Actress Lisa Whelchel is famous for many things. Her nine season run as Blair on The Facts of Life. Her recent stint on Survivor. And for being a devout Christian.
It’s that last label that has garnered the actress some negative press over the years, particularly among gay and lesbian fans who remember her fondly and the blonde haired socialite who shared barbs — and many would argue sexual tension — with motorcycle driving Jo (Nancy McKeon) on the NBC sitcom.
But Whelchel dispelled many of those rumors that she’s antigay in recent interview for The Justin Root Show. In the 22 minute interview, Whelchel spoke honestly about her religion and antigay Christians – an “unfortunate” stigma they’ve earned “with good reason,” she says.
“There are some very loud voices that wear the ‘one way Jesus’ t-shirts and point fingers,” Whelchel said in the interview. “Sadly, that is the voice and that is the poster child for christianity and the unacceptance of people that choose differently.”
Interesting word choice – choose - which Whelchel realizes immediately, correcting herself.
“Born differently, cuz’ even that you have to be careful with, saying choose differently. That’s an electric rod right there. I’m sorry about that, and I’m sad for that… because that is, of course, not at all what Jesus taught. (Jesus) taught acceptance and love and grace. I’m sad that (being antigay) is the stigma that Christians have deserved, unfortunately.”
As to her career, Whelchel says she’s worked with LGBT’s whom she has cared about dearly for her entire career.
“My friends have been a variety of sexual orientations since I was little,” she says.
Watch the complete interview below.
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