Growing Up In Polygamy19 Apr 2025

Escaping the Kingston Group: Lu Ann’s Fight for Freedom & Hope After Polygamy

At just 15 years old, Lu Ann Cooper was forced to marry her first cousin within the Kingston Group—also known as “The Order.” Trapped in a system of control, secrecy, and abuse, Luann felt suicide was her only way out. Leaving wasn’t even an option—until one day, it was.

In this powerful interview, Lu Ann opens up about her heartbreaking experience as a child bride, the emotional and psychological toll of life inside the Kingston cult, and what gave her the courage to finally escape. Today, Lu Ann is not only a survivor—she's a leader. She co-founded Hope After Polygamy, a nonprofit that provides scholarships and support to others leaving polygamous groups.

✨ This is a story of pain, resilience, and purpose.

🎓 Learn how Luann is helping others reclaim their education and their future.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more survivor stories and raise awareness about life after polygamy.

Resources & Links:

🔗 https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=176282

#KingstonGroup #ChildBride #HopeAfterPolygamy #ExPolygamist #CultSurvivor #LuAnnCooper #TheOrder

Chapters:

00:00:00 Escaping a Polygamous Community

00:07:30 Family Dynamics and Arranged Marriages

00:15:33 Early Marriage Expectations in Kingston Group

00:23:43 Life in the Kingston Group: Work and Marriage Expectations

00:31:50 Living Through Abuse and Planning to Escape

00:40:18 Struggles of Leaving a Religious Order

00:48:14 Standing Up Against Kidnapping Threats

00:55:49 Unexpected Paths to Love and Marriage

01:03:35 Allison's Adoption Journey

Join our NEW Patreon HERE: https://patreon.com/growingupinpolygamy

If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.org

At Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been misunderstood, marginalized and/or abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world."

If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamy

Insta: @growingupinpolygamy

New website is now up! www.growingupinpolygamy.com

Theme Song created by @artcowles

Please feel free to reach out to us!

growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com

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