The Learning Channel, which has already brought us such gems as the homophobic Duggars (of 19 Kids and Counting), is set to debut another show about religious folks who think homosexuality is a grave sin. The twist? The stars are gay.

At least, “gay” in the usual sense of the word — being naturally attracted to members of the same sex.

But since they follow Mormon teaching on the topic, the men believe that they must marry women and live as straight men. Which, they acknowledge, doesn’t remove same sex attraction.

The preview is short, but troubling, as it depicts a group of people forcing themselves to conform to someone else’s ideals of what their lives should be, despite their feelings to the contrary. The presentation in the trailer seems to go for a humorous, light-hearted vibe, with lines like the following (from one of the wives):

I get a little defensive when someone calls my husband gay.

Another participant notes that

I like to say I’ve chosen an alternative to an alternative lifestyle.

But there’s only one quick mention of the damaging theology beneath this, and it’s just a passing reference:

The whole act is against the teachings of the gospel.

The reality is that teaching people to loathe themselves, and guilt-tripping them into living a life that likely isn’t their first choice, is downright harmful. And there’s nothing funny about that.

(via Jezebel)



