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Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs just became the first same-sex pair on Magnolia Network's Back to the Frontier. The show follows three families that renounce modern life in favour of living the 1800s life, with no phones, no air conditioning, and plenty of manual effort.
Their attendance on the show caused debate, particularly among conservative and faith-based audiences. Some reviewers were displeased, claiming that the couple's look did not fit their expectations for a network linked with Chip and Joanna Gaines, who are recognized for their Christian beliefs. Social media exploded with indignation, with several religious organisations questioning the network's direction.
Back to the Frontier's Jason and Joe, fathers from Dallas, are not backing down. They took along their 11-year-old twins, Lucas and Ethan, determined to demonstrate that LGBTQ+ families belong in all spaces, including those that are not traditionally viewed as welcoming.
The criticism prompted responses from both the pair and the network, demonstrating how TV is still figuring out how to balance representation with varying audience preferences. Love it or hate it, their narrative demonstrates that reality TV is evolving and that everyone's family is unique.
Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs’ journey and the controversy surrounding their appearance on Back to the Frontier
As per Hello Magazine, Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs began dating in 2010, after meeting in Dallas. Their 15-year relationship has faced considerable legal and societal difficulties across Texas. The couple married in 2013, a year before delivering twins Lucas and Ethan via surrogacy. Initially, Texas law denied them legal recognition as the children's parents owing to same-sex marriage prohibitions in place at the time.
They struggled for parental rights until 2015, when the state recognized their legal fatherhood status. This two-year fight impacted their advocacy efforts and public image. Both men maintain successful corporate careers while raising their sons. Jason works at a private equity firm, while Joe specializes in enterprise risk management.
Beyond their professional lives, they founded the Teddy Bear Party, an annual fundraising event supporting Texas Equality and Marriage Equality organizations. The event has become a cornerstone of Dallas's LGBTQ+ community calendar.
Their social media presence as "2 Dallas Dads" attracted nearly 100,000 Instagram followers before joining the show. They regularly share family moments and parenting insights with their online community.
Jason addressed the controversy directly through social media posts accompanying news coverage of the criticism. He emphasized how representation affects LGBTQ+ individuals still struggling with acceptance.
"Representation matters deeply – especially for those who are still finding the courage to live their truth. When families like ours are visible, it opens doors for others to feel safe, loved, and validated," Jason wrote.
Speaking with Queerty before Back to the Frontier's premiere, Jason expressed gratitude for their selection among the three participating families. He viewed their casting as recognition of same-sex couples as legitimate modern families.
"We're your neighbors, and your coworkers," Jason explained.
The opportunity allowed them to continue normalizing same-sex relationships and parenting on a national platform. The couple has maintained their commitment to visibility despite facing online harassment and criticism from various religious groups.
Chip Gaines defended the family's inclusion through multiple social media posts addressing the controversy directly. His responses challenged critics within Christian communities to demonstrate greater understanding.
"Talk, ask [questions], listen... maybe even learn. Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture," Chip wrote on X.
He criticized what he described as judgment-first attitudes prevalent in modern American Christianity. Chip noted how non-believers often face their first experience with hate through interactions with Christians.
Joanna Gaines has not publicly commented on the situation or the criticism surrounding Jason and Joe's participation. The network's support represents a significant stance for a faith-based brand navigating between religious audiences and inclusive programming.
The couple’s cultural impact and what lies ahead for them
The controversy surrounding Back to the Frontier's Jason and Joe reflects broader cultural tensions about LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media. Their participation in Back to the Frontier challenges traditional assumptions about faith-based entertainment programming.
Their presence on Back to the Frontier marks progress for LGBTQ+ families seeking visibility in reality television. The show's pioneer setting creates unique storytelling opportunities while addressing contemporary family diversity.
The couple's advocacy extends beyond entertainment into tangible community impact through their charitable work and social media presence. Their platform continues to grow despite facing organized opposition.
Jason and Joe's journey demonstrates how authentic representation can spark meaningful conversations about acceptance, faith, and family in modern America.
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Back to the Frontier streams on Magnolia Network.
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