Chip and Joanna Gaines are defended by gay couple after conservative Christians rage at HGTV reality stars
The gay couple speaks up in support of Chip and Joanna Gaines, who faced criticism for featuring them on their latest television program, as some viewers accused the reality stars of insensitivity or tokenism.
The HGTV stars are receiving criticism, particularly from traditional Christian groups, due to the controversial casting choices made for their new reality series, which some consider to be in conflict with religious teachings.
HGTV personalities are under fire from conservative Christians because of their questionable cast selection on their new reality program, which some believe goes against biblical principles.
Or:
The HGTV stars have faced criticism from traditional Christian communities for selecting a diverse and inclusive cast on their new reality show, which some view as contradicting biblical teachings.
In all cases, the meaning remains consistent but the wording is slightly different to maintain variety in phrasing.
Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs, along with their kids, are among the three families showcased in the latest reality series on the Gaines’ Magnolia Network, titled “Back to the Frontier,” which spotlights their lives.
After the initial airing of the show on July 10th, the reality show participants faced severe backlash. In response, the fathers of the cast decided to speak up in defense of the program via their social media platforms.
Hanna shared a snapshot of a news headline, “Outrage among Conservative Christians over reality shows featuring gay individuals,” and articulated his reasons as to why families similar to his ought to be represented on television.
A companion of his likewise expressed gratitude towards Chip and Joanna for including them in the project, acknowledging their continued support in this choice — despite the fact that over nine years ago, it became known that the Fixer Upper celebrities are members of an Evangelical church, which holds the view that homosexuality is considered immoral.
‘The importance of being seen cannot be overstated, particularly for those bravely embracing who they truly are. When similar families are out in the open, it creates a space where others can experience safety, acceptance, and affirmation,’ he posted on his Instagram story on Monday, as reported by People.
As a lifestyle advisor, I believe that visibility goes beyond merely being noticed; it’s about fostering connections so nobody feels isolated. 🌈❤️
Riggs similarly responded to an article titled “Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines respond to criticism about their same-sex couple on the new show” by posting: “Thanks @chipgaines and @joannagaines for always choosing love, for being open to understanding others.
This newly launched Magnolia Network series titled “Back to the Frontier” places a pair of executive producers in charge. The show transports three families into the vicinity of the Canadian Rockies, where they must adapt to life as if it were the 1880s for an eight-week period.
In simple terms, these families live off the grid, without any modern conveniences like electricity or running water. They grow and gather their own food supplies and take care of livestock for sustenance.
For fans of Chip and Joanna, the new show seems tailor-made, but some spectators are upset due to the representation of a same-sex couple within the cast.
A Texas duo, Jason and Joe Hanna-Riggs, are a married pair who became parents to identical 10-year-old twins in 2014, through the aid of a surrogate mother.
One day following Chip’s display of support, the couple posted, as he previously had expressed his backing for featuring them on his platform (X) on Sunday.



‘Engage in conversation, ask questions, listen, and potentially learn. Is it too much for contemporary American Christian culture? Often, they judge first and understand later, if at all. It’s disheartening when individuals who do not share the faith experience hostility or harshness for the first time upon encountering a modern American Christian.’
It seems that Chip’s message was a clear reaction to Franklin Graham, the offspring of renowned Evangelist Billy Graham, expressing his disappointment on platform X about the presence of a same-sex couple with their children on the Magnolia Network.
Franklin posted on Sunday, expressing hope that a rumor he read wasn’t accurate: Chip and Joanna Gaines are supposedly featuring a same-sex couple in their upcoming series. If it’s true, it’s disheartening… Scripture teaches us that God values all people, and His intention for marriage is between a man and a woman. Endorsing something that the Bible labels as against God’s will is problematic because it goes against God’s teachings.
Ed Vitagliano, holding a position at the American Family Association, advocated that the Magnolia Network ought to adhere to biblical principles since the Gaines have publicly expressed their religious beliefs in the past.
Vitagliano shared online that it’s unfortunate and disheartening as Chip and Joanna Gaines have wielded significant influence within the evangelical community.
It remains unclear as to why the Gaines have changed their decision, but this much is certain: Back to the Frontier advocates for perspectives on human sexuality, marriage, and family that contradict biblical teachings – viewpoints that no Christian should endorse.


As a passionate admirer, I found myself right in the midst of the heated discussions when other fans turned their criticism squarely at Chip and Joanna. They were heavily criticized for featuring a same-sex couple on the show, with many viewers voicing their disapproval towards the dynamic duo.
During an interview with Queerty, the Hanna-Riggs duo shared that they discovered during their time on the show that there were indeed LGBTQ individuals who lived as homesteaders in the 1880s.
Joe mentioned that it was intriguing for him, considering a homestead point of view, to discover there were queer homesteaders. He explained that many people seemed to have found a way to escape the isolation and ostracization they experienced in urban areas by moving to homesteads.
In earlier times, it was not uncommon for couples who identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community to journey towards the frontier together. This act of perseverance reflects both their past resilience and the enduring strength that continues to characterize the community even in contemporary times.
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2025-07-16 04:06