Original subtitles

Are you like his boyfriend or something?

No, I'm like his pastor.

The kid's obviously freaking out. Does he really need some church guidance?

screwing them up even more. I don't just say I have faith. It is who I am.

You know Jane was raised in the Mormon church.

Well, they're not exactly big on the queers. 15 years.

14.

I knew it was you the minute I saw you. I need you to confess this, Scott.

But he already knows.

Mom? Dad?

Surprise.

The church is big on family values, yeah?

But what family?

Whose values?

There's the family we were born into. Boom meets egg.

Boom.

Testing. One, two. Testing.

Like, you can choose your friends.

Testing. But you can't put your family in a rocket and send them to Mars.

Yeah, tell me about it.

Look at you.

Sitting here like it's the most normal thing in the world.

Well, I could be more normal than having dinner with my family.

I don't know about you, but my family are my friends.

My real family.

Aw, love you, babe.

Connected by common values and not by genetic accident.

Thanks for coming.

I'm Isla.

How long are you with us?

Business didn't quite go to plan. A few curveballs.

I'll make up a spare bed then.

Oh, no, I have a very nice hotel. Thank you.

Oh, your family.

That's his choice.

Hey, Paul, if you're free tomorrow, I could take you for a ticket tour through

the church grounds.

Show you around.

That'd be cool.

Hey, thanks for helping out.

No, thank you for the drink. Thanks for inviting me. It was really cool. My

pleasure, darling.

Me and Eden run a podcast.

You know, we talk about social issues that are cool.

Yeah, can I interview you?

I'm not that interested.

I disagree. I mean, you're an eval church dancer.

You can talk about that.

Talk about your hopes and dreams and things like that.

I don't know.

It'll be easy. I mean, people will love you.

It's a bit flashed in the old place.

Praise the Lord.

You have any idea how upset your mother was?

We flew to Melbourne. We searched everywhere.

We put out flyers. We went on the radio. Not so much as a word. Not for all

these years. Then you just, what, pop in for dinner like nothing's happened.

I was homesick.

What do you want, fool?

Hey, I've got a split.

Call me. No, not tonight, though.

What are you up to?

Well, just go driving around, you know, checking on people and... Yeah, you can

delegate. Okay, man.

I can always use an extra pair of hands.

I do like to help down and out.

In case you stumbled on this by accident, I'm Dana. And I'm Eden. Today,

Closet is Occupied, we're taking pot shots at a vow church, an evangelical

megachurch with headquarters here in Auckland, with branches in Northland and

Southland and even over the ditch in Australia.

Are you feeling all right?

Yes, sir.

You know your son's really worried about you, eh?

As it hung low, you have to keep a lookout because they can look like you

me.

I don't eat meat.

It's full of hormones.

Makes your chillies grow.

There's a vegetarian option in the van.

Maybe.

So why do we care about a mega -rich church with tax -free status?

Preach, sister.

It's our last prayer.

Let's go get a drink.

Well, amongst other things, this is the church that lobbied hard against same

-sex marriage.

You were doomed to being at the altar.

Sadly. But only for the bling.

Every

time

I pray.

I just pray to be free.

What do you think he wants?

Paul.

Perhaps God brought him back to us early.

God had much to say.

The deceased is yet to be identified, but we understand that they lived alone.

The evidence has currently been collected behind me by a forensic...

Gleeson's place. We'll have more information for you as soon as we

I know, it's a cliche.

Chinese students studying biochemistry.

That's okay.

It's okay. Someone has to, right?

Well, it would either be a doctor or a lawyer, but... You know, it's important

for my parents that I graduate with a degree that's actually useful.

Am I right in thinking that biochemistry is not exactly your passion?

Sorry, Mom.

I'm still both of your parents. I'm still very proud.

Yeah. Yeah, they are.

You said you were from a small town?

Yeah, um, from Hong Kong to Wamburu a few years ago.

That must have been really hard adjusting here.

