is your opinion based on your religious word view. Thank god most people have moved on from your cult of bible based hate.
@@dbulmannz First of all did I express any kind of hate????!!!! And, if you don't believe, then don't say gift from god!
Sweet, I just watched the doc and I was totally getting the vibe.
What he's doing is incredible! What an amazing man.
Omg! I'm so happy to see how he turned out!
I loved your documentary, the frankness and the human connection. I'm especially captivated by the photos of colony members. Well done.
is that giselle waldner in the lower left corner at 1:04?
Yes:)
Wonderful story..Courageous and Maturity beyond your young age. I am so happy you have your supportive Sister..hold your head high...I come from Mormon background and understand yuur hope of change...Having come Out at age 39 (married and Father of 4 children) at my age of 65...it does get better
Hi Kelly, I loved your story and glad that your happy,, Take Care, June From P.A
she sounds like she has an Irish accent.
I work with an ex amish woman and she talks just like her.
, this gave me goosebumps. I hope change is coming. With your help , maybe. Stay safe. ps great photos
He looks like Australian gold medal Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe who also has come out as gay.
it may be difficult to agree but on one level I wish I could live in this community with my family. This world as become so evil. I would happily give it all up to live like this in peace. We should have these colonies all over the world. On the flipside. its sad that this beautiful child was not accepted. Strngth to you Kelly.
I totally agree. I've been watching Amish and Hutterite videos lately and just watching these docs is helping me bring my home and family into a valuable alignment spiritually. Of course, we're lesbians so we and our children wouldn't be accepted... But it would be nice.
You would have to accept their religious beliefs which I something my critical thinking does not allow.
beautiful! and he certainly isn't the "ugly ducking" anymore ☺
Lukas R Take this L. You need it.
Brilliant, talented photographer. I watched the video of his escape. Apparently Kelly is quite an accomplishment photographer now. I wish them both all the best and happiness.
Beautiful and honest documentary. I enjoyed it lot :)
And, how are you doing 5 years on?
Kelly you are inspiring! I love your photography! And I can't judge you for being you. Yours name will be remembered! Namaste. :)
Bravo!
".... can't we all just get along ...." - Rodney King, May 1, 1992, Los Angeles, California
You are an artist!! no matter what!!!! Happy RAINBOWS to you!! from the Netherlands..and i'm a granmother 69 years old ...and have many beautiful gay friends....cheers! !!
69?! that's the dirty age right? :)
I think that it has to be several times harder for him to come out than it would be for the average person because of the culture and how he would be for ever shunned by piratically everyone he's ever known. Good for you! Fantastic photography by the way!
laurentco yes because he is under mind control and life control. That’s what cults do to ppl.
Great video showing strength and wisdom in the face of fear and ignorance.
FIRST OF ALL you run away at 16 with nothing and end up with a nice house like that?! i'm clearly doing life wrong here
Matthew Fogarty ...you don’t know that. They are quite ambitious and hardworking. That can get you a nice house as well.
I did move in with my sister for a few months to get settled. No free lunch for me 😂
The story is a lot more complicated than he makes it sound. The day he left, there was a BBC movie crew filming his "escape." He has staged his career very well.
The sister ran away at 16. She worked to get an apartment, which she was in in the Hutterite documentary from 2012, and put herself through college. This was done in 2017.
@@refinnej5302 do you have a title or a link pls
What a beautiful heart you have Kelly, truly gracious! God is proud of you and your courage.
Thanks for sharing this very important & necessary documentary!
Dear Kelly, take The best out of your roots, work on your talent and make your god, other People and yourself with your Talents happy. God is always around you.