The ‘Ex-Gay’ Movement’s Viral Gen Z Makeover

There is little subtlety to the TikTok videos posted by Samuel A. Perez, self-described “Former Gay Stripper Now Child Of God.” One of his most popular clips, with more than 1.2 million views, is captioned: “When I used to be gay but discovered Jesus is better than my sexuality.” Set to a pumping viral beat, it shows Perez examining what looks like a well-thumbed book of scripture before declaring with a smile: “Switching sides!”

Thousands...