Do you have any support networks?

Got a few friends.

Got... The church?

About church.

You dance with about, right? Yeah, yeah, we do.

Everyone, believe me, I've seen Leon dance and... Do not lie.

Yeah, no, no, they've been wonderful.

Great. Really?

Yeah.

How does that work with being queer?

Sorry, what?

Being you.

And being a part of a homophobic church.

I mean, come on, isn't there a conflict?

Dana.

Oh, so it must be like gay don't say.

I never said I was gay.

Leon, we met at Queer Night.

Does the conversation of sexuality or gender come up?

I mean, what do the people in your church have to say about it?

Church? Should I stop? It's okay, Leon.

We'll edit it out.

No. People need to understand. You need to understand the long -term damage that

the church has inflicted on us heathens.

We're not editing anything out. This is gold.

Are we just going to out him to the world?

Like, Dana, that was really mean.

Well, no, he's in denial.

The church is obviously fucking with his head.

Which means he's fucking vulnerable, Dana. Like... Yeah, you're right.

He needs our help.

I think you should probably leave.

What?

It's not even 9 .30 yet. I've got to take the van back.

Your long -lost brother has just returned, and you've got to take the van

Really? Come on.

We have an incredibly well -thought -to minibar to drain back at the hotel room,

and two very bangable girls. You don't want to help us do that.

I know, but... It's just... It's not my thing.

Nah.

No, no, no, no, no, no. No, no, no. Do not tell me.

Really?

Oh.

Look, you can't love everyone equally.

You love just one person physically. Oh, my God. Okay?

Good night. Be safe. Bye -bye. Have fun.

Good night, ladies.

Yep. You still sound like a dick. Do you still want to do this?

Just upload it.

It's good.

Really? I mean, it probably wouldn't be so bad if you actually explained why

you're so anti -religion.

Not relevant.

Okay.

I thought David was coming.

Ah, David's going to meet us there.

Okay?

Come on.

Working well, brother?

To this coast?

I've been here.

Welcome

to

the church men's group.

Um, are you sure that I should...

Be here.

You're a man.

To men's good.

Got the cat dragged down.

Isaac.

You're looking well.

So are you.

Well, cool.

Hey, everyone.

This is Paul.

He's an old friend from school.

All right.

Take a seat. Take a seat.

Henry Gleeson.

Our physical part.

It's important that the media don't connect him with us.

That was 20 years ago.

He lived in one of our properties.

You pay him a stipend.

It's not on the books.

You're too young to remember, but he had a breakdown.

He got a bit messy, poor guy. He deserves some privacy.

So if anyone inquires, don't engage, right?

Throw them to me.

Got it.

Did Paul say when he arrived in the country?

No. A few days ago.

I'll find out.

Why? Where he's been living, who he's involved with, and if he's got any kind

agenda.

Today, we're here to provide a safe space, some help and support.

For our young brother, Leon.

He's been going through a few issues in life, and perhaps he could do with some

advice from some of your old brothers.

Am I in the right place?

You're exactly where you're supposed to be, OK?

Hey, Leon, it's me, David. I'm just outside your dorm, and I was, um...

was just wondering if you still wanted to catch up.

Cool. Let me know.

Hope you are.

Bye.

I was all wrapped up in myself.

I thought I was tough, real tough.

And it all turned to shit.

Prison.

Six years.

I did stuff that I don't even want to think about.

But my point is that being a man, Means stepping up taking ownership of our

mistakes Did I think about Sex

with men on the inside The environment

the pressure I Felt

sometimes I had no choice.

It's such a hellish environment

But then I thought maybe God was testing me.

Because God tests us.

He wants us to struggle. He wants us to prove ourselves.

Put your hand up if you struggled in here.

Yeah?

I struggled.

And sometimes I fell.

But I prayed.

And with the help of some good people around me, God answered.

Now I've got a beautiful wife. I've got three beautiful kids that I love more

than anything.

