TLC responds to Derick Dillard’s transphobic comment … but is it enough?

It’s 2017, and someone various members of the Duggar family have a television show on a major network. It would be one thing if they were nice, religious people living their lives — we don’t think anyone has a major issue with that or their political beliefs. It’s when some of these beliefs start to spiral into attacking other people when things start to get over the line.

Well, today Jill Duggar’s husband Derick Dillard crossed that line in trashing (ironically) a tweet from Counting On’s very own network in TLC, one referencing their show I Am Jazz featuring transgender teen Jazz Jennings. He first proclaimed that “gender is not fluid” and “it’s ordained by God,” and when challenged by someone about his beliefs, he went on to say the following:

“I want to be clear. I have nothing against him. I only have issue with the words and definitions being propagated here.”

Even if you want to consider Dillard’s first tweet an example of “religious expression” (it may be, but it’s still hurtful), where the second crosses the clear line is where he deliberately refers to Jennings as a man. That’s a deliberate move of aggression against the transgender community, and attempt to demean and make Jennings feel less-than. (For the record, she responded on Twitter perfectly, stating “every day I experience cyber-bullying, but I keep sharing my story. Today was no different.”)

So what is TLC doing in response to this? Well, they released a statement of their own stating “It is important for us to let our viewers know that Derick Dillard’s personal statement does not represent the views of TLC.”

Now, our commentary on all of this

Do TLC executives support the beliefs of Dillard, his wife, or the entire Duggar family? We don’t think so, but they clearly have no problem profiting on some of the people who watch Counting On and share in many of the same beliefs. When their beliefs come across as harmful attacks on other people, it’s less about freedom of religion and more about intentionally trying to suppress something that you don’t like. Also, there’s a supposition here that Dillard’s beliefs are the same as every Christian, which is also not the case since there are many Christians who consider the “love thy neighbor” sentiment to be the right one. Even if you have disagreements, you still show a degree of love and kindness.

The biggest question we have for Dillard is this: Is someone like Jazz Jennings really a threat to you or your life in any way? Does she harm you? She’s living the life she wants, as are you. Why not just leave it be rather than try to reinforce a hateful perspective.

We’re getting near the time where Counting On and its days should be numbered. The irony remains that this is a show on The Learning Channel when clearly this family are the ones that could use the most education and empathy. (Speaking of TLC, the network also should be embarrassed that this is the response to something like this. It’s assumed that those are not your views. The problem comes more via the platform you still continue to give him.)

Do you think that Dillard’s comments are a bridge too far, even after a series of other Duggar-related controversies and scandals? Share below. (Photo: TLC.)