Controversy isn’t a strong enough word for what TLC, the same network that brought you 19 Kids and Counting, just stepped into.
My Husband’s Not Gay is a reality TV special that may be too real for some and is altogether inappropriate for prime time. Although the gay community is up in arms over the show, there’s also plenty in the program about which Bible-believing Christians should be concerned.
“In Salt Lake City, Utah, there are some Mormons who live their lives … a little differently,” TLC describes. “There are some men who are happily married and attracted to their wives, but they are also attracted to other men. They refer to it as Same Sex Attraction … not gay, SSA.”
The special will air Jan. 11 and showcase Mormon couples openly sharing the challenges they face every day in this same-sex attracted scenario. These conflicted husbands and their wives candidly explain why they have decided to live this way.
“I like to say I’ve chosen an alternative to an alternative lifestyle,” one of the men says in the trailer. Another says, “I’m interested in men, I’m just not interested in men.”
These Mormon men aren’t giving into their same-sex attraction and same-sex attraction in itself is not a sin. But is showcasing these relationships really helpful to setting people free from unwanted sexual desires? Does it send the wrong message to people who are struggling with their sexual identity? Will it further blur the lines of traditional marriage?
The gay lobby is angry at TLC. Most of the controversy is coming from GLAAD and similar groups, who insist that no one can change who they love and no one should have to. Thousands have signed a Change.org petition launched by founder Josh Sanders demanding TLC cancel the special because they believe it promotes the “false and dangerous idea that gay people can and should choose to be straight in order to be part of their faith communities.”
We’ve heard plenty in the mainstream media about what gays think about this show with no mention of the Christian perspective. So I am asking you: Does a reality TV special that explores married Mormon men with same-sex attractions make a mockery of marriage? Or does it expose a plan of the enemy that needs to be addressed head on? Could God use this TV special to set people free from unwanted sexual attractions or will it give confused souls confidence to forge ahead with their mixed emotions? Should TLC cancel the show?
Jennifer LeClaire is senior editor of Charisma. She is also director of Awakening House of Prayer in Fort Lauderdale and author of several books, including Satan’s Deadly Trio: Defeating the Deceptions of Jezebel, Religion and Witchcraft, and The Spiritual Warrior’s Guide to Defeating Jezebel. You can visit her website here. You can also join Jennifer on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.
