Hi jen_h,
Sorry it has taken me a few days to respond to you as I don't go on the site that much lately. I had to reread my original post as it was almost 3 years since I posted to it and couldn't remember what you were referring to.
As far as what you could do if your family shuns you, is not much unless you are prepared to not be true to yourself and grovel to the elders to let you back in the fold. I have found it does vary from congregation to congregation and elder to elder to how far they take their shunning policy. Seems like the WT society has taken steps in the last few years to re-enforce the shunning policy to family members. I have no problem with them enforcing the shunning policy on congregation members as it is a "closed club" per say and they have every right restricting members who do not abide by their set rules. However I have difficulty with the society enforcing it on the rank and file JW own blood and flesh family member. I do not think this is a "Christian" act, although I am very disenchanted with all religion and don't profess to following any religious teachings. Morally speaking I feel I am more "Christian" than 99% of the hypocritical Christians out there. Don't you think that is more important than whether a person is one in name only?
Well I really wish you well and I am always here for moral support. I really don't know what other advise to give you as you are playing by someone else's rules and unless you are willing to play by those rules there is not much you can do. I say to empower yourself and be happy with who you are regardless of what anyone including the JW's may think. I am sure you are a good person and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Just remember JW's make up only .01% of the world's population and I have found there are good and bad people in both the JW and non JW people. Look at all those potential friendships you could develop outside of the JW organization? True friendships that are not conditional on whether you believe the same way they think. Think about it...
All the best,
Will