Squid Games Sam Lantz’ Journey on Redefining His Family

In this emotionally charged episode of Redefining Family host Jonathan shares his personal journey of redefining family dynamics, resonating deeply with guest Sam  Lantz’ story. Sam bravely opens up about his realization of his sexuality in his teens and the profound struggles he faced in coming to terms with it.

Growing up in a Mormon family, Sam grappled with conflicting emotions and societal pressures. Despite having a large family, he now only maintains contact with a few siblings due to their inability to accept him for who he is. Sam's decision to distance himself from his mother was an act of self-preservation, shielding himself from further emotional harm.

The pain of losing his closest friend to homophobia and battling with suicidal thoughts paints a poignant picture of Sam's journey to self-acceptance. Through sheer determination, he found the strength to overcome his darkest moments, realizing that his happiness should not come at the expense of others' prejudices.

Sam's narrative takes a hopeful turn as he shares the joy of finding love with his husband and reconnecting with family members who have embraced their own LGBTQ+ children. Despite a turbulent past, Sam's story is a testament to resilience and the power of love to conquer adversity.

As the episode concludes, Sam offers a reflection on his experience of being a contestant on Netflix Squid Games, sharing behind the scenes looks and what he learned about himself through the process.