I've even got a people mover, which I don't love more than anything, but it

does come in handy with three kids.

I would have nothing.

I would be nothing if I'd chosen a different lifestyle.

Leon, we're here to support you.

We're here to help you choose the life that's best for you in the eyes of the

Lord.

I think we should wait for David.

We don't need to wait for David. We're all here for you.

Do you know why? Because we believe in you.

But you've got to talk to us.

You've got to talk to us. You've got to let us in.

Let us in so we can help you, yeah?

Yes,

Leon, you can do this, okay?

You can do this, okay? You can do this. I know you can. I see your potential,

Leon. I see it in you.

Look at everyone here.

Look at everyone here. Look at them.

They're all here for you because they believe in you, okay?

We're all here for you, but you've got to fucking take a chance.

You've got to fucking grow up a little bit, okay?

Enough of this little boy stuff, okay? It's time to step up and become a

man.

Come on.

Step up.

You can do this.

Leon.

Leon.

Leon. Leon.

Leon. Leon.

Leon. Leon. Leon.

Leon. Leon. Leon. Leon. Leon.

Christ took it. He was nailed up on a cross and a crown of thorns.

Taking a few punches is nothing.

Do it.

Do it again.

Look at me, Leo. Do it.

Did Dana tell you I write and play my own stuff? You should come round and

sometime. Yeah, we run workshops that work in collaboration with our music

festival. Well, we've got a recording studio if you want to come and meet the

band.

Yes,

I totally will. Thank you.

So, the interview about your church.

Thanks, but...

Why not?

It's not appropriate.

What, are you ashamed or something?

I've heard your podcast.

I like it. It's smart.

It's funny and sympathetic, but I know you don't want to hear about the good

work that you do.

I'd be giving you a chance to tell your side of the story.

Well, I don't have a side.

Well, I've already spoken to Leon.

Okay, well, I hope you're kind to him.

Excuse me?

I could say the same about you and your church.

Well, that was pretty intense.

Maybe next time we can help you work through your issues.

My issues?

What can I say?

I'm rich. I'm happy. I, you know, do what I want when I want. I don't...

I don't have any issues.

You okay?

You know, I was pretty fucked up when you left.

I was out of control.

Yeah, but like you said, you're really good now, right?

Yeah.

I'm good.

Good? Thanks to Scott.

He never gave up on me.

scott started this men's group it's been a real lifesaver for heaps of us well

i'm glad he's helping somebody

Just remember, God's always watching.

Okay?

Take care.

See you on Sunday.

Yeah,

sure. It's a shirt.

Mom.

Why did you become a Christian?

Just wondering.

Sorry to bother you work long.

I love you

He's done a great job.

I was going to book us into a Japanese restaurant, but we couldn't.

Do you guys remember when we used to play here all the time?

Yeah, I remember you always used to bring your blanket and your basket and

ace and your doll.

Yeah, we'd always have to do exactly what you say. No, I remember you always

sneaking off and me always getting in trouble.

Domestic abuse.

Where's the men's group when you need it?

Tony.

I went to one of those meetings today.

Don't imagine it's exactly your scene.

It's more Dad's thing.

Goes with the whole tats and motorbikes and whatnot.

Correction. Affection.

Redirection. What? That's their mantra for a happy marriage, happy life.

How's it work for you in Seoul?

How long have you been back, anyway?

Couple of days.

Did you guys hear about Henry Boyson?

That asshole.

Probably retired in like Tauranga or Gold Coast or something.

Who? David!

He was a teacher of primary.

He was murdered in his own home.

That's awful.

Honestly, whoever killed him deserves a big fat medal.

All right.

Hang on.

Yes,

this is Zav Jacobson.

What's this about?

Leon Chin.

Tried to kill himself.

He was at the men's group meeting this morning.

That's not relevant.

He had a pretty hard time with it.

It's a prayer meeting in the chat, that's all.

How is he now?

