Jackie Hill Perry is opening up about the viral Pride Month controversy that swept across social media earlier this month-and according to the bestselling author and Bible teacher, the biggest battle wasn't online but spiritual.
Speaking alongside her husband, Preston Perry, on the June 24 episode of their With the Perrys podcast, the couple reflected on the viral "Happy Pride" exchange on Threads that ignited widespread debate across Christian and LGBTQ+ circles. Rather than defending herself, Jackie said she intentionally chose a different response-one rooted in prayer, Scripture, and the gospel.
"I had incredible moments of discouragement," Jackie admitted. "But it wasn't because of the persecution. It was because of the trials and suffering I'm already going through. It felt like that was an attempt from Satan to just try to swing on me again."
The controversy erupted after someone wished Jackie a "Happy Pride" on Threads, prompting discussions across social media. While many assumed the criticism deeply affected her, Jackie revealed she largely stayed away from reading the online reactions.
"I've learned over the years that when you read comment after comment after comment of people disparaging you, you will be discouraged," she explained. "I've also learned how to guard my heart."
Preston Perry said he was surprised by how much attention the incident received, revealing that friends kept asking how Jackie was handling the backlash before he even knew what had happened.
"What you got to understand is Jackie is a discipleship-maker," he said. "God always used persecution to point people back to the gospel."
Drawing from the Book of Acts, Jackie reflected on the Apostle Paul's response to suffering, noting that every moment of opposition became another opportunity to preach Christ.
"When you read the Book of Acts, every time Paul got persecuted, it positioned him to preach-every single time," she said. "It's not going to be natural to preach the gospel when persecuted if you don't preach it at all."
However, Jackie also cautioned Christians against confusing genuine persecution with the consequences of being unnecessarily offensive.
"I think some people try to provoke persecution," she said. "You're not actually sharing the gospel; you're being mean."
The conversation also addressed the difference between the social opposition Christians may face in America and the life-threatening persecution endured by believers in other parts of the world.
"I'm always sensitive to what we're going through is light work compared to that," Jackie acknowledged.
Returning to the viral Threads moment, Jackie revealed that while many focused on her past same-sex attraction, her greatest current struggle is much closer to home.
"They over here making all this rigamarole around same-sex attraction," she said. "The sin I'm struggling with the most is pride. Pick the right one to talk about."
Perhaps the most striking moment came as the Perrys discussed responding to critics with compassion rather than retaliation.
"If she's blind," Preston said of the woman behind the original Threads post, "Jackie responding by giving her the smoke would not help her see."
Jackie agreed, adding that a believer's witness isn't only found in proclaiming the gospel but also in how they respond when attacked.
"Our witness is not just in what caused the persecution," she said. "Our witness is also in our response to it."
The episode concluded not with criticism of the woman who started the viral exchange, but with Preston offering a heartfelt prayer that God would reveal Himself to her and one day turn the entire situation into a testimony of His grace.
For the Perrys, what began as a viral social media controversy ultimately became another opportunity to point listeners back to Christ-a reminder that even online outrage can become a platform for the gospel when met with humility, prayer, and love.
