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3d ago

Chip Gaines Defends LGBTQ Family on Back to the Frontier in Face of Evangelical Criticism

The casting of a same-sex couple with surrogacy-born twins on Magnolia Network’s Back to the Frontier has led the Gaineses to call for open conversation after conservative Christian leaders denounced the decision.

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Chip and Joanna Gaines.

Overview

  • Back to the Frontier premiered July 10 on Magnolia Network and HBO Max, following three families living as 1880s homesteaders, including Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs and their two sons born via surrogacy.
  • Franklin Graham posted on X calling the casting decision “very disappointing,” and American Family Association vice president Ed Vitagliano labeled the show’s portrayal “unbiblical.”
  • On July 13 and in subsequent posts, Chip Gaines used his X account to urge critics to “talk, ask questions, listen… maybe even learn” and cited 1 Peter 3:15 on gentleness and respect.
  • Jason Hanna praised the series as an “amazing opportunity to normalize same-sex couples and same-sex families,” highlighting the importance of LGBTQ visibility in mainstream media.
  • The series remains on air as the Gaineses stand by their inclusion decision and evangelical critics continue to oppose it, spotlighting friction between their faith-based brand and shifting cultural norms around LGBTQ families.