Unconscious in the ICU, David's gone to the hospital.

Oh, fuck. Should I be getting the lawyers involved?

No, not like that.

Don't breathe a word of this to anyone.

Oh, I figured that cat's well and truly out of the bag.

Doesn't conversion therapy illegal in New Zealand, though?

Why do you do that?

Wind him up?

God, he really does just suck up all of the oxygen, doesn't he?

Must be hard being back.

Prodigal son, right?

I'm glad you're here, Cor.

Kids are out there, eventually have to sing to Haven.

Husband.

Is this how you want me?

A good little handmaider?

What are you doing?

How about a little correction?

Yeah, yeah.

Affection.

I know some of it's bullshit, but we help, we make a difference.

Is that Leo?

The avow church.

It's just noise, darling.

They're preaching to the converted.

Now we can use this.

Gift from God.

Oh, fuck.

Dana!

Dana, get in here.

What? What is it?

Our show is off the charts trending. Really?

That's good, isn't it?

Uh, it's a classic good news, bad news situation.

What do you mean?

No, it's nothing.

Rude. I mean, this one's to rape your face.

Death threats.

I mean, okay, this one's just praying for you.

I see.

Some people like the show.

Keep on trucking, sister.

Fuck the patriarchy.

Oh, it's my mother.

Oh.

What's this about a life stream?

I hate to say, I told you so.

For once, I don't want to be right.

A young man, a loved and valued member of our congregation, is in hospital

fighting for his life.

Now, we all know that suicide is a sin, but we have to ask why.

What drove this man to this desperate act?

Oh, shit.

Let me play you something. Hey, guys. Do you remember... Does the conversation

of sexuality or gender come up?

I mean, what are the people in your church have to say about it?

I never said I was gay.

Oh, fuck.

How's Leon?

He's not out of the woods yet.

His mum's flying up today, so... I never said I was gay.

That's what he said. But they continued to hound him, to pressure this

vulnerable young man to commit a desperate act.

The podcast is called The Closet is Occupied.

There's a link below to their social media.

I would encourage you, make your feelings known.

No such thing as bad publicity.

Join me now in prayer for this young man and his family.

Dear Lord, make known to them the path of life.

It wasn't my fault.

I need to see if Leon's okay.

Have you got a few minutes to hear the word of our Lord?

No.

Protect them from the thief who comes only to steal and kill and destroy.

Jesus said, I came that they may have life and have it abundant.

Now, if anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted,

Let them be under God's curse.

For I am the good shepherd.

I know my sheep and my sheep know me.

Very nice.

Bit of an upgrade than the bunk beds.

Four of us fosterlings in one bedroom.

You all right?

Leon's been moved to a ward.

His mum's with him now.

Well, that's good.

Leon.

Is that his name?

He was at the men's group.

The young Asian guy, right?

Shit, Isaac was riding him pretty hard.

Why was Leon in the men's group?

It was pretty bizarre. They said that they wanted to talk to him about some of

his life choices.

To be honest, it ended up a bit like a scene out of Fight Club.

Sorry, David, I would have said something earlier, but I've literally

connected the dots.

I was just calling to make sure you were okay.

If you're up for talking, I'm always here.

Just give me a call.

Hey, do you think that was a bad time for me to message David?

I've already tried.

He said Leon was okay, but no need to tell him. Oh, sorry. No, I meant about

maybe, like, jamming with the bands and getting some recording studio time.

Un -fucking -believable.

But it's just going to be a really good opportunity for me. To sell your soul.

Thanks for understanding.

Why would they want to listen to your music? It's not exactly kumbaya.

Well, it's spiritual.

All your songs are about Hunter.

Fuck you. No.

Fuck you.

Please don't do this, Dana.

I couldn't stand it if we weren't friends anymore.

I don't have to cry.

I'm just really upset.

Just because we're having an argument does not mean we won't be friends.

We probably just won't talk for a while and then catch up over some wine.

