Jen Hatmaker Faces Backlash After Supporting LGBTQIA+ Rights

Jen Hatmaker, HGTV host and author, has spoken candidly about the profound impact purity culture and sexual shame had on her marriage to ex-husband Brandon Hatmaker. She described how, from a young age, her church's teachings framed her body as a "pure" gift to be preserved for marriage, instilling a lasting sense of guilt and shame that she carried into her relationship. Both Jen and Brandon entered marriage burdened with secrets and shame due to the expectations and secrecy surrounding premarital sexual activity. Additionally, Jen has publicly supported LGBTQIA+ rights and same-sex marriage, which led to significant backlash and a personal reckoning within her religious community. She explained that her evolving beliefs came from re-examining biblical teachings independently and recognizing the harm caused by traditional doctrines on sexuality and LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Despite facing criticism and "cancel culture," Hatmaker values living authentically and advocates for full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals among Christians.