A new documentary, "Coming Out Amish," premiering today, follows Mark Oliver, a member of the Old Order Amish community in the United States. Oliver reveals he is gay, a secret he could not disclose within his deeply conservative community where same-sex attraction is taboo. The Old Order Amish maintain a traditional lifestyle, prohibiting the use of electricity and automobiles. Oliver received special permission to use the internet for his work as a tour guide, utilizing it to contact a journalist and create the documentary. The film details his struggle with identity and the potential repercussions of coming out. He expresses concerns about safety within the community following his decision to share his story. The documentary offers a rare glimpse into the lives of the Old Order Amish and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals within restrictive religious groups.