It's okay.

I promise.

That's great.

I won't hassle David.

I will just rock up.

Shit!

Holy shit!

Eden?

Holy fuck!

Eden, are you okay?

Do I look okay?

Oh my god, you're bleeding.

Did you see who did it? We know who did this, Dana.

Oh, fucking... This has gotten way too out of hand.

Maybe I can do a public retraction or apologize.

Apologise to who? No, we'll give it back to them. It is so fucking odd.

David, if you could tell these good officers how Leon Chang seemed the last

you saw him.

We're under no legal obligation.

I just want to help clear things up.

What about the men's room meeting?

Possibly Leon was there, so...

What do you think, making trouble for your church will help them?

I mean, it's spreading gossip, a way to honour your mother and father.

No, good man.

He's all yours.

Quick word?

Bob.

Paul.

You remember Senior Sergeant Bob Hench?

How's it?

You keeping out of trouble?

Always. Makes a nice change, doesn't it?

I'll say.

As far as I can tell, there'll be no blowback on Henry Gleeson.

Nothing to link him to the church.

It's good to know. I mean, he left us 20 years ago. If the Liberal media didn't

have their knives out, I wouldn't have even mentioned it. Not a problem. You

must remember Pastor Henry Gleeson from your school days, Paul.

Yes.

Someone attacked him.

Literally beat him to death.

Meth addicts, wouldn't you say? It seems likely.

It's a bloody scourge.

I won't hold you up.

I hope to see you and Teresa in church soon, I hope. We'll be there.

So sorry about what happened.

Why weren't you at the meeting?

I had no idea that there was... I don't want you coming here.

What did they say?

They had no right to press you, okay?

I promise that I'll make this... You're right.

They were trying to help me.

I don't want to be gay.

But you are gay, Leon.

I can choose a different way to be. I can choose to be normal.

But you're already normal. Please, just go.

You must be Leon's mother. I'm David.

It's okay.

She was just leaving.

Please, go.

He does not need you to confuse him.

No, that's not what I should do at all. He's a nice boy.

You'll marry a nice girl and have a happy life.

You must leave him alone and go away now.

And here we are, Papa.

This is not how I ever pictured you.

I hate to think how you picture me.

Um, what can I do for you?

I want to offer my services.

I want to get involved in the church.

You know, I'm great with finances.

Fantastic in a room. I know how to close a deal.

I think I could be an asset.

Lord knows you could use all hands on deck given everything that's going on.

Does this mean you want to stay?

Well, things are in flux, but, um... Yeah, I really didn't realise how much I

missed having family around.

Having you and David and Mum and... Yeah, so I just, I want to help out

can.

Well, it's not me you need to convince.

Oh, I know.

I think Scott really values your opinion, though, Ian.

You think so?

Come on.

From what I've seen, you pretty much run the place, even if he's shit at saying

it.

Must be in the blood.

Want some juice?

Yeah?

No.

This one. Yeah? This one. Yeah.

Yeah? We could also try saying something like...

This is what happens when you challenge a vile church to stand on LGBTQI plus

issues?

No. This is what happens when you challenge the church for fucking stuff.

Oh, wow.

Yeah.

That's another Bible bash. I swear to God.

What?

Oh, dear.

Wait.

Look.

What happened to Leon? I... I didn't know.

It was your church fucking with his head. How could you not know? No, what

happened wasn't part of my church, okay?

I think... I know that if we...

We could achieve much more, okay? If we just... If we

work together.

Right place.

Keep up. High stakes.

High times with a high pace.

I like rice cakes on a nice plate.

Come on in.

No, no, no, no, no, no. It's all good. It's all good.

Get in your vehicle.

Do you feel me?

I don't trust him.

He's family.

I'm surprised you let yourself be manipulated so easily.

Haven't there been enough secrets already? You're probably not a bad guy.

But your church is fucked and homophobic. Surely you've got to take

responsibility.