Janet Z, 32, from Utah, today leads a free and self-determined life in Salt Lake City, a stark contrast to her upbringing in a polygamous cult. Born into a splinter branch of the Mormon faith once led by sex offender Warren Jeffs, Janet chose to escape in 2014 at age 20. Her decision stemmed from observing the profound psychological toll on women in plural marriages, prompting her to forge a new path.

Growing up, Janet was the 25th of 45 children, living with her father, birth mother, and four stepmothers in a home with 13 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms. In this community, she learned that sharing a husband was a privilege. The father held absolute leadership, with that authority transferring to a husband upon a daughter's marriage.

Janet's father (center) with other female members of the religious group. *Photo: Janet Z/SWNS*.

Living in isolation, Janet and her siblings were homeschooled by their birth mother and older sisters. The school day began at 8 AM with one hour of bible study, followed by literature, math, and history until 3:30 PM. In 2010, with many children in the household, Janet's younger siblings began attending school. She stayed home, assisted with chores, and graduated through an online program.

At 20, she expected an arranged marriage, as dating was forbidden. However, as she approached marriageable age, Janet spoke with women already married within the group. She observed the psychological struggles of plural wives. "They described living in the same house with other women as very difficult. It felt like watching your husband cheat right in front of you, powerless to intervene," Janet said.

Janet with former cult members after she left the religion in 2014. *Photo: Janet Z/SWNS*.

In 2014, Janet told her family she would move to downtown Salt Lake City to live independently. Her father objected, claiming she would have no future outside the group. Janet moved out despite his opposition.

Initially, her family cut financial support. She had to fend for herself, seeking to integrate into the "real world." She found work, built social relationships, and underwent therapy to heal past trauma. Janet's courage, along with her two brothers, Clayne Wayman and Calvin Wayman, later leaving the cult, greatly motivated her birth mother to abandon the polygamous faith.

Today, over a decade after leaving the community, Janet lives freely. Most of her sisters have since left the cult, though her brothers remain. Her husband, Lorin Zitting, also left the cult. Their monogamous marriage is based on freedom, respect, and equality.

Janet is a homemaker, content creator, and host of the "Manifest More Magic" podcast. She uses social media to share about her husband's support during her mental health challenges, demonstrating her complete control over her own happiness.

Nhat Minh (According to Metro)